Information for parents of 3-4yo

Our purpose at Backstreet is to provide fun positive dance classes with the focus on building confidence.

In order to achieve this, it is important that Parents and Teacher communicate. We thought to start the

conversation by answering some frequently asked questions, however please know that your Teacher is

approachable if you have more questions.

 

How do I know my child is ready for class?

There are 3 things we look for in tot students to ensure they are ready to dance in a class without

their Parents inside:

o Go into the classroom without Parents

o Listen to the Teacher’s instructions

o Stand on a square

 

How can I increase the chances of my child going into class without me?

The process of separating from the parent is an important accomplishment for Tiny Tot children. In

order to achieve this, here are some tips:

o Arrive early so your child gets familiar with the studio and the team

o Emphasise to your child that you are not going anywhere and you will be watching through

the one-way viewing window

o Discuss with your child how much fun the class is (Teachers & students)

 

5 Secrets to Success:

1. Be Patient
2. Focus on PROGRESS and not perfection
3. Communicate with the Teacher – team work makes the dream work
4. Praise – whatever you focus on; your child will focus on. Praise goes a long way.
5. Celebrate small Achievements. Remember they are only young.

 

What happens if my child doesn’t want to go in without me?

First thing, is to ensure you ARRIVE EARLY. Arriving late to class means your child misses out on

getting familiar and comfortable with the Teacher and Assistant and misses out on the lining up

process which also helps students to ease into the class.

Second, we find this method works well for most: We suggest to stay outside with your child and

watch through the viewing window and talk about how much fun the students are having. We will

(i.e. a Teacher or the Assistant) come out and check in on you to see if your child wants to join us.

Encourage your child to hold the Assistants hand and that they will take care of you and dance with

you. Also remind your child that you are staying with all the other mummies and daddies who are

watching through the viewing window.

 

What happens if after a few weeks my child is unable to go inside?

It may not be the right time, and that’s okay. Please try again another term as many Parents bring

them back after one term and sometimes several terms and find they are more ready to join the class.

If you have already paid term fees, please see Reception in regards to our Tiny Tot Refund Policy.

 

What happens if my child is not doing the moves properly?

Tiny Tot classes are about helping children learn to stimulate their imagination and express

themselves creatively, not necessarily about getting the steps right (even though they do learn

choreography).

Therefore, please do not get disappointed if your child is not performing the moves perfectly.

Remember, as long as they are progressing in small ways, that’s success!!

Remember to praise your child – tell them what they ARE doing well at eg. great listening today OR

your jazz walks were amazing.

 

What happens if my child cannot remember the moves when at home?

It’s a huge achievement for your child to be in the class without you. We do not expect tot students to

remember the dance. This is the reason why we have Assistants dance on stage with the tot students

– to provide reassurance and help them remember.

In saying that, repetition and practice at home helps with memory and confidence. Therefore, your

Teacher will offer you to film the choreography in around week 5 or 6 of the term (when the students

have finished learning the whole dance) so you can use for home practice.

 

What happens if my child is standing on the square and not moving too much?

Standing on a square is a huge achievement. We have noticed that some tot students take a few

weeks to get familiar with the Teacher and the new environment before they loosen up. Therefore,

give it time. Even a small wiggle should be celebrated.

 

PROGRESS is our focus; NOT perfection!!

CELEBRATE small achievements!

PATIENCE and PRAISE makes a huge difference.