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How to Teach Preschool Dance

Dance classes for preschool-age children are about more than having fun. Music, which is part of most dance classes, is an integral part of a person's life, and our affinity for music begins at a very early age. Music and dancing provide opportunities for self-expression, language development and improvement in cognitive, social and fine and gross motor skills. Dancing activities often require preschoolers to follow directions, which can help them learn vocabulary, complete tasks and increase their body awareness.

Things You'll Need

  • Music and player
  • Props
  • Instruments
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose music for your dance activity. If you are teaching a class, you may want to select music that goes along with a theme. Choose age-appropriate songs. For example, if you have a class of toddlers who cannot hop on one leg, do not use a song that requires that movement.

    • 2

      Listen to the songs you have chosen a few times to memorize the actions in the song. If you are familiar with the song, it will be easier to teach to the students.

    • 3

      Introduce the song to the children and highlight some important movements in the song. Demonstrate the movements to the class. For example, if a song asks the students to march, hop, gallop and spin, show the children how to do each movement.

    • 4

      Start the music and ask children and their parents to follow along with you. Encourage parents or caregivers to participate; involvement in the class together will improve their bond, and children are more likely to dance if they see their caregivers are involved.

    • 5

      Encourage the children to participate in each movement, and correct any movements if necessary. For example, if a child is still moving during the freeze part of a freeze dance, ask him to stop moving. Do not worry if some children are not dancing; they might need some time before they are ready to join in.

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