Lesson Overview
The Dance of Anansi
GRADES 3-5 DANCE AND ELA
Today’s free arts integration lesson uses the book Anansi the Spider and the choreography of Garth Fagan to explore story sequence and problem-based learning. Created for grades 3-5, the Dance of Anansi lesson plan provides students with a way to use movement to both orient the reader to the story and provide natural transitions between each part of the event sequence.
Begin by asking students if they have ever seen The Lion King. Then, ask if anyone has seen the stage version. Show an overview video of how choreography was used in the Broadway show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc97XZLPAaA
1. How did choreographer Garth Fagin use movement to create the animals in the show?
2. What problems did he have as a choreographer and how did he overcome them?
3. How does the dance impact the story? How does the story impact the dance?
Lesson Process:
Step 1: As a whole group, read the story of Anansi the Spider. Then, create a summary sequence of events from the story
Step 2: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a sequence from the story. Think about how they could use movement to represent each character and big idea from their sequence. What transition words or cue words are available? How can movement enhance these words and transitions?
Step 3: Students then use the choreographic movement metaphors that Garth Fagin references to create their own dance sequence for their portion of the story
Step 4: Student groups practice their movement sequences.
Step 5: Once everyone has had time to practice, each group performs their movement sequence in the order of the story, so that the story becomes one overarching dance.
Time Required:
30-45 minutes
Materials List:
- Internet, Computers/Devices
- Speakers Book: Anansi the Spider
- Video: https:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=tc97XZLPAaA
- Space for movement
Assessment:
Student Reflection.
How did the story guide the development of the dance movements? How did the dance movements we chose communicate the message of the story? How did both the dance and the words of the story help the sequence of events unfold naturally?
