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Creating a lesson plan for young dancers, aged 6 to 10, can seem overwhelming at first. But with a structured approach, it becomes much easier to manage and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re just starting out as a dance instructor or looking to improve your teaching methods, this guide will help you plan an effective and engaging class designed for younger students. Here’s everything you need to get started.

The Role of a Lesson Plan in Dance Classes

A lesson plan helps organise your class, ensuring every activity ties back to a specific learning focus. Without a clear plan, classes can quickly become chaotic, leaving both you and your students unfulfilled.

For beginner teachers, a lesson plan acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the session and giving you confidence. For more seasoned instructors, it reinforces professionalism and provides consistency, particularly when working in unfamiliar teaching environments like community centres or summer camps.

When teaching young dancers, having a plan ensures the class stays on track and supports their development in both technical skills and social skills. Every activity serves a purpose, creating a positive experience for your students.

Setting a Learning Goal or Intention

Start your lesson plan by writing a learning goal. A learning goal is what you want the students to achieve by the end of the class. This is often a simple statement like, “By the end of today’s class, students will demonstrate proper counting to eight during basic steps.”

For younger dancers, keep goals narrow and achievable. Their early years are about building fundamental skills like spatial awareness, verbal cue recognition, and basic body control.

For example, your goal might be to teach students how to follow verbal counts while performing bunny hops. By centring the entire class around this one objective, you can cater all activities to achieve it, helping students progress in a focused and meaningful way.

Managing Multiple Demands in a Dance Class

Teaching dance isn’t just about steps and choreography. You’re also teaching discipline, teamwork, and routine. Juggling these elements can feel like a lot, especially when working with younger students.

The key is balance. Focus on one or two core goals per class. You don’t have to cover everything at once. For example, you could work on technical precision during one class and teamwork skills the next. Smaller goals build a strong foundation over time.

Structuring the Lesson

Every class should follow a consistent structure. This helps students know what to expect, keeping them calm and focused. Here’s a basic outline:

1. Class entrance and pre-class routine
2. Warm-up exercises
3. Across-the-floor activities
4. Choreography practice
5. Cool down and closing routine

Preparing Materials in Advance

A prepared teacher is a professional teacher. Before class, make sure you have all the materials you need to avoid interruptions.

Music is a must, so bring a pre-downloaded playlist or device with reliable tracks. Don’t assume every venue has Wi-Fi.

For younger students, tools like vinyl stickers, silicone dots, or tape help mark positions on the floor. These make it easier for kids to stay in line or know where to stand. Yoga blocks or small props can also encourage playful learning during warm-ups or games.

By thinking ahead, you can eliminate potential issues and focus entirely on the students.

Establishing a Pre-Class Routine

Young dancers do best with repetition and routine. By setting clear expectations when they arrive, you reduce confusion and nervousness.

Try these three simple steps:

• Step 1: Greet each student warmly at the door. A high-five, fist bump, or elbow tap works well.
• Step 2: Direct students to put their belongings and water bottles in an assigned spot.
• Step 3: Have them sit in a circle on the floor, ready to begin.

A consistent start builds trust and helps children feel safe and welcomed each week.

Starting Class with Circle Time

Circle time gives students a chance to settle in and connect as a group. It’s also a great opportunity to build focus.

To make it fun, include a “question of the day.” Topics like “What’s your favourite food?” or “What’s your favourite animal?” are simple yet engaging.

During circle time, model active listening. Teach students to sit calmly with their hands in their laps and make eye contact with the speaker. Reinforce these behaviours through verbal and physical cues—consistency is key.

Most importantly, make sure every child gets their turn to speak. This creates a sense of community and mutual respect in class.

Explaining the Day’s Activities

Before jumping into movement, let students know what to expect. Use simple language to walk them through the agenda.

For example:
“Today, we’ll start with a warm-up, then move across the floor, and finish with a short dance.”

Knowing what’s coming next reduces anxiety and keeps their attention. Reiterate the steps throughout class to ensure everyone stays on track.

Designing Engaging Warm-Ups

Warm-ups are crucial for getting young dancers ready to move. Keep them energetic, fun, and accessible.

Activities like jumping jacks, bunny hops, and frog jumps burn off restless energy while improving gross motor skills. Use imagery to make the moves relatable—say “Jump like a frog!” or “Bounce like a kangaroo!”

Always demonstrate each move. Kids imitate what they see, so your energy and enthusiasm set the tone. If you’re hopping like a bunny, they will too!

Adding Stretching to Warm-Ups

Simple stretches improve flexibility and help students control their movements. Make it fun by using playful descriptions. Tell them to “Reach up like a tall tree” or “Curl up into a ball like a hedgehog.”

Keep stretches light—this isn’t the time for intense flexibility training. The goal is to prepare their bodies for the rest of class.

Using Imagery to Teach Technique

Younger dancers thrive when instructions are tied to familiar objects or ideas. Instead of saying “Stand in first position,” say “Put your feet together like French fries,” or “Make a pizza slice with your heels.”

The same goes for arm movements. Describe holding arms in first position as “Hugging a big beach ball.”

Consistency is key—repeating the same visuals every week helps children remember and improve.

Across-the-Floor Activities

This part of class teaches coordination and spatial awareness. Start with simple movements like galloping, skipping, or side steps.

Use tools like coloured dots or tape to guide their paths. For example, place stickers on the floor and instruct students to stop at each one. Clear markers reduce confusion.

Break movements into smaller steps if needed. Remind them to take their time and focus on form over speed.

Managing Class Transitions

Smooth transitions can make or break a dance class. Younger students often struggle to switch from one activity to the next.

Set clear expectations. Say, “Hop like a bunny to your spot” instead of “Go find a spot.” Adding simple games like pretending to be animals makes transitions fun and engaging.

Countdowns are effective too: “You have 10 seconds to get to your space. Ten, nine, eight…” Giving kids a time frame teaches them how to manage transitions efficiently.

Introducing Basic Choreography

Choreography is often the most exciting part of class. For younger students, keep routines short and simple—focus on two or three steps at a time.

Demonstrate the sequence slowly, then practice with music. Use upbeat songs they’ll enjoy, and always count out loud: “Five, six, seven, eight!”

Let students feel successful by praising their efforts, even if they’re still working on accuracy.

Ending Class on a Positive Note

Finish with a closing routine, such as a bow or reverence. This helps students refocus and leaves them with a sense of accomplishment.

Wrap up by summarising what they learned: “Today, we practised hopping like a bunny and skipping across the floor!”

Preview the next class briefly, so they have something to look forward to: “Next time, we’ll try a new jump!”

Lesson planning may seem daunting, but it’s the backbone of a successful dance class. For younger students, structure and simplicity are especially important.

By setting learning goals, preparing materials, and following a consistent routine, you’ll create a fun, respectful environment where kids can thrive. Part 2 of this series will explore techniques for older dancers, so stay tuned!

Teaching young dancers is incredibly rewarding. With these tips, you’ll be ready to lead classes confidently and professionally.