Dance to Learn® Podcast | The Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast

In this episode of the Dance to Learn® Podcast, host Jessica Strong dives deep into one of the most common struggles preschool dance teachers face: keeping young children engaged.Jessica breaks down: ✨ What engagement really means in a preschool dance setting ✨ What it looks like when little dancers are truly focused, curious, and invested ✨ And practical strategies for keeping attention strong from warm-up to goodbyesYou’ll learn:  ✔️  Why themes make dance concepts meaningful and memorable for little ones — helping their brains build connections through real-world, movement-based experiences.  ✔️  How multi-sensory teaching brings abstract ideas to life — using her signature Concept Play approach: See it. Say it. Touch it. Move it!  ✔️ And why props are magic keys in a preschool classroom — turning everyday steps into imaginative adventures that bridge the senses and keep kids excited to participate.Jessica also shares how to pause and reset when things get off track — and reminds you that engagement isn’t about perfection; it’s about meeting kids where they are and tapping into their natural curiosity and play.If you’re ready for more focus, more fun, and more connection in your classes — this episode is for you!📌 Join the conversation: Submit your questions in the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Forum on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/groups/preschooldanceteachersforum🏆 Accept the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge (Starting 7/1) — https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/back-to-dance-challenge🔓 Unlock your Dance to Learn® Library — https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-usSupport the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to Membership Insider, a mini series available on the Dance to Learn® Podcast which gives you a peek inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! Dance to Learn® is an all inclusive library of dance resources made for dance teachers who teach in the foundational years. The membership is designed to be your partner in dance education. Today I’m going to take you inside our Dance EdVentures™! Last week I introduced you to our Teacher Guides which are long descriptions of each Dance EdVenture™. While they can be printed, they are designed to be saved and read to understand the Dance EdVenture™ in more depth. Inside the guide we share the lesson plan description, the goals and objectives, a list of skills learned, a long description of each exercise and clickable links to the suggested songs and props needed for the Dance EdVenture™. Today I’m going to discuss our Follow Along Video Demonstrations included inside each Dance EdVenture™.Before I do, I want to remind you of Episode 2 of Membership Insider - where I discussed our Dance EdVenture™ Library which hosts over 100 Ready-to-Teach Dance EdVentures™! What is a Dance EdVenture™?Our Dance EdVentures™ are Conceptualized-Thematic Lesson Plans that are rooted in teaching 18 Dance Concepts through 12 monthly themes! Dance EdVentures™ are designed with the Whole-Child in mind as we create multi-sensory experiences throughout the class to ensure that we meet every child no matter where they are in their dance journey. Back to our Follow Along Video Demonstrations. We include Video Demonstrations for each and every activity and exercise included in our Dance EdVentures™. These Video Demonstrations break down each exercise, provide a how-to demonstration of the exercise with and without music and I even share important classroom management tips and tricks inside the videos. The Follow along demonstrations also include a demonstration of how to use and implement the suggested props as well as how to incorporate other props should you not have the exact recommended items. Allowing you take control of your classes using the items and materials you have. The Follow Along Video Demonstrations are designed for you to dance along with me so you can learn and practice the materials ahead of your classes! The best way to learn is through participation - that’s why our video demonstrations are prerequisites and must be watched 85% of the way through before moving on in your Dance EdVenture™. It’s an important part of successful planning and implementation of the Dance to Learn® Curriculum.If you’d like to see a Follow Along Video Demonstration in Action, I’ve shared a link in the Show Notes to a YouTube Video so you can explore this feature more.https://youtu.be/rLTCtd0DrHoNext week on Membership Insider, I’ll be taking you InsidSupport the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

In this episode of the Dance to Learn® Podcast, Jessica Strong gets real about the 5 biggest mistakes dance teachers make when structuring Parent and Me (Caregiver & Tot) classes — and how to fix them for good! Drawing from her own early missteps, Jessica shares why these classes are vital for early childhood dance programs, how to avoid common pitfalls like too much technique or structure, and why active caregiver involvement is essential for child success and family retention.✨ Plus, get a peek inside the upcoming Back to Dance Teacher Challenge and discover how to access Jessica’s Parent and Me Mini Course and ready-to-teach curriculum in the Dance to Learn® Library.📌 Join the conversation: Submit your questions in the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Forum on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/groups/preschooldanceteachersforum🏆 Accept the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge (Starting 7/1) — https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/back-to-dance-challenge📝 Explore the 10 Week Ready-to-Teach Parent and Me Dance Curriculum — https://library.dancetolearn.co/bundles/curriculum-mommy-teddy-bear-and-me🔓 Unlock your Dance to Learn® Library — https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-usSupport the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to Membership Insider, a mini series available on the Dance to Learn® Podcast which gives you a peek inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! Dance to Learn® is an all inclusive library of dance resources made for dance teachers who teach the foundational years. The membership is designed to be your partner in dance education. Today I’m going to take you inside our Dance EdVentures™! Last week I introduced you to our Lesson Plan Summaries, short one to two page printable summaries of the lesson plan! These are designed to be taken with you on the go so you have your lesson plan breakdown with you in class!  Today I’m going to share our Teacher Guides, longer, more in depth explanations of our Dance EdVentures™.Before I do, I want to remind you of Episode 2 of Membership Insider - where I discussed our Dance EdVenture™ Library which hosts over 100 Ready-to-Teach Dance EdVentures™! What is a Dance EdVenture™?Our Dance EdVentures™ are Conceptualized-Thematic Lesson Plans that are rooted in teaching 18 Dance Concepts through 12 monthly themes! Dance EdVentures™ are designed with the Whole-Child in mind as we create multi-sensory experiences throughout the class to ensure that we meet every child no matter where they are in their dance journey. Back to our Teacher Guides. Teacher Guides are long descriptions of each Dance EdVenture™. While they can be printed, they are designed to be saved and read to understand the Dance EdVenture™ more in-depth. Inside the guide we share the lesson plan description, the goals and objectives, a list of skills learned, a long description of each exercise and clickable links to the suggested songs and props needed for the Dance EdVenture™.The Guide also includes a Story Dance Pathway™ Obstacle Course Map as well as clickable links to props that can help you build the obstacle course inside your classroom. The Dance EdVenture™ Teaching Guides are educational tools to ensure you have the full understanding of not only the what, but the how and why you are teaching this lesson to your students! If you’d like to see a Dance EdVenture™ Teacher’s Guide in Action, I’ve shared a link in the Show Notes to a YouTube Video so you can take a Peek at a Dance EdVenture™ Teacher’s Guide.https://youtu.be/uMyApa1UoKYNext week on Membership Insider, I’ll be taking you Inside our Follow Along Video demonstrations! Unlock your experience with the links below! I look forward to seeing you inside the Membership! 🔓 Dance to Learn® Membership 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us🔓 Creative Dance Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/creative-dance-curriculum🔓 Ballet Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/ballet-curriculum🔓 Hip Hop Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/hip-hop-Support the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome back to the Dance to Learn® Podcast — the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Podcast with your host, Jessica Strong! This week, we’re wrapping up our special two-part series with the final 5 of 10 essential preparations every dance teacher should make before starting a new season.If you're ready to kick off your classes with confidence and connection, this episode is for you. These final steps cover everything from choosing the right music and props to engaging families, planning for flexibility, and supporting students with separation anxiety.🩰 In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:Curate the perfect movement-centered playlistEnhance learning through multi-sensory propsEngage families to improve student retentionStay flexible and responsive to class dynamicsEase separation anxiety with comfort strategies and Parent & Me classes🎉 Challenge Reminder! Don’t forget — the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge kicks off July 1st inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! You’ll receive tips, tools, and resources including: ✔ Email templates ✔ Printable visuals ✔ First class certificates ✔ Separation anxiety mini-course ✔ Bonus lessons and more! Accept the Challenge 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/back-to-dance-challenge📣 Want to be featured on the podcast? Join the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Forum on Facebook and submit your questions every Friday–Monday through our Ask the Pod post — or email Jessica at podcast@dancetolearn.co.📌 Links Mentioned in the Episode:Join the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge → https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-usPreschool Dance Teacher’s Forum (Facebook Group) → https://www.facebook.com/groups/preschooldanceteachersforumEmail your question: podcast@dancetolearn.coUntil next time… Happy Dancing!Support the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to Membership Insider, a mini series available on the Dance to Learn® Podcast which gives you a peek inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! Dance to Learn® is an all inclusive library of dance resources made for dance teachers who teach dance in the foundational years. The membership is designed to be your partner in dance education. Today I’m going to take you inside our Dance EdVentures™! Last week I introduced you to the 2 week teaching track - which is considered our fast track! This track breaks down our Dance EdVentures™ over a 2 week period allowing dance teachers to implement and explore more themes and dance concepts with their students throughout the season. Today I’m going to take you inside our Dance EdVentures™ so you can get a peek at what’s included! Before I do, I want to remind you of Episode 2 of Membership Insider - where I discussed our Dance EdVenture™ Library which hosts over 100 Ready-to-Teach Dance EdVentures™! What is a Dance EdVenture™?Our Dance EdVentures™ are Conceptualized-Thematic Lesson Plans that are rooted in teaching 18 Dance Concepts through 12 monthly themes! Dance EdVentures™ are designed with the Whole-Child in mind as we create multi-sensory experiences throughout the class to ensure that we meet every child no matter where they are in their dance journey. Each Dance EdVenture™ boasts several time-saving features for Dance Educators. Today I want to share our Lesson Plan Summaries! Lesson Plan Summaries are a short one to two page printable summary of the lesson plan! This is designed to be taken with you on the go so you have your lesson plan breakdown with you in class! The Summary includes a short breakdown of each Dance EdVenture™ Activity, a link to the suggested song on Spotify for each exercise, the list of props needed, as well as a Story Dance Pathway™ Obstacle Course Map! The Dance EdVenture™ Summaries save you time and ink as we wrap up your entire Dance EdVenture™ in a few pages which you can refer to as you teach! If you’d like to see the Dance EdVenture™ Summary in Action, I’ve shared a link in the Show Notes to a YouTube Video so you can take a Peek at a Dance EdVenture™ Summary.https://youtu.be/aXiOe--8ungNext week on Membership Insider, I’ll be taking you Inside our long Lesson Plan Guides! Unlock your experience with the links below! I look forward to seeing you inside the Membership! 🔓 Dance to Learn® Membership 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us🔓 Creative Dance Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/creative-dance-curriculum🔓 Ballet Curriculum 👉 htSupport the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to the Dance to Learn® Podcast — the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Podcast! In this episode, host Jessica Strong kicks off a special 2-part series breaking down the 10 Essential Preparations Every Dance Teacher Should Make before their first class of a new season. Whether you're a studio owner or preschool dance teacher, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you enter your season feeling confident, prepared, and excited.This week, Jessica shares the first 5 essential preparations, from lesson planning to transitions — all rooted in the Dance to Learn® Whole-Child, Conceptualized-Thematic approach. This episode also kicks off the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge, happening exclusively in the Dance to Learn® Community beginning July 1st!🩰 In This Episode You’ll Learn:How to plan your preschool dance class using dance concepts and themesWhy predictable routines reduce anxiety and help children feel safeHow to create a sensory-enriched environment that supports all learning stylesProactive classroom management strategies to avoid behavior challengesTips to master transitions and keep energy and focus flowing throughout class🎉 Challenge Alert! Join the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge — a 30-day, drip-format experience designed to help you prepare your classroom, welcome new families, and start the season strong. Includes bonus resources like printable class visuals, nurture email templates, and more! Starts July 1st — link in the show notes!📣 Want to be featured on the show? Submit your question during Ask the Pod (Fridays–Mondays) inside the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Forum on Facebook, or email Jessica at podcast@dancetolearn.co.📌 Links Mentioned in the Episode:Join the Back to Dance Teacher Challenge → https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/back-to-dance-challengePreschool Dance Teacher’s Forum (Facebook Group) → https://www.facebook.com/groups/preschooldanceteachersforumEmail your questions: podcast@dancetolearn.coJoin the Community → https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-usSupport the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to membership insider a mini series available on the Dance to Learn® Podcast which gives you peek inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! Dance to Learn® is an all inclusive library of dance resources made for dance teachers who teach the foundational years. The membership is designed to be your partner in dance education. Today I’m going take you inside our Teaching Tracks. Last week I introduced you to the 4 week teaching track - ideal for Dance Educators who have some familiarity with the Dance to Learn® Method and/or who are looking to teach a single lesson during the course of 1 month. Today I’m going to introduce you to our 2 week Teaching Track which is considered our Fast Track. Let’s Review what are the Teaching Tracks?Teaching Tracks are a schedule for dance educators to apply the Dance to Learn® Dance EdVentures™ over a multi-week schedule making application of the materials easier to implement. We created the Teaching Tracks to allow dance teachers more time to learn the Dance to Learn® Methods and Approach as well as to allow for adjustments to the materials to best fit into your classes and the needs of your students. Our Dance EdVentures™ are robust and detailed - which May feel overwhelming if you are new to our methods!Therefore we created 3 teaching tracks:The 2 week teaching track is our fast track - which allows dance educators to switch up the materials and lesson plans every 2 weeks! This track is ideal for someone who’s familiar with the Dance to Learn® Method and would like more variety in their classes!The 2 week track breaks up the class structure over 2 weeks allowing more themes and materials to be covered throughout a dance season. The track includes video demonstrations and a downloadable planner to help you schedule your lesson plans!If you’d like to see the 2 week track in action I’ve shared a link to the Membership Insider video available on the Dance to Learn® YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/QqZ25UUQ--EUnlock your experience with the links below! I look forward to seeing you inside the Membership! 🔓 Dance to Learn® Membership 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us🔓 Creative Dance Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/creative-dance-curriculum🔓 Ballet Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/ballet-curriculum🔓 Hip Hop Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/hip-hop-curriculum🔓 Tap Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/tap-curriculumHappy Dance EdVenturing!Support the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

In this episode of the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Podcast by Dance to Learn®, host Jessica Strong dives into a timely and often tricky topic: should dance studios allow children who are not potty trained to attend summer camps? Inspired by multiple posts in her Facebook feed, Jessica shares her approach to handling these common parent concerns with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.She discusses the legal limitations that prevent most dance studios from offering diapering services, the importance of communicating those limitations thoughtfully, and why turning families away isn’t always the best solution. You’ll hear real-life examples of accommodations that worked, how to reduce class disruptions caused by accidents, and why it’s better to include than exclude—when done responsibly.Key takeaways include:How to respond to potty training questions with empathyWhat licensing restrictions mean for your studioWays to include non-potty-trained children safely and professionallyWhy a flat-out “no” may damage your studio’s reputationA free email response template to help you navigate this issue with easeIf you’d like to have your own questions featured on the show, join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher’s Forum on Facebook and participate in our weekly #askthepod and #podtalk threads. Check the show notes for your free potty policy email template and to learn more about joining the Dance to Learn® Community. Links Mentioned:Join the Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-usJoin the Facebook Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/preschooldanceteachersforumEmail your questions: podcast@dancetolearn.coLearn more about Dance Dance Hooray: https://www.dancedancehooray.comFree Potty Training Email Templates: https://dancetolearn.kit.com/30d4827074Thanks for listening — and until next time, Happy Dancing!Support the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.

Welcome to membership insider a mini series available on the Dance to Learn® Podcast which gives you peek inside the Dance to Learn® Membership! Dance to Learn® is an all inclusive library of dance resources made for dance teachers who teach the foundational years. The membership is designed to be your partner in dance education. Today I’m going take you inside our Teaching Tracks. Last week I introduced you to the 6 week teaching track - ideal for Dance Educators new to our method and/or who are new to implementing a ready-to-teach Curriculum. Today I’m going to introduce you to our 4 week Teaching Track!What are Teaching Tracks?Teaching Tracks are a schedule for dance educators to apply the Dance to Learn® Dance EdVentures™ over a multi-week schedule making application of the materials easier to implement. We created the Teaching Tracks to allow dance teachers more time to learn the Dance to Learn® Methods and Approach as well as to allow for adjustments to the materials to best fit into your classes and the needs of your students. Our Dance EdVentures™ are robust and detailed - which May feel overwhelming if you are new to our methods!Therefore we created 3 teaching tracks:The 4 week teaching track helps a Dance Educator implement a single Dance EdVenture™ over a 4 week period. This track is for a Dance Teacher who has some familiarity with Dance to Learn®, and/or someone who has implemented a ready-to-teach curriculum in the past but would like to explore the same materials for at least one month. The 4 week track breaks up the class structure over 4 weeks allowing you time to become familiar with the material as well as make changes to suit the needs of your students. The track includes video demonstrations and a downloadable planner to help you schedule your lesson plans!If you’d like to see the 4 week track in action I’ve shared a link to the Membership Insider video available on the Dance to Learn® YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/U5ujPEhNkCcUnlock your experience with the links below! I look forward to seeing you inside the Membership! 🔓 Dance to Learn® Membership 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us🔓 Creative Dance Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/creative-dance-curriculum🔓 Ballet Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/ballet-curriculum🔓 Hip Hop Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/hip-hop-curriculum🔓 Tap Curriculum 👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/tap-curriculumHappy Dance EdVenturing!Support the showIf you want your Questions answered or to provide feedback to one of our Listeners, Join us in the Preschool Dance Teacher's Podcast where you can participate in #askthepod and #podtalk every Monday & Tuesday! Preschool Dance Teacher's Forum Follow Us: InstagramFacebookOur Membership: https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages/join-us Shop our Curriculum: https://library.dancetolearn.co/collections Hosted by Buzzsprout: Join over a hundred thousand podcasters, like Jessica, already using Buzzsprout to get their message out to the world.