Hello Everyone,
This summer my studio will be offering a Mommy/Daddy and Me program for the first time. I was the lucky one chosen to run the class. The children range in age from 1- 2 1/2. This will be a 45 minute class. The only problem is, I've never seen a Mommy and Me class, and I HAVE NO IDEA what to do with them! I have done preschool classes for about 7 years now, but the kids start at age 3 and there are no Moms in the room with them.
I have also posted this in the "Ask a Teacher" section.
Any Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You in Advance,
Dom

Hi There! Mommy and me classes can be lots of fun. I have attended several of different sorts with different aged children and will be teaching some myself this fall. I would first make sure that all parents understand that their participation is REQUIRED! Children of that age will not get the full benefit of the class just following along on their own. They need one on one attention and direction. Their parents can help with that.
Second, structure the class like you would any other creative movement class: introductions, warm-up, a creative concept to explore, cool down, good-byes. Just keep it moving and make it structured in a way that the kids and the parents know what to expect. For instance, use the same hello song every class, do the same warm-up, etc. Stories, great music, songs and props also keep them focused and interested. I use a book by Anne Green Gilbert for lesson ideas and concepts that can be readily used for any age. I also have a set of CDs by Eric Chappelle that A. Green Gilbert uses that are excellent. You can check them out on Amazon. Lots of times too giving the parents and students an exercise, song or coloring sheet that they can take home and do keeps them interested in the days between classes with you. You can also ask the kids and parents what else they like to do when not dancing and use their comments as ideas for things to focus on in the class. I use lots of books..for example one that is called "Who Hops?".... we do a quick read and then explore all the animals mentioned and how they move. If they are silly and creative I ask them...how would a fly hop if it could? etc..it gets them thinking and moving independently. I would just do searches for movement, ballet, etc on google, amazon, at your local library, and some of the teacher internet sites...you'd be surprised what you might find! Hope this helps!

I got alot of great ideas by googling creative movement on you tube. Then you can actually view real classes and see what the kids are really enjoying and what you'd actually want to incorporate in your class. I swear by props- it makes class go by so much quicker and the kids have a hard time getting bored. Plus you can get alot of stuff to use pretty cheap, I got all my props at Michaels the craft store and didn;t spend more then 1$ on each item.