Strategies for Developing an Integrated Dance Unit

Integrated learning offers a powerful pedagogical approach for connecting dance with other academic subjects in primary education. While existing literature emphasizes the value of arts-integrated pedagogy, limited research explores its practical implementation, particularly in the context of dance. This article examines the design and implementation of an arts-integrated dance unit for Grade 2 students (ages 7–8) within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme in India. Grounded in the IB framework of responding and creating, the unit engaged students in exploring storytelling through Angika and Vachika Abhinaya, adapting traditional Indian movement principles into age-appropriate classroom practice. By detailing the planning, teaching, and assessment processes, this article highlights strategies that support conceptual understanding and creative expression in young learners. The findings contribute to conversations on contextualizing traditional dance forms within contemporary education and offer a framework for teachers seeking to integrate dance meaningfully across disciplines.