Parent Observation

Parent Observation

The first class is an important one for young children - for many, it may be their first school experience. It is often harder for you as a parent to leave your child for the first time than it is for the child, but your child can't really establish a trusting relationship with their teacher if they don't think you trust them enough to leave them alone. Also, concentration, focus and understanding are easier for children when the class can proceed without interruption of observers coming in & out.

If your child is frightened in the beginning and does not want to come into the studio, we will allow you to sit in the classroom and watch the class together. Some children may want you to stay for just a few minutes; others may need your presence for a few classes. We will encourage your child to participate but they will need to do so in their own time. As soon as your child feels comfortable to dance on his/her own we ask that you quietly leave the room. Even watching the class by themselves is the first step towards participation. Please do your best to come to class each week and arrive on time - these consistencies are great contributors to a student's feeling of security. Even if you think it isn't working, please give your child at least a month to become accustom to the studio and the dance lesson before you drop your child from dance. Some children will adjust right away, some take a little longer than others, especially if this is their first experience in a structured setting/classroom.

ŤOnce your child adjusts to their new class, our policy is that the viewing windows will be open for parents only to observe during the first week of the month in September, October, November and April. This is for your child's benefit. When the blinds are open, they feel they have an "audience" & must entertain you. They will have a more beneficial class when they are allowed to concentrate without being watched over. Also, if your child can see you during the lesson, they will never learn to trust me as their teacher.
Having just a few observation days will allow you to see your child's progress without becoming "numb" to their weekly activities. While observing your child's class, if you see that the children are distracted by their observers, please step away from the viewing window. No tapping on the viewing window or trying to talk to your child during class.

Please remember that the waiting area is NOT soundproof. We ask that you keep your conversations low and be courteous to those in class, even if it is before or after your child's class, as other children may be starting or finishing their own lesson. We love babies and children, but since the waiting room is not soundproof, please do not bring siblings to sit in the lobby during class. Your dancer will get much more out of their class without worrying about who is playing, squealing or crying in the lobby. Observation days are only for parents. Please do not use this as a chance to entertain grandma, grandpa, aunts, cousins, friends, etc. They will all have an opportunity to see your child perform at the recital in June, when your child is ready for an audience.

We reserve the right to ask any disruptions to the class to be taken outside the building.

Visitor since 8/12/2008
Counter provided by Andale.