Another one of my favorite Randy DeLelles and Jeff Kriske
activities uses the classic song, "Love Will Keep us Together," by
Captain and Tennille. I got this lesson from an ASOA conference I went to years ago and my students
always really enjoy it.
I start out by having the
students practice walking to the beat of a drum in scattered formation. We talk
about the importance of walking in unique pathways and not just walking in a
counterclockwise circle as is a tendency. Next, we practice walking sideways
and backwards to the beat and then we add simple repetitive arm
movements.
At this point, I have students
form groups of 5 with the person at the front of the line assigned as the
leader. The leader begins walking to the beat doing some kind of simple
locomotor movement and the rest of the group follows, copying the motions of
the leader. To take turns, I have the leader rotate to the back and the next
person in line has an opportunity to lead.
This can be added to the verses
of "Love Will Keep us Together." I also teach this simple
choreography to the refrain of the song:
And
also you can add a simple pat/clap pattern on the B section and put all of it
together for a final performance:
This
lesson is great for the end of the year when the kids really need to get up and
moving a lot or of course it is appropriate for Valentine's Day. Here are a few
pictures of the students in action:
