Folk dances for students in grades K - 2 should primarily emphasize which type of skills?

Folk dances for students in grades K - 2 should primarily emphasize locomotor skills due to the nature of these dances, which often involve moving across the floor in various ways. Locomotor skills refer to movements that allow children to travel from one place to another, such as walking, running, hopping, skipping, and jumping. Engaging in folk dances helps young students develop these skills while also promoting rhythm, coordination, and social interaction.

In this early stage of physical development, focusing on locomotor skills fosters a foundation for more complex movement patterns and helps students gain confidence in their physical abilities. It encourages exploration of space, timing, and body awareness, which are critical components in dance and physical education. Integrating folk dances that incorporate a variety of locomotor movements supports not only physical development but also cognitive and social skills as students learn to collaborate and communicate through dance.