Dance Class for the 'Terrible' aka, Terrifically Challenging, TWO's!
While two-year-old's LOVE dance, they are challenged by the experience of a structured class. Dance class for this age can take the form of organized chaos and let's be honest, it can be stressful for parents, teachers, and the little tots themselves! If we can better understand where these tots are coming from, how we can help, and what success looks like in a class setting at this age, we can set realistic expectations and have more confidence knowing that perservering through this tricky stage is well worth the effort for your child's development.
"The terrible twos typically occur when toddlers begin to struggle between their reliance on adults and their desire for independence.... Two-year-olds are undergoing major motor, intellectual, social and emotional changes. Their vocabularies are growing, they're eager to do things on their own, and they're beginning to discover that they're expected to follow certain rules. However, most 2-year-olds still aren't able to move as swiftly as they'd like, clearly communicate their needs or control their feelings. This can lead to frustration and misbehavior — in other words, the terrible twos.” - Dr. Jay Hoecker, Pediatrician and member of the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
Of all the places this comes to light, it's the dance studio! In the Little Beats Tykes class for ages 14-24 months, the children have more freedom to explore, the behavioral expectations are lower, and the grown-ups are there to model engagement. In contrast, the Tots class starts to take on a bit more 'structure' and instruction as the tots undergo a critical time for social and emotional learning in their development. Additionally, the grown-up's role in the tots class becomes not just about modeling postitive, engaged behavior- but really reienforcing it.
If you are a grown-up in a two-year-old dance class, RELAX. Give yourself and your child a break. Lower your expectations. Even though your child's moving and talking is blowing you away, they still have a LONG way to go when it comes to communication, self-regulation, and following instruction. Take a look at the measurements for success below, some tips for achieving this in your class and at home, and what the key expected (or desired) class behaviors are in the Little Beats Tots class.
And remember, it's a PROCESS. What we are learning in dance class will benefit your child everywhere they go (especially preschool!) and needless to say, will lay the foundation for an even richer learning experience in the next level of dance.
How can I help my child succeed in class?
Set realistic expectations for class. Don’t expect your child to follow the teacher and become a coordinated, disciplined dancer by age 3
Set a good example in class by giving your child your full attention and redirecting them when they lose focus or misbehave
Stay calm and patient at all times, don't display negative behavior!
When they are having a tantrum or misbehaving, REMOVE THEM from the room to a quiet place and stay calm! Validate their feelings of frustration and either provide comfort, distraction or ignore the behavior rather than ‘fighting back’ (this is called ‘extinction’ – eventually the negative behavior will go away when they realize it’s not working, they will regulate, and be ready to return to class with a smile)
Empathize with your child’s frustration, they want to do so much but only have so many capabilities at this stage, try to build their self esteem, help them succeed, and praise ALL appropriate, positive behavior
What does success look like in toddler dance class?
A smiling, happy, moving child!!!
Parents who are 100% focused on participating with their child and not on socializing with others during class
No tantrums (it’s OK to take a break and leave the room to reset and regulate strong emotions)
Lots of praise for a display of positive social behavior (following instruction, waiting a turn, sharing with a friend, showing affection to a friend, having good manners, etc.)
A child discovering a new way his/her body can move or displaying a new skill
Excitement around coming to dance
Dancing or talking about dance at home!!!
What are the expectations for appropriate dance class behavior?
Chlldren must in their spot with their grown-up during welcome circle time
No tantrums or crying permitted inside the studio- breaks are welcomed and encouraged for those who need to reset their emotional state
Children must wait their turns when necessary
No aggressive behavior towards other classmates is permitted
No hanging on ballet bars
Props must be used appropriately, (obstacle course equipment remains on the ground, dance spots at the beginning of class remain on the ground, no hitting/poking/eating dance props etc.)
Want more useful info? We don't have bottles of wine to give out but here are some tips from Parent's Magazine on How to Tackle The Terrible Two's
