Rhythm Moves Teacher Guide Rhythm Moves
Teacher Guide
DREAMERS (AGES 5-6)
30 MINS
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn about Hispanic music genres and basic dance steps through listening and movement.
PREP & MATERIALS
High-quality speakers
Music tracks (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Flamenco)
Open floor space
Discussion guides
WHY THIS LESSON?
Exposes students to cultural diversity, promotes physical health, and builds early music appreciation and rhythm awareness.
INSTRUCTIONAL STEPS
1
Introduction
5 MINS
Gather students in a circle. Explain that they'll be exploring the vibrant world of Hispanic music and dance. Discuss how people use rhythm to express their culture and feelings.
2
Listening Session
5 MINS
Play 30-45 second clips of different genres. After each clip, guide the response:
How does this music make your body want to move?
Is it fast like a race car or slow like a cat?
Does it make you feel happy, excited, or calm?
3
Dance Workshop
15 MINS
Choose one genre (e.g., Merengue) to teach basic steps. Break them down: "Step, touch, step, touch." Play the music and let them practice. Focus on fun and self-expression rather than perfect technique.
4
Closure
5 MINS
Return to the circle. Ask: "What was your favorite part?" Praise their energy and movement. Encourage them to listen for these rhythms at home or in their community.
Rhythm Discussion Guide Hispanic Rhythms & Moves
Discussion Questions
Use these prompts to guide a conversation about cultural rhythm and movement.
1
How did the different types of Hispanic music make you feel?
Encourage students to talk about their feelings and reactions. Help them use descriptive words (excited, wiggly, calm, happy).
2
Which dance steps did you enjoy the most?
Help students recall the different steps (the "march," the "step-touch," the "hip sway") and talk about which ones they liked and why.
Salsa
Merengue
Bachata
Flamenco
Rhythm Beats Slides LET'S MOVE!
Hispanic
Rhythms
Exploring music and dance together
What is Rhythm?
Rhythm is the heartbeat of music!
"It's the pattern of sounds that makes us want to tap our toes and clap our hands!"
Clap
Stomp
Salsa
Fast and Spiced!
Quick, bouncy steps
Lots of turning and spinning
Big smiles and high energy!
💃 🕺 Salsa means "Sauce" in Spanish. Just like sauce, this music is full of flavor!
Merengue
March to the Beat!
ONE, TWO, ONE, TWO!
Imagine your feet are marching in place while your hips sway side to side.
Step, Step, Step!
Time to
Show Your Moves
👂
Listen
Find the heartbeat of the song.
🕺
Move
Follow the steps we learned.
😊
Smile
Dancing is about feeling happy!
Rhythm Moves Worksheet My Rhythm Moves
Draw your favorite part of today's music class!
NAME:
DATE:
How did the music make you feel?
Which was your favorite?
💃 Salsa
👟 Merengue
🎸 Bachata
👏 Flamenco
How do you feel?
😊
🤩
😴
Circle one!
