The Value of Small Classes?

Many parents find themselves clamoring after what everyone else wants for their children, not even thinking about the fact that their child may be lost in the crowd of the most popular activity, event or class. Although large classes or groups may seem like a great idea, since so many others already believe it to be as well, a large group or class can actually make your child uncomfortable and cause them to hold back and not help to move them forward.

In large classes or events, the perceived  "natural athlete" or "dancer"  are almost always placed in a forward position to "assist the teacher or coach". The teacher or coach more than likely are believing that they are actually helping everyone by having others assist with the activity or class. but some go forward, others are pushed back.

When young students see other students that have been brought forward to "help the teacher", many start setting themselves up for failure but believing they must not be very good already, because they were not called forward to help. They start moving towards the back row or take a back seat to the training.

In a smaller class, there are no back rows or back seats to take. So everyone is given a chance to learn and grow. It does not mean that another student will not be used as a demonstrator. It does mean that the teacher or coach will not frantically scan the room for the perceived "natural" and has more time to look over every single student and find something that each, as an individual, does very well. So in a smaller class, you will actually see and experience more students "helping the teacher". No one gets pushed to the back.

Even if your child is very shy or introverted, a smaller class allows for a teacher to work slower in bringing every child to a full blossom of abilities and knowledge. Every child is given a chance and there is less comparing the students against each other. There is less of a need to rush each child to reach a certain standard, because there are so many students!

In an early childhood learning situation, smaller classes actually allows a child to learn more in an inviting environment where the teacher has time for them. A smaller class offers a more leveled field of opportunity for everyone. Students are happier, teachers are happier.

The value of smaller classes? It depends on how much you believe your child's happiness and enthusiasm is. If your child is hanging back in participating in the activity, school or class you have them in? Do they move to the background? Don't raise their hand enthusiastically? Smile going in and smile coming out? Do they complain that they have no friends? That no one likes them or someone always hurts them?

Smaller classes does not mean smaller value! After all, some of the nations top private school highly limit how many students are allowed to enroll each year. They know that success is there for every student that they let in through their doors. They are selective in hiring teachers. They are selective in admittance.

So is a smaller class, school or activity the right fit for your child? Only their enthusiasm and smiles will give the answer away.

Can Move-N-Learn Academy Help Home Schooled Children?

We believe that Move-N-Learn Academy can be a great supplement to your homeschooling! Home schooled children are more than welcomed at Move-N-Learn Academy. By being part of a small learning group, your child will enjoy the fun of developing friendships with the other children as well as enjoy the extra classes of dance, gymnastics, art, music and more.

Informed parents know the value of learning about the arts and being a part of the arts. Time and time again, you will find all kinds of articles on line that outline the value of being in an arts program. Move-N-Learn Academy is a nice blending of the preschool and pre-k academics needed for children ages 2-4 yrs and 4-5 yrs with the arts instruction, thus giving each child a great beginning in life.

As a private program, we offer even more than you could even imagine such as our computer lab, foreign language, American Sign Language, dance instruction, music instruction (actual instrument playing and theory), art, gymnastic and in the summer enhancement session, swimming lessons!

We invite all families to look into Move-N-Learn Academy as an option for their child's early learning. Visit our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com or our Facebook page at Move-N-Learn Academy of Woodward and Enid OK.

*Enid Move-N-Learn Academy opening January 2014
*Move-N-Learn is a non-accredited private learning opportunity

Can The Right Learning Environment Make A Difference?

It does if they know your child's name!! A welcoming environment where children are greeted every day by hearing their name called out with a smile can make a big difference in how your child approaches going to classes.

At Move-N-Learn Academy, all staff members work to make your child as comfortable as possible from the moment they walk in until the time they walk out. Greeting each child by their name as they come through the door is important. It let's them know that that their arrival is important and that we are happy to see them each and every time that they come. A smiling face that says "welcome to class" is comforting and supports their need to be recognized.

Each class starts with "I'm so happy to see....., I'm so happy to see....." while children smile and move to  music with the teacher. Every child is called upon to participate at the level they are comfortable with and no one is pushed beyond their level. Instead we help them to grow to a higher level of participation.

Catch them doing it right! Yes, every time! Teachers watch for the children to complete their skills correctly and catch them with high praise instead of always pointing out what they are doing wrong. This brings smiles and helps them to continue working hard because it is fun when the teacher knows they are in class and trying to do their best.

A proper learning environment is important. It is something all parents should take time in making their decisions as to what facility their child will attend class at.