Moving Thoughts #4: How I Started Teaching Preschool

Oh boy… preschoolers. This is something I’ve been wanting to share for a while, because there are really two sides to it.

The first is my *accidental* journey into teaching preschool. The second is something I think we don’t talk about enough—how to know if someone is actually suited to teach this age group.

Let’s start with something I’ve seen happen a lot in studios (and I’ve experienced it myself). New teachers often get placed in preschool classes because they’re new, eager, and willing. But from a business and student-experience perspective, I actually think the opposite should happen.

Your preschool classes are often a child’s *first* introduction to dance—and a parent’s first impression of your studio. That matters. A lot.

Putting a confident, experienced teacher in that room can make all the difference. These families are deciding whether dance becomes part of their child’s life. And preschoolers? They are LOYAL. If the connection is there, they stay.

Parents are watching for a few key things:

* Confidence in the teacher

* Ability to hold their child’s attention

* A clear sense that their child is learning and enjoying themselves

And here’s the truth—what we as teachers see as “progress” can look very different to a parent. If they don’t *see* it, they may not value it (and I say that with respect).

Anyway… back to my story (before I go on another tangent).

I didn’t choose preschool—it kind of chose me. I was placed there because a strong teacher was needed, and honestly, it was a learning curve. A big one.

Over time, I realized teaching preschool is *completely different* from teaching juniors or primary students. Once that clicked, everything shifted.

I learned:

* Less is more (in instruction)

* More is more (in engagement—props, obstacle courses, imagination)

* Play with purpose is everything

When I stepped back and really looked at what these dancers need—mentally, physically, and emotionally—it changed my entire approach.

And now? I genuinely love teaching preschool.

It’s the most exhausting class you’ll ever teach… but also one of the most rewarding. Because you’re not just teaching steps—you’re shaping a child’s very first experience with dance.

That’s a big responsibility. Whether we realize it or not, we help decide:

“Is this something I love?”

“Is this something I want to keep doing?”

We can’t control their path (and honestly, I encourage them to explore everything), but if there’s even a spark of interest—it’s our job to nurture it.

These classes are FUN. And I truly believe every teacher should experience preschool at least once. It gives you perspective. It reminds you where your advanced dancers started.

And when it’s done right? The foundation you build here shows up years later. You *see* it.

Okay… that turned into a bit of a rant

Next week, I’ll dive into: **How to know if teaching preschool is actually for you.**

In the meantime—what’s your experience with teaching preschool dance?

Did you fall into it like I did, or was it something you always loved? Let’s share below