Teaching Happiness With Every Leap

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7294887-raising-happiness

“Raising Happiness” is a parenting book but Stacey Pepper Schwartz shows that teachers can take away some of its lessons, too. For example, how to effectively recognize achievement, model optimism, convey positive messages, create a joyful atmosphere, resolve conflict, and promote gratitude among your young students.

Creative Holiday Activities & Choreography (Nutcrackers Not Included)

Three holiday cookies - a christmas tree, angel, and bell

Holiday activities and choreography. Links to Nichelle’s guest feature at Maria’s Movers about Holiday Activities For Young Dancers. Also get her downloadable holiday choreography at DancesToGo.com.

Halloween: Costumes, Props and Makeup Inspiration

A raven, perched on a branch, peers up at the full moon on a cloudy night.

Halloween time is exciting for children and with a little focus and extra preparation it can open up creative possibilities. It can a starting off point for your students to let their imaginations fly like a magic broomstick soaring around the moon!

Month by Month: March

shamrocks

March is also Women’s History Month so this is a great opportunity to educate your students with a little history lesson. Introduce through books, film, photos, or words, dance visionaries and groundbreakers like Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller, Martha Graham, Maria Tallchief, Anna Pavlova, Janet Collins, Eleanor Powell… and so so so many others!