Are you Real or are you Fake!
Christmas Tree that is ! . I am a real kinda of girl ! . I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree. I enjoy the entire procedure of choosing the tree, bringing it into the house, fighting with it, through the door way etc etc ! . Yes its a bit of a rigmarole, for purely just a tree which then gets composted 2 weeks later, but for me that’s part of the Christmas build up. A new Christmas tree requires fresh creativity within the choices of tinsel, lights and babules. For me it wouldn’t be the same unpacking a tree from a box, straightening the branches,…. and then that’s it !.
Working with children and delivering Dance sessions are exactly the same as the Christmas Tree scenario. I love the challenge of working with new children and new schools. You never know just quiet what you are unleashing when you release the netting.
Each session, school and lesson is different. So although you may be working towards a familiar outcome ie your topic may be Egyptians, how you get to the finished piece of work will differ every time. Just like decorating a tree, the planning process is the same, ie lights on first, tinsel, then finishing with ornament s and baubles. It simply is not a process of opening the box and unfolding the branches
Children are exceptional at working out if, as a teacher you are Fake or Real! I never understood why people work with children if they don’t like them! No one is that good at being Fake! Children will see through that disguise immediately!
Don’t make Fake promises when working with children. Children are brilliant at remembering promises of rewards. If you have made a promise of a reward upon achievement or good behaviour honour that reward. If you don’t then
that reward system will be obsolete and its unlikely that you will be able to hook children with that system ever again, as they will not trust you.
When critiquing children about technique, choreographic development or movements be truthful and selective with your comments. Be mindful of your comments worth. Often when I am teaching I am too exuberant with my praise. I over praise behaviour which really should be standard ie working quietly or working as a team. I know that sound harsh, but being over exuberant with praise, then doesn’t allow for extra valued praise ! . Being truthful with them will encourage them to find that little bit extra to make the next bit of work even better.
So next time working with children remember which kind of Christmas Tree you are !.
Caroline DanceLady
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