I have just started this year out with my class, teaching creative movement to tots. I really enjoy this class but, I seem to be having difficulty running out of things at the end of class. I start them with warm-ups of many different types and then we move on to "jumping over the alligator" which is a pole that is in the middle of the floor. Then we move on to the circle where I have a tanbourine and they run around the circle and turn then push the other persons "GO" button and hand off the tambourine. So, I need something to do during the last 15 minutes or so of class. Thank you

I Hope I can help you out by telling you what I do with my tot class. My program is based around that of an early childhood classroom. I use the same principles of preschool curriculum and mesh them with dance. For example- I use weekly themes. It helps me to plan an effective class. I center everything we do on that theme. My idea is that the children feel we are doing something new and are excited about the activity so it keeps them engaged.
Another thing to keep in mind is there attention span- it is VERY short, which i am sure you noticed. I use to teach pre-k and kindergarten school. we always based our activities on 5 minute sections. Inc. these ideas-
Gross motor skills- Jumping, skipping, hopping
Listening skills- sounds in music( rain, cow)kids react to things they already recognize
Patterns- Clap, Pat, Clap, Pat ( Be creative- but keep them to 2 parts until they are around 5) Have them at the end of the year create patterns- What interesting choreographers we will help create!
The best advice I can offer to you is THe wiggles- as cheezy as it may sound- they rock when you are a 3 yr old. The wiggles dance party has many wonderful songs. I have really created my own curriculum out of their music. You can too! I hope this has helped- if you would like any other ideas or have some you would like to share please reply. This is my first comment - I am a new member- this site is great! Have a fantastic year!

I agree with the Wiggles, or perhaps Raffi, or some other kids centered artist. I know that Wiggles and Raffi both do quite a few "move along" songs that are excellent for this age group, work on listening and moving to the beat, and you can kill a bit of time that way.