The favorite part of my week is teaching creative movement to my littlest students.
I have taught 1 and 2 year olds for five years and have crafted a class that is progressive, creative, and fun for young dancers accompanied by their adults. I have learned many strategies for my toolbox and thought I would share!
Breaking Down the Ages
18 months – 2 years old
2 years – 3 years
I find these age groups are the most productive to combine as their brains and bodies grow.
Attire
I don’t require tights and leotard or shoes at this age. Actually, it’s best if they come to class in bare feet. In their bare feet they can feel the floor.
It’s important for them to just come to class and for me to give them a healthy, happy experience in their comfortable clothes.
Photo by Eric Peacock
Getting Familiar (every week)
I open my door 5-10 minutes before class every week. It’s important for them to get acquainted with the space and you before class begins.
Ever noticed that when kids join class late they don’t perform as well? I have seen it many times and I believe it’s because they didn’t have a chance be in the space before taking direction.
I know sometimes that five minutes is all you have to get a drink of water and prepare for the next class, but you can still take time with your door open.
Keep ‘em Moving!
Once the 1 and 2 year olds hit the room, offer play time. I put out balls, hoops, and shakers for them to play with before class begins.
These props are great for conversation starters too! “Oliver, roll me that ball!” or ” Vivian, can you find the yellow shakers?” Use this opportunity to interact with each student and their grown-up, they will love you for it.
When it’s time to end class I put all of the bags and buckets out and sing our clean-up song. Cleaning up is so fun for this age and they are so good at it too!
Circle Up
Making circles includes every dancer and assures that you can see everyone and that they can see you.
Forming lines just makes everyone frustrated and feels unwelcoming.
I find it helps to give each dancer and their adult a spot. This tells the children exactly where they should sit (or stand) and often they will remind their adults they need to sit on the spot too!
Name Game
If there is nothing that young children like more, it’s hearing their name.
I’m sure that through a 45 minute class I say (or sing) each dancers name 3 times each. It could seem redundant but names are powerful and I believe incorporating every name builds self-esteem and confidence.
Diversify Your Playlist
I love using different types of music, just like you would if you were teaching an adult ballet class.
You should include slow, fast, popular, and an oldie but goodie.
It’s tempting to use directive music and I do use a few, but adding too many directive songs to your playlist doesn’t allow for flexibility or creativity. You are the teacher, not the woman or man on the song. Use your imagination and develop dances that you and your young dancers can create together.
When you are using directive music give directional cues BEFORE the music says what to do. This gives the children (and adults) the cue to what is coming next before it happens in the music. If you sing along with the music, they might miss the direction and then fall behind.
Keeping everyone together and aware is a big part of your students’ safety.
Be Ready To Challenge
When I tell people I teach dance to 1 and 2 year olds they look at me all crazy and promptly say “What?”
The truth is, those of us who spend their days playing, dancing, and talking to this young set know what they are capable of. Even then, some days I throw things out and I am completely surprised that can do it.
Try not to get caught up in the “they are just babies” mentality. Offer classes that challenge their bodies and their imaginations. If you see they have mastered a skill or a concept add to it, just like you would in a class for your older students.
I hope you find these tips useful.
Do you teach toddlers classes? What are some ‘go to’ tools you use for success?
Look for next month’s post on tips for directing adults in your toddler classes!
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About Maria Hanley Blakemore
I teach this type of class. I find free time at the end with hoops, balls etc works well. By the end of the 45 minute class their attention and focus is gone and they enjoy free time. Do you have any thoughts on free time at the end vs the beginning of a class?
@T.G. I think it really depends on the space, the time you have with the students and the students themselves. There have been times I have brought out free stuff in the middle of class because I thought the students needed it. For such young students, giving a little free time at the beginning works best for me. They come in, get comfortable and connect with me after a whole week has past. I find they trust me much better when I have time to connect with them as they are coming in. I can talk with the parents too, which I like.
Sneaky Trick: I also do this because when people are late it isn’t as disruptive to the class if they are coming in during the circle. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true!
If doing free time works best at the end for you, keep doing it! I might also try it and see what the difference is! Thank you for your comment.