I teach hour long ballet/tap combo classes to children ages 2-5 years old. I know what you're thinking.. that's too young to be teaching tap. I agree, but it's the way the studio I teach out runs. Any ideas to keep the kids focused or helpful teaching techniques? Examples of what you do in your classes would be great also!

Why does the studio combine such a large age range? 2 and 5 year olds are so different.

I know that doesn't answer your question, but what I do in my Parent & Me with 2's is VASTLY different than what I do with 5's (who are very capable of basic tap combos).

That's a toughy. The little guys probably can't sit still with the tap shoes on and the older ones probably get bored very quickly. Try sitting them in a circle and use different parts of there tap shoes. Have them "hug" there knees and tap both feet together, then keep both together and go side to side, then one foot at a time (Ask them which is my right, which is my left, anything to get something accomplished during that time). Then repeat it with just the heels. The 2yr olds are never going to get heel toe or toe heel but make all of them do it while sitting. Then give them a little phrase to do it to, like I Love To Dance ( I, heel, love, toe, to, toe, dance, heel) or even something silly like Happy Birthday To Me. Put on some music and make them all do it standing up. I had a weird age group like this over the summer a few years ago and it was tough but this seemed to work for a good 20 - 25 minutes. I can find some music for you if you like and look up some stuff I wrote down. Let me know, good luck, I'm sure it will all turn out fine