Ballet for the Blind and Nutrition Games

Don Quixote

Keiko planned a ballet class for blind and visually impaired children, one on one, using styrofoam tubes to help them sense arms positions. Adriana planned for a great class on how to eat healthy foods. She also taught students how to measure portions so that eating is as nutritious as possible. See her lesson plan bellow.

Healthy Active Kids

Instructor:Adriana Bevilacqua

Subject(s) and Grade Level: Dance 6thgrade

Unit Topic:Movement and Nutrition

Lesson Topic:Food groups and portion control

Date(s) 04/15/2018

LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE

I.              VISION-SETTING	OBJECTIVES  To give the students a foundation for healthy eating habits and how movement can enhance overall health.	STANDARDS
	LANGUAGE	ESOL STANDARDS
	MATERIALS: music, speakers, nutrition pyramid, portion control guide paper, and food game paper	TECHNOLOGYthe internet
LESSON                                       III.LESSO N PROCEDURE (SEQUENCE)    IV REINFORCEMENT                                                                                                                                LESSON                                   II.  Introducing the Lesson  INTRODUCING III.                                                                                            LESSON IV.   LESSON    II.     Introducing lesson	KEY MOVEMENT VOCABULARY (_-_ min.) Portion control, nutrition,
	PROCEDURE (LESSON SEQUENCE) Students will come into the dance studio and prepare (set belongings down and remove shoes) to prepare to stretch. After stretching, I will set the intention for the class by explaining the day’s lesson and objectives. Following, I will go over the nutrition pyramid and portion control with examples. Then the class will begin the food game where I hold up a food name on a card and yell it out as the students will either run for a “go food”, walk for a “slow food” and freeze for a “red food”. From there we will play a competitive game based on the red, yellow and green foods. Finally, we will cool down and reflect on the topic.
	Ø   MOTIVATION(5__ min.) Stretching, and setting of intention
	Ø  PRESENTATION OF LESSON (15__ min.) -       Food pyramid -       Why nutrition is important for the body -       Portion Control
	Ø  REVIEW, GUIDED PRACTICE and/or INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (_10_ min.) -       Red, Yellow and Green foods -       Simon says with food
	Ø  ASSESSMENT Reflection with response to what the students learned
	FOLLOW – UP EXTENSIONS AND HOME LEARNING Students will reflect on the class
	REFLECTION Students write review

Feedback

"I really liked the concept of appreciating what it would be like to be blind. And I LOVE the sand! Learning about nutrition with dance is relevant and makes sense. I like how everything related to food and the games were innovative and fun." Ellen

Keiko, really interesting class. She gave us a unique perspective. Adriana, well thought out and well organized" Jenny

"I really liked the concept of Keiko’s class. The activity was really enlightening as to what it would be like trying to do ballet when you’re blind (it’s a lot harder than it looks!).  I like how Adriana tied in her concept of food into her activities and in the warm up. She kept it fun, and I enjoyed it!" Patricia

"Although I wasn’t directly involved in today’s classes, it was great to see everyone participating and having fun. Keiko used a lot of props and tactile examples to assist her teaching.  The class was very good. I liked her use of background music to assist her students in visualizing a beach scene at the end. Adriana’s class was very informative." Reece

"Keiko's class was a real eye opener. There are few chances for people to walk in another person's shoes to see how they have different challenges than you. It was especially interesting because blindness is such a radical change because we depend so heavily on sight. I loved learning about the ballet teacher that teaches blind dancers to dance and to see the affect it has on her pupils. As for her lesson, it was definitely interesting. Adriana's lesson was very informative and well thought out. I learned a lot and I had fun playing Simon says. It was great to have a fun lesson that subtly taught me things that I could apply to my everyday life. She was very sweet and easy to listen to. I think that she would make a great teacher to little ones." Camila

"Keiko's class was very different from other classes we have had. It involve the experience of having a dance class as a blind person. It was amazing how we never think of situations like these and how people who have these disabilities overcome all obstacles and pursue their dreams. Adriana's class was so much fun! Learning about nutrition is key for having a healthy life. Her methods gave us the understanding of the do's and don'ts when it comes to eating. Simon Says is a classic game every kid wants to play and easy to use for a teaching method, it not only makes you aware of what you are listening but the information also stays with you." Sara

Suggestions:

About Keiko's class:

Only 5 people got to dance at a time...maybe have another activity for the others to do in the mean time.

I would’ve liked to see more activities in the class.

The only criticism I might have of her class was that there was a long period of time when not everyone was engaged.

I think as an instructor she could have been more confident. I have never danced ballet a day in my life and I felt extra intimidated when she would throw out ballet terms I wasn't familiar with before trying to show me. 

If I could do something differently I would talk louder and be more aware of the students who are blindfolded. 

About Adriana's class:

The class felt short. Maybe add another activity!

She could have done a better explaining the Simon says game

I wish there had been more movement throughout to keep everyone engaged. I also think an older age group would’ve been more appropriate to teach healthy eating habits too.