Traditional Chinese Dances

Mrs. Spratt, 6
th
Grade

Standards (Music and other Academic Area):
Societies are shaped by beliefs, idea, and diversity.
Societies experience continuity and change over time.
Identify how cultural and historical context inform
performances. Be sure to put in the identifying numbers
and letters at the start of each standard, so you know where
to locate the standard you used (and I can tell which you
are focusing on in context).

Objectives (Include the three elements of an objective learned in
class):
The students will write a 5-paragraph research report by
doing research on a traditional Chinese dance of their
choice. The research report will include a paragraph on the
history of the dance, the beliefs associated with it, and
modern use of the dance. Also, an introduction and closing
paragraph must be included.
The students will share three interesting facts learned from
their research assignment with the class. These are good
objectives.
Materials:
Computer
Overhead Projector
Chinese Art and Culture by Clare Hibbert

Background for teachers (if needed, describe any context for the
lesson that another teacher should know): The class is studying
Asian Empires and their customs.

Steps in the lesson:

Introduction/Building Background Knowledge:
Have the students watch a short video about Chinese
New Year. This video will give them background
knowledge on why and how Chinese New Year is
celebrated.
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-
year/videos/history-of-the-holidays-chinese-new-year
Ask the students to tell some ways that Chinese New
Year is celebrated from the video just watched? How
is it different or similar from the way we celebrate our
New Year?
Explain to the students that music and performance art
plays an important role in the celebration of the
Chinese culture (just as music is important in the
Western culture). Read page 44 in the book Chinese
Art and Culture.
Then have the students watch parts of these videos:
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h7k-
8njwvs Lion Dance
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAz-
kjYgQV8 Dragon Dance
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-
jFI1gKRwg Waist Drum Performance
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlQsVY3z
4TI Fan Dance

Body: (Step-by-step scaffolding that includes teacher
modeling, guided work, and independent work)
The students will then be instructed on their
assignment. The students will write a 5-paragraph
research report by doing research on a traditional
Chinese dance of their choice. The research report will
include a paragraph on the history of the dance, the
beliefs associated with it, and modern use of the
dance. Also, an introduction and closing paragraph
must be included. You may want to include resources
here to help 6
th
graders. Maybe some websites, books,
etc. It would take them a really long time if they had
to do a general web search. Also, you will want to be
sure to give them the rubric here, maybe even a visual
organizer to help them take notes. Then you may need
to help them turn their notes into paragraphs. Id like
to say that all 6
th
graders could do a research report
without these helps, but they will probably still need
it.
The students will be given time in class to complete
this assignment, but remainder must be done outside
of class (if needed).

Closure:
The next day, the students will share three interesting
facts they learned from their research assignment with
the class.

Assessment (linked directly to objectives):
The students will be assessed on their research report
based on a rubric given to them.
The students will be assessed on their ability to follow
directions and participate in sharing their three
interesting facts obtained from their research report.

Adaptations/Extensions (include at least one strategy for
differentiation):
If a student cannot write to this objective, he/she could be
given a different rubric to fit to the students needs. The
student could be given permission to only write a
paragraph, giving a sentence each on the history, beliefs,
and modern use of the traditional dance.

Rationale: Why is it important that students learn my lesson?
What will they gain from my content?
It is important that students learn my lesson because they
will be exposed to the beliefs of the Chinese culture. This
will then cultivate multicultural awareness. Students will
gain the ability to become more sensitive to other cultures
by actually trying to understand their customs and beliefs. I
also like how you link the ancient traditions to the modern.

Next Steps/ Connections to Other Subjects: What lesson will
come next? How will you build on this learning?
After this assignment, more writing and language arts could
be brought in with the subject.

Reflection:
If I had the time and money, I would definitely have my
class create a dragon and do the dragon dance. I found a lot
of cute ideas I would love to incorporate into the lesson. I
think it would be a lot more fun than writing a research
report. All in all, I thought this lesson was really good. Im
really proud how it turned out. From starting the class
having no idea what Im doing I think Im doing pretty
well!