Dance in education : enhancing learning through movement and dance in Year 4

Abstract

This dissertation aims to establish the nature and extent of dance activity promotion within Primary schools. Dance, as a mode of expression and creativity may be accessible to every individual regardless of ability, financial or family background. This study hence, will include a brief description of various types of dance together with reference to stages of child development of 8 year olds to prove that optimal merits and benefits can be derived from the teaching of dance to children at this level. A comparative study will be conducted with pupils from different classes and schools to establish their achievement in learning. The comparison will be made between an experiment group of Year 4 class after taking a number of lessons in movement and dance and a control group of the same age, who were not given such lessons. This comparative analysis clearly shows that even the minimum of lessons in movement and dance makes a difference in pupils' learning and therefore this highlights the importance of including movement and dance in Primary Schools. Through this dissertation I would also like to demonstrate the benefits of movement and dance, and show that pupils can experience the joys and satisfaction, which I myself have derived throughout these years as a dancer. For this reason, in this study practical suggestions are given to teachers who would like to embark on a programme of movement and dance.