Meaning of Dance, Features of Traditional Dance Materials, Performing Traditional Dance Cultural and Creative Arts Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
Cultural and Creative Arts Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Topic: Definition of Dance
Sub-topic: Meaning of Dance, Features of Traditional Dance Materials, Performing Traditional Dance
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of dance.
- Distinguish features of materials used in traditional dance in Nigerian culture.
- Perform a short traditional dance from any Nigerian culture.
Keywords: Dance, Rhythm, Movement, Traditional Dance, Cultural Materials, Costume
Set Induction: Play a short video or audio clip of traditional Nigerian dance to engage pupils and discuss their observations.
Entry Behaviour: Pupils should have some basic knowledge of what dance is and may have seen various forms of dance.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Video or audio clips of traditional Nigerian dances
- Pictures of traditional dance costumes and materials
- Music player
- Traditional dance costumes (if available)
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Link the lesson to pupils’ experiences with dancing in celebrations or performances they may have witnessed.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Physical coordination
- Cultural awareness
- Expressive skills
Learning Materials:
- Visual aids showing different traditional dance materials
- Examples of traditional dance costumes
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- “Traditional Dance of Nigeria” by [Author]
Instructional Materials:
- Video or audio clips
- Pictures of dance materials
- Music for dance performance
Content:
- Meaning of Dance
- Dance: A form of movement that is rhythmic and usually performed to music. It can express emotions, tell a story, or be part of a cultural ritual. Examples: Ballet, folk dance, hip-hop.
- Features of Traditional Dance Materials
- Costumes: Traditional dance costumes vary by culture and can include items like beads, feathers, and fabric. Examples: Yoruba gele (head tie), Igbo isiagu (shirt).
- Instruments: Traditional dances often use drums, gongs, and rattles. Examples: Talking drum, shekere.
- Props: Some dances use props like staffs or masks. Examples: Masquerade masks in the Ekpe festival.
- Performing Traditional Dance
- Choose a Dance: Select a traditional dance from any Nigerian culture.
- Learn the Steps: Practice basic steps and movements.
- Perform: Use traditional music and costumes to perform the dance.
Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions):
- Dance is a form of ________ that is rhythmic and often performed to music. (a) drawing (b) movement (c) writing (d) cooking
- Traditional dance costumes often include ________ like beads and feathers. (a) toys (b) food (c) materials (d) books
- Drums are commonly used as ________ in traditional dance performances. (a) food (b) instruments (c) costumes (d) props
- Masks and staffs are examples of ________ used in some traditional dances. (a) costumes (b) music (c) props (d) foods
- The Yoruba gele is a type of ________ worn during dances. (a) shirt (b) hat (c) head tie (d) shoe
- The Igbo isiagu is a traditional ________ worn in dances. (a) hat (b) shirt (c) trousers (d) shoes
- Shekere is an example of a traditional ________ used in dance. (a) drum (b) mask (c) hat (d) food
- In traditional dances, the talking drum is used to produce ________. (a) light (b) sound (c) colors (d) taste
- Traditional dance often involves ________ to express emotions or tell a story. (a) singing (b) movement (c) reading (d) writing
- Traditional dance materials include costumes, instruments, and ________. (a) books (b) props (c) food (d) furniture
- Dance can be part of a cultural ________ or celebration. (a) story (b) ritual (c) meal (d) game
- Traditional dance costumes are often made from ________ like fabric and beads. (a) metal (b) plastic (c) fabric (d) paper
- Props in traditional dance can include items like ________ and masks. (a) food (b) books (c) staffs (d) furniture
- Performing a traditional dance involves practicing the ________ and movements. (a) script (b) steps (c) song (d) painting
- The use of traditional materials in dance helps to ________ the culture. (a) hide (b) forget (c) celebrate (d) ignore
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs):
- What is dance?
Dance is rhythmic movement often performed to music to express emotions or tell a story. - What are traditional dance costumes?
Costumes worn in traditional dances that can include beads, feathers, and fabric. - What materials are used in traditional dances?
Materials include costumes, instruments like drums, and props like masks. - How can you tell a dance is traditional?
By its use of cultural costumes, specific dance steps, and traditional music. - What role do props play in traditional dance?
Props enhance the performance and represent cultural symbols. - Can you name a traditional Nigerian dance?
Examples include the Yoruba Bata dance, Igbo Atilogwu, and Efik Ekombi. - What are some traditional dance instruments?
Instruments include the talking drum and shekere. - How do traditional dance costumes help in a performance?
They add cultural significance and enhance the visual impact of the dance. - Why is performing traditional dance important?
It helps preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. - What is the purpose of using traditional materials in dance?
They represent and preserve cultural traditions and values. - How do traditional dances differ from modern dances?
Traditional dances often use cultural materials and have specific rituals, while modern dances might focus more on entertainment and trends. - What should you consider when performing a traditional dance?
Consider learning the correct steps, wearing appropriate costumes, and using traditional music. - Why is the talking drum important in traditional dance?
It communicates rhythm and messages through its unique sound. - How can you practice a traditional dance?
By learning the steps, practicing with traditional music, and using appropriate costumes. - What are the benefits of learning traditional dances?
It helps understand cultural history, enhances physical coordination, and keeps traditions alive.
Presentation:
- Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was about the definition of drama and theatre.
- Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining the meaning of dance, features of traditional dance materials, and how to perform a short traditional dance.
- Step 3: The teacher allows pupils to perform a short traditional dance and discusses the cultural significance of the materials used.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Show a video or audio clip of traditional dance.
- Discuss the features of traditional dance materials and their significance.
- Facilitate a dance performance by the pupils.
Learners’ Activities:
- Watch and describe traditional dance performances.
- Identify and discuss features of traditional dance materials.
- Perform a short traditional dance from any Nigerian culture.
Assessment:
- Observe pupils’ participation in the dance performance.
- Review their understanding through evaluation questions.
Evaluation Questions:
- What is the definition of dance?
- Name one feature of traditional dance costumes.
- What is the purpose of using props in traditional dance?
- How is a traditional dance performance enhanced by costumes?
- What is one traditional dance material used in Nigerian culture?
- Describe the role of traditional dance instruments.
- Why is it important to perform traditional dances?
- What should you wear for a traditional dance performance?
- Name a traditional dance from Nigeria.
- How does performing a traditional dance help preserve culture?
Conclusion: The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ work, provides feedback on their performance, and ensures understanding of the lesson content.