Hi everyone! I am a Newbie. I have been following this site for a few months now and have learned so much from you all - Thank you!
I am starting a much needed early childhood movement program in my community in Northern Manitoba.
I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share information you send home to parents regarding expectations for them and their children? I am really interested in developmentally appropriate expectations eg: what your child will learn and perhaps different ways the children as individuals may learn.
The classes are more about getting young children and parents out and having fun with creative movement and basic dance steps rather than disciplined 'dance'.

I work for a parks and rec department (though a highly disciplined one) and the way that we word it in our letter is something like:

"Welcome to Mini Movers

This is class for XX age. Over the next few weeks this class will focus on creative movement and basic, age appropriate steps in ballet, tap and jazz. It is an introduction to different styles of music.

Miss SingDanceLaugh will use a number of ideas and techniques including introductory steps, playground style games and performance opportunities. "

It then goes on to say what we expect of the parents and kids, and any dates they need to remember.

Its about a page long in large font, certainly not an info overload.

Hope it helps
SingDanceLaugh

I always tell my preschool parents that CM is as much about learning classroom etiquette and basics like standing in line, waiting your turn etc as it is about learning to dance and spatial awareness.

I agree with J1ll.

At this age they are learning spacial awareness, how to take turns, working with others, realizing that there are other people around them. Explain this as briefly as possible. Your activities will build on these skills, which are very useful in school and life!

I also verbally tell my parents that we try and have them outside the room (watching through the viewing window) by the second or third class, depending on attachment issues etc. You could include your own guidelines in your letter perhaps?

I would just briefly explain your goals, but try and keep it short. I think parents do like to know what you will be doing, but they do not need your entire lesson plan. If you have them in class watching, you could explain a move and why you are doing it (ex. marching to build on skips...) That way they could relate back to your goals.

Just some ideas!

Thanks! Yes... short and sweet is the way to go. I suppose I just want them to realize how much the children are actually learning through the movement activities, plus a basic 'classroom etiquette' for both parent and child.