From Theory to Practice: Implementing Constructivist Strategies in Dance/PE Lessons

In this interactive 60-minute session, participants will explore constructivism (a learning theory where students build understanding through active, hands-on experiences) applied to dance and physical education. Attendees will engage in a series of movement-based activities that promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while modeling strategies they can bring back to their classrooms. Using the Movement Wheel (Graham et al., 2019), participants will design choreography incorporating locomotor skills, movement concepts, and creative constraints. Through poem-inspired storytelling, they will translate imagery and emotion into expressive movement. Finally, attendees will collaborate to refine and perform short routines, applying peer feedback to strengthen their work. This session emphasizes student voice and choice, visual supports, and cooperative learning, providing practical tools to design dance lessons that foster ownership, competence, and connectedness. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources and ideas adaptable for K-12 and postsecondary settings.