Give students of all abilities the opportunity to dance
October 4, 2018
Archive
There is usually a lead up to a behaviour and a consequence
July 13, 2018
Think about what the triggers of a behaviour might be and change or avoid them. There is usually a response to or consequence of behaviour which might inadvertently reward it and make it likely to occur again. For example a child might be sent off to help...
Connect with the child individually
July 13, 2018
Using the student’s name and making a comment about his or her favourite dancer, sport team, TV show, or other interests may help a child feel more at home in the dance class....
Communicate clearly
July 13, 2018
Make sure you have the child’s attention before giving instructions. Use short sentences. Only give 1-2 instructions at a time. Check the child’s understanding by asking them what you have said....
Vary movement activities
July 13, 2018
Short and specific movement tasks work better than long ones. Some kids might not be able to focus for a long time on one activity. Structure the class in short, interesting, and contrasting experiences. Movement games could be alternated between dance exercises....
Teach parents the rules too
July 13, 2018
Teach parents the rules too so they can reinforce it with their child....
Praise positive behaviour
July 13, 2018
Focus on and praise the behaviour you want to see. It is better to reward desired behaviour than discipline undesired behaviour....
Focus on the behaviour, not the child
July 13, 2018
Focus on the behaviour not the child, for example, by saying “that behaviour is not okay” rather than “you are not okay”....
Be consistent
July 13, 2018
Consistency is key. If rules are set, it is important they are followed at all times. Everyone should try to respond in the same fair and calm way, including teacher’s assistants and parents....
Set up home base spaces to give structure to class
July 13, 2018
Give each student a specific location in the dance space that acts as his or her “home base.” The student can take this spot when listening to directions. It can mark the place to be for the beginning of each exercise or activity. The spot...