Grapevine line dance: a 20-minute 5th grade PE dance lesson

1. Teach the grapevine to the right in 4 counts: step right, step left behind, step right, tap left beside it. Then do it to the left.
2. Counts 1 to 8: grapevine right, grapevine left.
3. Counts 9 to 12: walk forward 3 steps and clap on 4. Counts 13 to 16: walk back 3 steps and make a quarter turn to the left on the last count.
4. Practice the 16 counts slowly while you call the counts. Then add music.
5. Dance the full pattern 4 times so the lines face all 4 walls.
6. Small groups invent a new move for counts 13 to 16 and teach it to the class.
7. Cool down with the pattern at half speed and slow breathing.

Safety: clear the floor of bags and cords; leave an arm's length between dancers; wear sneakers or go barefoot on a non-slip floor. Every session: warm up first, clear the space, keep water nearby, and stop if anything hurts or a student feels dizzy or unwell.

Differentiation: students who need support can march in place on the grapevine counts or do the arm pattern seated. A student who uses a wheelchair can roll right and left on the grapevine counts. Students who are ready can add a half turn. English learners can follow count cards with arrows.

Quick check: ask a student to call out the 16 counts while dancing one round.

For a full year of free grade 5 PE sessions, see Move Every Day from UpOnly Learning.

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