The Start of My Toddler Teaching Journey
Teaching my first Toddler Dance Class was such a fun and rewarding experience. I wanted to make it as interactive and exciting for the little ones as possible, knowing that movement and imagination go hand in hand at that age. We started in a welcome circle to get to know each other a little. We found our name tags and clapped to the music together. To warm up, spots on the floor guided the children on where to stop and move between the space, as we worked on basic body positions. It was a great way to keep things organized while letting them explore the new space.
I plan to introduce a new theme each week, and for our first week, it was Into the Woods. The excitement on their faces when I mentioned we’d be going on an adventure in the woods was priceless. We imagined ourselves as creatures living in the forest – hopping like rabbits, prowling like bears, and fluttering like owls. The use of imagery captured their imaginations and made every move feel magical.
❝After just five minutes, she wanted to go home❞
Next, we grabbed our little baskets and pretended to walk through the woods, collecting flowers along the way. It was such a lovely way to practice controlled movements like swinging the basket, stepping, and tapping to the rhythm of the music. The best part for me was seeing how much joy the children found in these simple activities, all while learning coordination and balance.
We finished up by practicing hops through the woods, and of course, a circle of high-fives and stickers at the end was the perfect way to celebrate the class. I loved how the session was not only playful but also gave the toddlers a foundation for listening to music, following directions, and moving with purpose. I’m already looking forward to switching up the themes each week!
A Learning Curve for a Teacher Too
One learning curve I faced during the class involved a little girl who was quite nervous. After just five minutes, she wanted to go home. At first, I considered calling her daddy to come pick her up, but I decided to persist. I encouraged her to stay, reassuring her that she could sit and watch, and join in whenever she felt ready. It was a bit of a challenge for me to assess what was best for the child but I’m glad she stayed for the rest of the class. Hopefully, next class she’ll feel a little more comfortable and join in with her friends.
Exciting News: Teaching in Dublin
As if the joy of starting toddler dance classes wasn’t enough, I’ve been invited to teach in Dublin over the October break! This opportunity came through word-of-mouth, which is always a reminder of how important it is to keep in touch with everyone in the dance world. It’s a small community, and those connections matter.
I’m incredibly excited about this chance to teach a new group of students at the Monica Loughman Elite Ballet Academy. It’ll be a fantastic experience for me to grow as a teacher, surrounded by fresh energy and new talent. I can’t wait to meet the dancers in Dublin and bring some of my teaching style to a new space.
This adventure reminds me that even when life feels busy and full, there are always new and exciting opportunities around the corner. Whether I’m in the studio with toddlers or teaching a more advanced group, it’s the love of dance that keeps me moving forward.
What’s Next on This Journey?
Whether it’s the little adventures I go on in the studio with my small dancers or my own bigger adventures leading to new opportunities, dance is still bringing me so much joy as a teacher. Just when I feel I am struggling and things are not developing, or the days are too busy and full, something pops up to keep my new life interesting. Encouraging me to keep going and be brave about the journey I am on. For we never know what comes next on the adventure.
With love,
Harriet