Introduction to Needs Versus Wants Adapted Resource

Link to original resource

Dance -  Intermediate - Secondary Senior - Public  

General Tips for Safety in our Classrooms:

  • Stay home if you are feeling ill or showing signs of COVID 19
  • Avoid contact before, during and after school hours with people who are sick
  • Wear a mask and/or a shield. All teachers and students in grades 4 to 12 must wear them. 
  • Although the Ontario government allows people in classes with mandatory masks to work 1 metre apart, CODE recommends that all dance and drama work be done with 2 metres of social distancing in effect to maximize safety.
  • Practice mask wearing etiquette (see infographic posted) 
  • Because students are not touching one another, masks should not be a safety problem in dance or drama work.
  • Ensure students are hydrated at all times as masks can be hot.
  • If you have more than one classroom door, designate an in & out door
  • Greet each other with a smile, bow or nod 
  • Agree with the students on a signal or word they will use if they feel others are getting too close to them.  Practice it to normalize its use. 
  • Open doors and windows to allow air flow
  • Work outside whenever possible
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
  • If soap and water are not available, sanitize your hands at the beginning and end of class
  • Post info-graphics about coughing, sneezing and mask wearing etiquette
  • Practice good cough and sneezing etiquette (see infographic posted)  
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Use assigned seating
  • Class circle should be larger than normal  or staggered to accommodate physical distancing
  • Use more groups with smaller numbers of group members
  • Project or send electronic versions of handouts & course outlines rather than using paper
  • Post or project handouts and success criteria on the wall 

Dance Specific Tips:

  • To ensure adequate distance practices, tape out designated spots for students which are 1 or 2 metres apart.  Use different colour tape to mark out pathways for across the floor work and designated teacher instruction space.
  • If space and safety allow consider working in outdoor settings in order to maximize on space
  • If using mats ensure proper sanitizing practice and encourage students to bring their own
  • If going across the floor work consider using tape to indicate pathways
  • Avoid the use of costumes and props. 
  • If used, never share them. 
  • Store individual costumes and props in a separate plastic or garment bag
  • Clean equipment and props (e.g. lighting and sound) before and after use
  • Special attention must be paid to sanitizing barres (if used) and floors.

Safety Adaptations specific to the instructional strategies and dance conventions are embedded in green throughout the lessons.