Consistency in the classroom
Consistency in the classroom – why does it work?
Dance is an art, but dance is also a discipline. In dance, when we think of discipline, we think of its Latin origins “disciplina” which is “to learn or to teach”. It is something that takes practice and work, and consistency. Consistency in the classroom is a key component in the training process. When we teach something, we want to make sure it sticks, so we must review it again and again. Then we need to practice it until the technique is perfected. Here at the Method Dance Program we have attempted to create consistency within each level, but also across the entire program.
How do tracking tables help maintain consistency?
Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t remember if you have taught something to a class already? Students also forget! You can ask them, “have you learned this yet?” but it’s unlikely you’ll get a definitive response. Inevitably some students will respond with yes and some no. The only way to really know the answer is to track it. Not only that, but to really be consistent, you need to plan your entire year in advance to ensure the correct saturation of each concept, step and technique. Our tracking tables assist you in 2 very important areas: 1) Keeping track of what you have taught and the frequency, 2) Planning the year ahead to ensure each step is taught, reviewed, and practiced.
Consistency from beginning to end
When you get a fresh class of 6 year old students looking up at you, eager to learn to dance, you are not likely thinking of the day they will graduate from high school and take their last bow with you, but you should be. The reason you should be, is because you should be planning for what level they will be dancing at when they get to that point, and the journey they need to take in order to get there. Planning their pathway to get to their senior year is the gift that you as a teacher give to them.
It’s not enough to know what you want them to know, but you need a plan to get there. With the Method Dance Program, we give you the map of how to get there! Every lesson, every week, every year. It’s been tried and tested, and teachers have seen consistent training year over year using our program.
Consistency in the classroom isn’t always easy – plan for that
We know dance teachers are creative people and being consistent isn’t always easy. You get distracted and want to teach a fun combination or routine. Or maybe would rather work on competition dances. You need to run solos the week before competition. The list goes on. We know it’s tough to stay on track. What you need to do is plan for that.
The method dance program only has 30 weeks of lessons. Most programs offered by studios have 32 – 35 week long years. So, take those extra weeks to do something fun. Another great way to ensure you stay on track is to offer a choreography or “combo” class right after your tech classes. We used to love this combination because you know you’ve got an hour of tech, but then you get to jump in to an entire class of creative freedom! We know you’re in the middle of planning for next year, give it a try! You won’t regret it.
Want to learn more about lesson plans? Click here!
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Here is a sample of one of our tracking tables. In this table you can see we have planned every week for each of the listed exercises. It’s a year at a glance!
