Sasa Dance Journey

Overview

This two-lesson series introduces Years 3-4 students to the traditional Samoan dance, the Sasa, blending cultural learning with physical movement. It aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for The Arts | Dance for Year 3-4 learners, fostering cultural identity, physical confidence, and collaboration.

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Curriculum Alignment

The Arts - Dance (Year 3-4)

• Strand: Participate and Respond
• Achievement Objectives:
• Explore and express ideas creatively through movement sequences (Artistic skills and knowledge).
• Describe and express feelings and ideas inspired by dance (Making meaning).
• Work cooperatively to perform and respond to dance (Building relationships, social competencies).

Key Competencies Addressed

• Relating to others: Cooperate during group dance activities.
• Managing self: Follow movement instructions and practise self-control.
• Participating and contributing: Participate actively in shared dance experiences.

Health & Physical Education (HPE)

• Learning about Hauora (wellbeing): Develop physical wellbeing by practising coordinated movements.
• Taha tinana (physical wellbeing): Engage in purposeful physical activity.

Social Sciences

• Understanding culture: Explore Samoan culture through the Sasa, enhancing respect for cultural diversity.

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Lesson 1: Introduction to Sasa – Exploring Movement & Culture

Duration: 30 minutes Class Size: 23 students

Learning Intentions

• We are learning about the cultural significance of the Sasa dance.
• We are learning basic Sasa movement patterns.
• We are learning to work together in synchronised group movement.

Success Criteria

• I can demonstrate basic Sasa actions (hand claps, sitting/kneeling beats).
• I can explain what the Sasa dance represents about Samoan culture.
• I can work collaboratively with my classmates during the dance.

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details & Teaching Points
5 mins	Welcome & Context	- Briefly introduce Samoa and the Sasa dance as a traditional, communal dance. - Show a short video or demonstration of the Sasa to inspire interest. - Emphasise respect for culture and teamwork.
10 mins	Learning Basic Movements	- Teach key Sasa moves: seated/kneeling hand claps, body percussion, and simple hand gestures. - Break down movements into small steps; model slowly, then gradually build speed. - Use call-and-response style for engagement.
10 mins	Group Practice & Synchronisation	- Organise students in groups; practise the moves together. - Highlight staying in time with others and observing peers. - Support students struggling to keep pace with gentle adjustments and encouragement.
5 mins	Reflection & Sharing	- Sit in a circle and discuss what they learned about Samoa and Sasa. - Invite students to share feelings about dancing together. - Reinforce cultural respect and cooperation.

Differentiation & Teaching Considerations

• Provide visual and verbal cues for movements for diverse learners.
• Use peer support: pair confident movers with those needing extra help.
• Be mindful of physical limitations; offer modified movements as needed.
• Revisit cultural respect language throughout the lesson to build empathy.

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Lesson 2: Performing the Sasa & Teaching Others

Duration: 30 minutes Class Size: 23 students

Learning Intentions

• We are learning to perform the Sasa dance confidently.
• We are learning to teach and share our Sasa knowledge with others.
• We are learning to appreciate the value of cultural storytelling through dance.

Success Criteria

• I can perform the Sasa dance from memory in a group.
• I can explain and demonstrate Sasa movements to other students.
• I can recognise the importance of dance in expressing culture.

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details & Teaching Points
5 mins	Warm-Up & Review	- Quick warm-up focusing on body awareness and rhythm. - Review lesson 1 movements, answer any questions.
10 mins	Performance Practice	- Run through the whole Sasa sequence learnt, gradually increasing speed and synchronisation. - Use music traditional to Samoa or rhythmic clapping accompaniment. - Encourage energetic, confident expression.
10 mins	Partner Teaching Activity	- Pair students; each teaches the other a part of the Sasa. - Focus on clear demonstration and patient listening. - Listen for and praise teaching and teamwork skills.
5 mins	Group Reflection & Cross-Curricular Links	- Discuss what they found challenging or fun about teaching others. - Link to social sciences: how dances tell stories about culture and family life. - Link to communication skills: how teaching helps us learn better.

Differentiation & Teaching Considerations

• Scaffold teaching by providing movement cards or simple visual aids for students.
• Allow students to teach in small groups if pair work is too challenging.
• Encourage risk-taking in performance in a supportive environment.
• Monitor for student fatigue, adjusting pace or breaks accordingly.

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Cross-Curricular Integration

• English: Using descriptive language to explain Sasa movements and cultural stories orally or in writing.
• Social Sciences: Exploring Samoan culture, traditions, and values conveyed through dance.
• Health & Physical Education: Developing physical skills and understanding wellbeing concepts through movement.
• Communication: Practising clear verbal instructions and active listening during partner teaching.

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Assessment Recommendations

• Formative assessment: Observations of student participation, movement execution, and collaboration.
• Peer assessment: Students provide feedback to each other on teaching clarity and group synchronisation.
• Self-assessment: Students reflect verbally or with thumbs-up/down on their learning and confidence.
• Teacher feedback: Highlight strengths and areas to develop in both dance skills and cultural understanding.

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Final Notes for Team Teaching

• Begin in your own class to build mastery and confidence.
• Scale to larger groups by using breakout groups and student leaders.
• Empower students to become leaders and cultural ambassadors when teaching other classrooms.
• Celebrate cultural diversity and shared learnings to foster school-wide respect and interest in Pacific cultures.

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This plan prioritises culturally responsive teaching and developmentally appropriate physical engagement, ensuring Years 3-4 students gain meaningful dance experience grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh framework.