Every studio is different. Some have windows where parents can watch class, others cameras and closed circuit TV’s, others an open door policy where everyone is allowed in at any time. Our studio has a semi-open door policy – parents are allowed in on specific weeks to watch all or part of class and even participate. We also work with the parents to help with separation of the younger ones at their own pace. But on a day to day basis parents are not in the room and here’s why.
Builds trust with their teachers Our students, especially our youngest dancers are trying to figure out this great big world and a large part of this is discerning who to trust. By showing them you trust us they are taking that in and making the connection that it is ok for them to trust us too. There are times they are really distressed as well, and by us bringing you back in they start to see that they can trust us to meet their needs. This also encourages them to come to us if there is a problem, be it anything from an untied shoe to having to use the bathroom and everything in between. Knowing they can come to us to meet their needs helps with trust greatly.
Encourages Separation By not having a parent in the room the students are learning that separation can be ok and that they can do a lot of things on their own. We work to foster that independence as they learn to accomplish tasks like changing their shoes and putting them away by themselves.
Let’s you appreciate their progress You know how when you haven’t seen someone in a while changes like weight loss or hair color are much more apparent? The same happens with dance class. Though small progress is made each and every week you truly appreciate it when you can see the large gains every 6 weeks or so. It also creates excitement in the students for the special days the parents get to watch and they get to show off.
Encourages Socialization In our classes students are encouraged to interact with other students and teachers. Sometimes children feel more free to do so when the parent isn’t in the room.
Makes others feel comfortable Please remember for the most part we teach small dancers. There are a lot of small friends that do not do well when there are a lot of big people in the room, especially ones they do not know. They may also be sensitive to noise and as parents we want to call out and correct our child. Multiply that by 10 or however many kids there are in the class and it can get chaotic.
Less Distraction The last reason is probably the most obvious. Children are incredibly perceptive and pick up on the fact that there are windows or cameras with TV feed that their parents can watch. This can lead to them sometimes worrying more about who is watching than what is going on in the class. As our littlest dancers are learning how to concentrate as it is any extra distractions don’t help.
Please know that even with this policy we are 100% committed to keeping you up to date if there are any problems or concerns as well as when your star shines that day in class. Communication is key to making everyone feel comfortable in the studio.
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