Last week, I saw all K-2nd graders in their advisories for fitness. They learned a dance called Pata Pata. 1st and 2nd graders learned new vocabulary such as "traditional - something passed down from generation to generation", and "recreational - activity that people do just for fun, such as recess". After learning these words, my extraordinary 2nd graders figured out that Pata Pata was a fun dance that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Pata Pata is a traditional, recreational dance created to celebrate African American culture. The steps are:
1. Touch with the right foot, together,
2. Touch with the left foot, together,
3. Out with the heels,
4. Out with the toes,
5. In with the toes,
6. In with the heels,
7. Up with the right knee,
8. Down with the right knee,
9. Up with the right knee,
10. Down with the right knee,
11. Kick with the left,
12. Step left, right, left,
13. Begin again from #1!
K's and 1st graders learned steps 1, and 2. 2nd graders learned all the way through step 6.
Ask your children about Pata Pata, and if they can show you what they learned. If they have trouble, use the words listed above. I really enjoyed teaching the little ones this fun, easy dance, and encourage us all to work on it at home.
Yours in fitness and health.
MM
1 comment:
Last week Helena came home and did a dance for us--I had no idea what she was talking about until I read your blog! Just now I said "was that the Pata you were showing us?" And she said, "Yes the Pata Pata!" and she danced it for me again.
THanks for letting us know what's going on. : )
Elisabeth (Alex, John and Helena's mom)
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