First Lesson for Parents Only?
Found in: Attendance, Coaches, Foundation Session
Stan M., Ohio
I have contemplated having the first lesson be for parents only. I have several parts that I would repeat the following week when the kids are there but I think there could be value in the first lesson being only parents.
I believe one of the benefits would help solidify the partnership between the parent and the teacher. It would also allow certain parts of the conversation that younger kids feel aren’t directed at them (and in some perspective they aren’t), to unfold without the parents being distracted by a fidgety kid and a first lesson impression of “this is really boring my kid”. I would also have the parents solidify their response to their commitment so when asked in front of the student the following week, the parents can assert a strong affirmation. In addition, I would send them home to watch the “Welcome” part of the intro videos, my policy statement, etc, so we can hit the pavement running the following week.
I would still cover and repeat things again the following week but I believe it would really lock in the parents required focus in the process. Thoughts?
Kylie S., Australia
I am a first-timer with SM so I don’t have much background or experience to back this up, but I really see value in what you’ve suggested.
Running my first lesson this week, I thought long and hard how to make it appropriate to young restless children. Basically, I had to condense a lot of what I would have liked to say (and will have to expand on later) as it’s just difficult for young children to sit through a long discussion which is in parts, more relevant to the parents.
Karina C., California
I have a basket in my studio with these great wooden blocks – a real pleaser for little ones. And they make great things without being told how to…just like what we do with the all the patterns we learn on the keyboard. I like having all the kids there if possible and it gives me a good idea how the parents manage being in the environment. The kids love playing with the blocks (they are all uniform in color – wood – and shape) and when we’re done they just put them back in the basket. Works like a charm!