We just talked about what to do before class begins to lead the way to a great class. So now what? What do you do during your class? In this section, we will talk about the different parts of your class from start to finish. We will talk about how the class flows and how you and the students should participate in the activities. In part 1 I will address learning the students names quickly, the importance of having big energy when you teach and how to start class with something interesting.
First, learn the students’ names as quickly as possible. It is much easier to keep control over a class if you know each child’s name. I learned very early on if a child is not paying attention saying, “Hey you!” doesn’t cut it. The students won’t look at you unless you use their name. If one student is not listening it will make it harder for you to run your class smoothly. Once one child is not listening more will follow.
Using name tags is a great solution. This way, on the first day of class you can go through your class without having to think about remembering names. Instead you can concentrate on what you will be teaching. However, here are some tips about what to do if you don’t have name tags on hand.
So when I am teaching a new group of students, I have them tell me their names often. However, taking time out of class to stop and ask names can lose the class’s attention. So find a balance. If you have a small class this is not as much of an issue, but with a full class of preschoolers, you don’t want to stop and take time out of class to ask their names.
First, I make sure I have the class roster with me at the beginning of class. When the children come into the room I introduce myself to the parents and the children, and ask for each child’s name. Seeing the name on the list along with the child’s face will help me remember their names. I sometimes then write a description of what the child looks like by their name. This is especially helpful if I have more than one child with the same name in a class or twins!
The next thing I will do is try to memorize the students’ names before class begins. If we have some time as we are waiting for the other children to arrive, I will ask each child their name and maybe their favorite color, food or character in a story. “ Hi! Tell me your name and what your favorite color is!”
Another time I ask the students’ names is when we are stretching or playing creative games. I love playing games while we stretch to make it more interesting for preschoolers. When you are stretching the students are sitting down and you can ask them questions about the game you are playing. If we are making a pizza in straddle I can ask everyone their name and what topping they would like on their pizza. I also take the opportunity to ask the students’ names when we practice leaps or take turns going under the parachute. I will say to whoever is next in line, “What is your name? Okay, now it’s Sarah’s turn!”
Whenever I feel I can ask the students’ names and hold the class’s attention at the same time, I will. You will have a much easier class and impress parents if you learn names quickly.
Now on to having big energy! Throughout your entire class you should have a lot of energy. The children really feed off of you. Whether you are happy and energetic or distracted and tired they will follow. When I dance, I dance big! I reach, stretch and jump as high as I can. I know if I mark my movement, my students will too. I want to set a good example of how to dance full out!
During each of my pregnancies it was not possible for me to dance as big as I wanted to. I was also advised by my doctor not to jump (it was uncomfortable anyway) and I couldn’t touch my toes! My preschool students didn’t understand this. If I didn’t jump very high, they didn’t. If I didn’t touch my toes, they didn’t. I had to remind them many times to dance bigger than I danced. I had to use more vocal commands to tell them what to do. It was a challenge, but with my voice, my facial expressions and the parts of my body that could still move big, I got through those times.
Another factor that helps keep the energy of class going is during class I am in constant communication with my students. I feel like I am talking all the time. Either I am giving directions, giving encouragement, or telling funny jokes. This keeps the energy up and the class flowing smoothly.
Preschoolers will mimic your energy. This is actually true for any age group you teach. As teachers, we need to be fully present at each class and dance and talk with full energy in order to have the best class we can.
Now on to the start of your class. It is a good idea to start your class with something different and interesting. How are you going to grab your students’ attention? Don’t start practicing pliés over and over. Start with something preschool friendly.
When I teach a ballet class to little ones I always start with an upbeat song to encourage my students to jump and move around. It is great to see the children’s huge smiles when they skip and chassé. They see this is going to be a fun class right away. They also start to trust me right away because they are having fun. Usually shy children will come out of their shells as well when fun music is played.
Reading a short story or part of a story is also something I like to do at the beginning of class. Let’s continue with the example of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. You could find a book about stars that is appropriate for preschoolers. If it is a short book, you could read the whole book at the start of class. If the book is longer, read just a few pages at the start of each class.
Another option is to give the students props. For example, start with a parachute game or give the students stuffed animals to dance with. Props will also help shy children or children that need help focusing join the class easier. I will go into how to deal with shy or unfocused children in another video.
Make sure you capture the students’ attention right away. This way, the children will be excited for what you have coming up next!
Thanks for joining for part 1 of how to run your class. The next video will focus on how to structure your class and the benefits of using props!