Tap for Children

dancersdreamland · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:02 pm Post subject: Tap for Children

I have received several requests from some "mom" friends of mine who would like me to begin a beginning tap class for small children. I've done tap for a while and know the basic steps, some traveling steps, time steps, etc. I am by no means an expert...but would like the opportunity to give teaching a try.

Has anyone here ever taught tap to children? How is it different than teaching to adults? What skills do you teach and in what order? How do you maintain their attention and break it down?

I greatly appreciate anyone's thoughts and comments. I would also appreciate instructional video recommendations on specific tap videos anyone has purchased or used.

THANKS in advance! :D

pr · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011 Location: Göteborg, Sweden

Good luck with your teaching!!! :D :D :P

Medira · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:57 pm Post subject:

One thing to keep in mind with teaching kids is to make things fun. Young children are going to be easily distracted by the noises their shoes can make, as well as the slipperiness of the shoes on the floor. Be sure to use bright, happy music that will help to keep their attention and, when working on basic steps, make sure that you keep that music going.

Set up a warmup that covers the basic steps (shuffles, flaps, etc.) which you do at the beginning of every class. It will help to reinforce the basics, to the point where the kids will commit it to muscle memory without even realizing it.

Try to cover one new step every class until you get into choreography. Once the routine choreography starts, work on that, but make sure you cover a new combination (even if it's just something small) each class. It keeps the kids interested, as opposed to just doing the exact same thing all the time.

Positive reinforcement is your friend. Remain encouraging and enthusiastic about what you're doing and that enthusiasm will rub off on the kids. Also, promote friendship between the kids in the class, so it becomes supportive and friendly all around.

Finally, work to their level. Like adults, not all kids learn at the same speed. Keep an eye out for frustration, because it doesn't take long for a little kid's frustration to turn to tears.

Hope that helps! :)

dancersdreamland · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 11:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the encouragement and tips! I haven't fully decided if its something I'm going to do yet...I'm not sure I feel confident enough to be teaching others the basics I know.

I'll probably do some more research and see if perhaps I can student teach somewhere before doing it on my own.

All the same, I appreciate your feedback. Many thanks!

Medira · Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:00 pm Post subject:

Student teaching is a great idea. That way, as you get used to the instructional role, you not only get to work in a child's class dynamic, but you also get to have somebody there to answer questions and give advice. :)