Utah State Standards Fine Arts: Create, Perform, Connect
PE Standards: Strand 1, Strand 2, Strand 4
Learning/Language Objectives: Use of Prepositions and movement (over, under, around, through, in, out, etc.), shape design of the space and the body (straight, curved, zig-zag, diagonal, spiral, etc.), positive and negative space
Materials Needed: 600 Black Spots by David A. Carter, drum, music
Introduction: Class expectations (Good listening, following directions, be creative, be active), Space boundaries, personal boundaries, goals for class today
Warm-up: Explore 3 types of shapes: straight, curved and angles (zig-zag). When given a signal, Instruct students to create a frozen straight shape on a level of their choice. Memorize the straight shape. On the next signal, create a curved frozen shape on a different level. Memorize the curved shape. On the final signal, create an angled frozen shaped on a different level. Memorize the angle shape. Students will have 3 separate frozen shapes (straight, curved, angled) on 3 different levels. Connect the 3 shapes using slow, sustained movement (8 or 16 counts to transition to each shape), then use fast, staccato movement arriving in each shape in 1 count. Ask students to compare the two speeds of moving.
Investigation: Group students in 2s, 3s or 4s. Have students combine their straight shapes, curved shapes and angle shapes using the words such as: over, under, around, through, etc. They are creating shapes with negative space. Try the same activity with positive space, meaning the shapes would now touch.
Create: Show the students, either the 3rd or 4th pop-up picture in 600 Black Spots. Ask them to identify the different lines and the prepositions they see. Using the pictures as a movement map, have the students create a sequence of movements that mimic the “map” in the 3D pictures. Decide where to begin, what pathways to follow and where to end. Give the students some time to work. Remind them to include straight, angled and curved line, and the prepositions they worked on before.
Reflect: Have the students perform for each other. Ask the audience to look for line design and use of positive and negative spaces.
Extension of the Lesson: Have the students add in their combined frozen shapes they created during the investigation section inside their map sequence.
RDT appreciates the generous funding provided by the Utah Legislature and the Utah Board of Education that help make our Arts-in-Education Programs possible in Utah's Public Schools.
