1. Dance for Kids with Visual Impairments
Presented by:
Brittany Helwig
TVI/COMS
M. Ed Visual Disabilities

2. Positive Impacts of Dance
According to National Dance Education Organization (NDEO 2017):
Physical Development- range of motion, coordination, strength, endurance, kinesthetic memory, total body fitness
Emotional Maturity- emotional expression through creative movement, self awareness, appreciation of others
Social Awareness- fosters social interactions, cooperation, communication of ideas, working within group dynamic
Cognitive Development- creativity, intentional design of movement
2017

3. Positive Impacts of Dance for Kids with Visual Impairments
Physical Development- orienting to ‘front,’ degrees of turning, moving in planes, directionality, balance, posture, gross motor movements
Emotional Maturity- confidence, setting a goal
Social Awareness- feeling included and a part of something, working together, encouragement, building friendships/relationships
Cognitive Development- working memory, problem solving

4. How does Dance Address the ECC?
MAIN
SUPPORTED
Recreation and Leisure
Braille/Compensatory
Social Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Orientation & Mobility
Independent Living Skills
Self Determination

5. Ideas for Different Age Levels
Preschool/Elementary- play; teaching specific concepts (examples: seasons or people in the community); adaptive PE; fun incentive; class or friend bonding; seasonal/holiday celebration Middle/High School- adaptive PE; integrate curriculum (examples: dance in history, cultural awareness, anatomy); learn popular dances before events like prom or homecoming

6. Importance of Music
Songs that Teach- Examples: Magic Schoolbus, Vivaldi Seasons, music styles from throughout history, songs from other cultures, seasonal/holiday songs Songs that Inspire- Examples: Katy Perry, Firework and Roar; Shakira, Waka Waka and Try Everything; Kids Bop, Fly and Hello Songs that Your Students Will Love- Examples: Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, songs with a strong beat/rhythm; fad dances

7. Creating Dances Keep it simple and repeat steps
Use a formula (Same moves for all verses, same moves for all choruses..)
16 count phrases, repeat every 8 counts
Use steps that match the lyrics
Partner in some movements that may be more complex

8. Process for Teaching
1st: Descriptive Model- describe movements in detail to students without physical contact 2nd: Visual Model (if applicable)- with students’ residual vision, let students watch you do the movement (again without physical contact) 3rd: Model on Your Own Body- have student feel you do the movement 4th: Move their Body- hand over hand, guide their movement *** Importance of respecting personal space.***

9. Other Tips for Teaching
Start slow without the music, then faster without music, then faster with the music, repeat steps
Talk it out- assign a word/concept for each step that they can say to help them memorize the step
Stay positive!
Memorize your music
Teach by visual level
Orient to the front with a clue, such as the music
Allow students to explore the space/provide barriers while dancing
LET’S DANCE!