What
Own Your Step uses a structured dance curriculum designed to help neurodivergent students in grades 2-6 practice coordination, self-expression, confidence, and group participation through movement. Each lesson combines predictable routines, imaginative themes, movement exercises, breaks, and reflection activities.
Sample Lesson: OYS Goes Camping
Objective
Practice directional awareness, coordination, balance, and following multi-step movement instructions through a camping-themed dance lesson.
Roasting Marshmallows
Students stretch forward toward an imaginary campfire → flexibility/body awareness.
Cleaning Sticky Hands
Students reach toward a “wipe” on the right and “towel” on the left → crossbody directional awareness and using space intentionally.
Walking Through the Forest
Different locomotor movements across the floor → balance and gross-motor coordination.
Campfire Dance
Students combine previously practiced movements into a short sequence → memory, sequencing, and group participation.
Design Process
To design our curriculum to encourage neurodivergent students, we researched:
- Predictable routines and transitions for neurodivergent children
- Movement and motor-skill development
- Dance and physical activity
- Music
- Sensory regulation
- Confidence and self-expression
- Teaching through imaginative play
- Visual modeling and demonstration