Ok, I'm assisting for the first time this year! I'm helping with the 4 year old pre-dancers. There are 9 students, 2 helpers (me and another girl who helped last year) and 1 teacher. Um, I guess what are some tips for correcting them (like how far to go, how to do it in a nice way)...How can I remember names? Like, there is this one girl whose name we can't pronounce from the spelling and when we asked her to say it she said her whole name and we still dont know how to say it....And how can I help make it fun? During stretching we "make" a PB&J sandwich with our bodies and when we do the butterfly stretch we ask them their wings color. But when we do tap excersise and ballet excersises they get bored (at least it seems like that too me). Any help would be greatly appriciated! Thanks so much!!!

DDCC_girl

Congrats on the assisting gig! When I assisted, even now as I teach, I always try to get down onto the level of the kids (which is always fun because no one really wants to grow up!) but I've always tried to make games out of everything we do and let them use their inner creativity.... for example they do borres in a line as a catipillar then I let them finish the song in freestyle as butterflies. They take turns being the leader. Just don't forget if you're bored or frustrated they are too!! good luck

Before you do anything, talk to the teacher. It is her job to tell you what you can and can't do as far as correcting behavior, etc. Find out exactly what she expects of you! But do take initiative on your own. If a student's shoe is untied, just go tie it. If the kids are getting rowdy in line, help them to calm down.

The 4's are one of my favorite ages. They are so full of imagination and energy. I think once you establish a good system between you, the other assistant and the teacher, you will LOVE this age.

As far as remembering names, use their names as much as possible. If they need to line up, call them one at a time using their names. This serves two purposes... first it helps you know everyone's name and second, it gets the kids to learn to listen and wait their turn which is extremely important at this age.

Hope that helps a little!! Have fun!

As far as the child whose name you can not pronounce, turn to the teacher and ask her if she has figured out or knows has to say the child's name. It is the teacher's responsibility to go to the parent and ask for assistance.

I do agree to ask the teacher for what she wants. She may prefer that you not correct. She may want you to do certain tasks. Keep asking and looking to her for guidance. Also, watch what the teacher is trying to do and decide what you can do to be helpful (but not distracting). If the a child is jumping up and down while she is talking, go over to that child and speak to her in a manner that does not call attention to the other students, but reminds her that she needs to stand still and listen. If a shoe is untied, retie it! Remember to be a good role model by watching when the students should be watching the teacher. (If you smile and nod to what the teacher is saying, the children will think it is so important. The children often think that you as the assistant is so much cooler than the teacher and will often copy your behavior!!!)

Thanks for the help! I asked the teacher what the girl's name was and she didnt know either. But our director will probably know or we'll do like you said and ask the parent. I've got another question: how do you make sure they face the right way? I tried to fix this one girl and she didnt listen. So is there any special trick? Please and thank yous!