Samba Smiles Lesson Plan Samba Smiles
Lesson Plan • Believers (Ages 7-8)
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will learn basic Samba steps and explore the cultural roots of Samba in Brazil to enhance rhythm, coordination, and cultural appreciation.
Materials
Music player + Samba tracks
Clear open space
Discussion questions guide
Samba Smiles Slides
Approach
Kinesthetic learning through step-by-step demonstration and rhythmic practice.
Instructional Steps
5
Introduction to Samba
Introduce Samba as a lively dance from Brazil.
Explain its significance in festivals (like Carnival).
Play a short clip of music to set the mood and energy.
10
Basic Samba Steps
Demonstrate: Side Step , Forward Step , and Backward Step .
Break down the weight transfer slowly for each movement.
Students practice with the teacher without music first, then with a slow beat.
5
Cultural Roots Discussion
Discuss origins and how dance expresses cultural identity.
Use the Discussion Guide to engage students in deeper thinking about the music's feel.
8
Samba Dance Activity
Full music playback! Students use their steps.
Encourage free expression and freestyle intervals.
Provide positive feedback on rhythm and energy.
2
Closure
Gather students for a quick circle share. What was their favorite move? Highlight that joy and dance go hand-in-hand.
Samba Smiles Slides 💃
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Samba Smiles
Feel the Rhythm of Brazil!
What is Samba?
A high-energy dance and music style from Brazil 🇧🇷
The heart of Carnival festivals!
All about joy , movement, and togetherness.
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Step 1: The Side Step
1
Step Left
2
Step Right
3
Add a Bounce!
Keep your knees soft and bouncy!
Why do we dance?
To celebrate our history and families.
To show pride in where we come from.
To spread happiness to everyone watching!
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Showtime!
Listen to the beat...Let's Samba Together!
Side
Front
Back
Rhythm Roots Discussion Guide Rhythm & Roots
Samba Discussion Guide • Teacher Resource
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Use these questions during the mid-lesson break to help students connect the movements they just learned to the cultural heart of Brazil. Focus on energy, identity, and emotion.
1
What is Samba and where does it come from?
Goal: Guide students to identify Samba as a Brazilian dance.
Prompting Ideas:
"Does anyone remember the country on our slide with the green and yellow flag?"
"Samba is often danced at huge parties called Carnival . Have you seen pictures of people in colorful feathers?"
2
How does Samba music make you feel?
Goal: Encourage emotional expression regarding the upbeat rhythm.
Prompting Ideas:
"If this music were a color, what would it be?"
"Does it make you want to sit still or keep moving your feet?"
"What parts of your body feel 'happy' when the drums play?"
3
Why do you think dance is important in different cultures?
Goal: Discuss dance as a form of expression and identity.
Prompting Ideas:
"Can you tell a story with your body without saying any words?"
"How do people in your own family celebrate special days? Is there music or dancing involved?"
"Why is it important to learn about dances from other parts of the world?"
Samba Smiles for Believers Discussion & Reflection
Samba Step Challenge Worksheet Samba Step Challenge
Name: __________________________
My Brazilian Samba Moves! 🇧🇷
The Basic 1-2-3
1
Side Step
Step wide to the left or right. Keep your knees loose!
2
Front & Back
Step one foot forward, then rock back to your other foot.
3
The Bounce
Add a little "hop" or weight shift with every beat!
Samba Colors
The flag of Brazil uses green, yellow, and blue. Draw yourself dancing in your brightest Carnival outfit!
My Rhythm Check
How much did you like the music? (Circle one)
😐 🙂 😃 🤩
What was your favorite move?
One word to describe Samba:
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Fun Fact: Samba started in the late 19th century in Rio de Janeiro. It mixes traditions from Africa and Brazil into one amazing style!
