Peace and Conflict: PE integration

As our Athletics unit concludes tomorrow with the regional track and field meet held at Northbridge International School in Phnom Penh, we are well into the trenches, so to speak, with the planning of our next unit which is Movement to Music. We had met with all classroom teachers early on in the year to try to best align possible integration which requires flexibility at times as it is sometimes difficult to integrate based in the timing of unit. However, with a unit of inquiry such as "How we express ourselves" you do not want to miss out on such a great opportunity to integrate as it fits perfectly with any type of Movement to Music unit.

We are integrating at this point with two separate grade levels, Kindergarten/Gr1 & Grade 4/5. Many ideas have been bounced off of us by classroom teachers, but it is ultimately up to us how we feel we can best fit into this unit. The logistics of teaching PE, as we all know, are very different than teaching in the classroom. However, the challenge that presents itself is creating the best learning experiences possible considering the direction that the unit of inquiry takes within the classroom. This is especially true when single subject teachers are not a part of the organic process of creating the unit from ground up. It is obviously best to involve yourself early on in the unit. We

At this point, here is a very brief overview of our integration:

Kindergarten/Grade 1

Main Focus: Students being able to express emotions and mood through the arts

PE focus: Dance: Introducing the students to a variety of music. Each piece of music with a different theme/mood

Grade 4/5

Main Focus: Peace and Conflict

PE focus: Exploring various forms of tribal dance

At this point, we know this is our connection, but as we dig deeper, we will come up with more meaningful connections. We have to allow for the students to initiate their own inquiry to see where this unit takes us..

Please share any ideas you may have regarding dance in PE.

Thanks.