Everyone is nervous on the first day of a new class but it can be especially hard for young dancers. This article is packed with great tips for teachers as Stacey Pepper Schwartz shares her methods for easing the anxieties of the children in her classes as well as how she addresses a crying, timid, or non-participating child.
Teaching Happiness With Every Leap
“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.
Organizing Your “Dance Closet”? Don’t Forget These To-Do List Musts!
We all have things we do as we close the door on one dance year and prepare for the next. Stacey Pepper Schwartz has three items on her list that go beyond physically organizing her closet of props and other items. These can’t be folded neatly or packed away. But they do give perspective and closure for the year behind so that you and your students can move confidently ahead into the new year.
6 Tips for Dancing Outside With Your Class
Dancing outside can be a fantastic teaching tool. The change of scenery from a classroom or studio can change the way students perceive space and their bodies and provides them with a hands on approach to exploring texture and qualities of movement. Stacey shares 6 helpful tips, tricks, and activities to make your outside class/exploration a success.
Give The Gift Of Dance In Your Community
Before your big performance day (and after), add some informal performances to your schedule. Not only is it good practice and experience for your students, it’s great advertising, and most importantly, a wonderful gift to the community. Stacey suggests ways to encourage parent involvement and how to make the most of your outreach come recital time.
What’s Your Style? — Exploring Different Teaching Approaches
The way you teach can be analyzed into different teaching styles. Each style has its own teacher objective and student objective. Learn about your preferred style, what works for your students, and discover how to mix and experiment with different styles to teach most effectively.
