How I Teach the "Heel Toe Polka" in Elementary Music!

In this video, I walk through how I teach the Heel Toe Polka to third graders over a series of music classes. These lessons typically take up to six class periods depending on scheduling, although teachers may choose to combine or shorten portions of the sequence to fit their own classroom needs. You’ll see how I introduce the dance step-by-step, beginning with simple observation and echo learning while students remain seated, then gradually adding movement, partner changes, linked arms, and finally the “in and out” circle movement. I also share classroom management strategies, partner rotation ideas, and ways I scaffold each new element so students feel successful and confident throughout the process. This video includes: • Initial seated demonstration • Full-class practice and review • Partner rotation techniques • Linking arms with partners • Circle formation and movement • Final student performance footage The Heel Toe Polka is a wonderful activity for reinforcing steady beat, form, coordination, listening skills, and cooperative movement in the elementary music classroom. Thanks for watching, and I hope this gives you ideas you can use with your own students and classes. Music accompaniment CD - "Chimes of Dunkirk - Great Dances for Children, a companion to the book." #ElementaryMusic #MusicTeacher #FolkDance #HeelToePolka #ThirdGradeMusic #MusicEducation #OrffSchulwerk #DanceInEducation #JoelLenderman #ElementaryMusicTeacher 0:00 - Introduction 0:06 - Lesson 1 - Introducing steps, hands and counting 1:32 - Lesson 2 - Review of Lesson 1 2:32 - First time in the circle! 4:15 - Lesson 3 - Review of Lesson 2 5:00 - Adding the linking arms 6:47 - Lesson 4 - Review of Lesson 3 7:40 - Four steps in and four steps out. 9:20 - Review everything! 9:44 - The first time with music! 10:36 - Assigning partners 10:39 - Putting it all together. 11:23 - The final performance - all classes!