Minute Masterclass Episode 20

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance. The time in between activities is the perfect opportunity for your class to get off track. This is why planning transitions, like you plan each and every other activity in your class, is so important. Transitions become part of the learning experience. They keep our students focused and engaged so our class flows smoothly from one activity to the next. 

Take a look at your lesson plan. In between each activity that either involves a prop or moves from one place to another (for example: warm up circle to center work or center work to obstacle course) needs a transition activity. Here are some to consider… 

1. Use the “show me” strategy. “Dancers, show me how you tiptoe to your tape mark.” 
2. How about singing the task? “This is the way we line up straight, line up straight, line up straight”…oh, and by the way kids do not care how you sound or if the lyrics rhyme. So have fun with it! 
3. How about when putting props away? Find creative ways to carry your prop. Perhaps balanced on your head or on your back. There are so many ways to keep your little ones engaged, so start planning! For more info, visit DiscoverDance.com.