Managing Kids In Preschool Dance Classes

By Charles Allen


Children are fun to be with but can be a challenge to work with. This is normal, because there are many things that goes on inside the head of a child and their playfulness can get the best out of them. They need patience, understanding and plenty of attention. They never fail to surprise you everyday.

Especially when you are teaching them to dance. Some may have a magic touch they have learned over years of teaching, but those who are new and younger could be struggling. In leading preschool dance classes Calgary, be creative. This way, you will learn how you can get their imagination work to your advantage.

Do not expect that you can teach them to dance the exact same way that you do. Manage your expectations of their movements. Keep it low and allow them to be free willing, so that you can watch them do it their way first, and then go from there. Teach them the moves, but do not focus too much on the idea that they have to dance like someone else entirely.

Try not be too idealistic and let them learn the movements, exploring the capability of their bodies first. Preschoolers cannot go with technicalities yet. Save it for later. For now, mix their playfulness with the dance steps and start from there.

Everything can change. Level of energy, their group dynamics, attention span and their tendency to look for food at the middle of an activity. Never ignore the needs of the children and be flexible to it. Give positive feedback whenever possible.

Do transitions quickly on movements. Give the children the illusion that you are always one step ahead. The truth is, they can be way smarter and faster than you will be. They cannot know that. Prepare music if that is what you are using. Be as close to it as possible. Have a plan but be spontaneous so you can deviate when you need to. Be sure to know what is coming next and get the music ready.

Get yourself a lesson plan, by all means but always prepare plan B or anything spontaneous. You might just need to change tactics one moment so better have some tricks up your sleeve. Children are a challenge. Everything can change easily, from their attention span to who else needs a snack. That is just the way it is and the best way to deal with it, is well, deal with it.

Say what you expect to see, even though they do not really do it yet. This is where imagination comes in. When you think you need to get them to raise their hands but they are not doing it, say as though they are raising their hands. You will be surprised how easily they will follow. Thank them for something they did not do yet, and you will see that they will be doing it.

Anticipate problems in teaching a class, especially a dancing class. No day will be perfect. You can go through it by never losing faith in the kids and keeping your cool. Be flexible and listen to them too. This will make them appreciate you more and follow your lead as they dance.




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