Author: misskatie721@yahoo.com

This is the follow up to dance and the preschooler which talks about the benefits of dance class for the pre-school aged child.

In part two we will talk about how you can incorporate movement using every day items around the house.

Do you have paper plates and a non carpeted floor? Go ice skating! This helps work on the gliding motion that is not so each for the little ones to feel. They want to pick up their feet and step instead of push off.

Do you have some hula hoops? Make a hop scotch board! For our 2-3 year old friend we like to line up 4 in a row so they practice jumping with 2 feet. Once they hit 4-5 we mix up the patterns sometimes weekly incorporating feet together and apart, diagonals and so much more!

Do you have an non-inflated balloon? Blow it up using your air (not helium) and toss and catch it with your child. The balloon floats slowly down as opposed to a ball (which would work also) giving little eyes time to sight it and work to catch it. Older friends can try to see how many times they can tap it in the air before it hits the ground or you can play volleyball together.

Do you have a shower pouf? You can practice body identification (can you put it on your head? Can you put it on your feet?), and explore different tactile sensations (dabbing spots, gliding strokes etc). We like to hand each child a pouf and after we have explored the shape and the feel ask them what they could do with it. Can you throw it? Can you roll it? Let them lead the exploration.

Lastly do you have a pool noodle? We cut them in three pieces and each child gets a piece. Again after exploring the shape, feel, color and size of the object we talk about what we can do with it and let the children lead the discussion. We have seen rocket ships, microphones, rolling pins, hammers, telescopes and more.

And if you just want to move I suggest you check out our get the wiggles out playlist. Many easy to follow along songs that you can do right in your living room.

Find it here: Get the wiggles out playlist

Got a favorite item for movement exploration?  Share it with us in the comments!

Thanksgiving is a time for reflecting on what we are thankful for.  I thought this year I would share my list of whom I am grateful for.

• For my parents who put me on this path and always supported what I wanted to do, even when I had no clue I wanted it or how I was going to make a living doing it.  Who continue to support myself and my family with babysitting, advice and the millions of other ways they do.
• For Miss Roseanna who trained me, let me vent when necessary, guided me and trusted me with her legacy.  I know you are watching us from up there and I hope we are doing you proud.
• For my husband who lends his ear, his handiwork, theatrical knowledge and his company discount to help make every day at Shooting Star the best one yet.
• For my brother who helped with so much of the digital aspect of setting this studio up and has always been willing to pitch in whether it be to correct my grammar or answer my never ending questions.
• For my children who are as patient as they can be when sharing me with my other children.  They spend countless hours at the studio and almost always enjoy it.
• For Miss Michelle who is always ready to scheme bigger and better things to bring to the studio with me as well as help to level me off when dreams may get a bit out of control.  She has taken on training our oldest dancers to the highest degree when I felt I couldn’t give my all to them and shines spectacularly at it.
• For Miss Nicole who is always there to back me up.  I can step away from a class knowing it will keep going in the way I want it to and I can take a sick day if needed and know the students will keep progressing.  She also has the great ability to bring so many visions to life and along with her mom is a whiz with our costumes taking sometimes not so great designs and making them something special.  The entire family helps in so many ways at the studio from changing light bulbs to helping set up for the show and we couldn’t do it without them,
• For Miss Brianna who always brings a great energy into the studio.  I know she is giving it her all each and every class and I appreciate all the hard work she puts into planning them.  I’m also thankful she kicks my butt in class several times a week so that I can keep up this busy life.
• For Miss Aurora who takes on managing our social media, making phone calls and setting our performance ups.  I couldn’t do it without you, and you have saved me so much time over the past few years that I am truly grateful for.
• For our students whose energy and accomplishments remind me daily why I love what I do.  Every time a student has a break through no matter how small it brings me such immense joy that they will probably never comprehend.  Our students are our backbone and we care about each and every one no matter how long it has been since we have last seen them.  Without you there would be no Shooting Star.
• For our parents who have entrusted their children to us.  I am forever grateful that you have chosen Shooting Star and myself in this step of your journey.  I hope you find the home like atmosphere we strive to create and enjoy your time here.  No matter how long it has been since you have been active at the studio know there is always a place in our waiting room for you.

I hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving season! Enjoy the time with friends and family and know we are thankful for you.