Should My Child Be Taking Classes During Covid-19

  Many studios and gyms across our nation have been working hard at developing new systems of class delivery and health protocols during this time of COVID-19. Some have been forced to be "locked down", and others have been working with area health officials, their insurance provider and their faculty and staff to continue to deliver their services to their area families. It has been a time of high stress, uncertainty and fear.

  But through it all, this is what we know. Children are not made to be locked down, They are a creature of constant movement, giggles and fun. Movement is their release for stress. Movement helps them to think and even work better in school. The one thing that should not be taken away, for any reason, is movement classes. Especially movement classes that actually teaches self confidence and resilience. Stopping these type of classes is like asking the person to stop breathing.

It is very important to a child to be in their movement classes right now. It is where they make and maintain friends that have a similar interest in having fun. It is where the music brings a playful mood or feeling. It is where the real world dissolves and the magical world, that all children want and need as a mental escape, appears. 

Movement classes offer so much for a child's growth and self esteem, that many movement instructors believe that it is vital to to all children's mental, physical and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. And we believe that fully as well here at Academy of Fine Arts. It is why we are still offering classes and lessons, either virtually or in person.

Movement classes, music lessons and art classes have all been found to be beneficial to our well being as humans. It is why a brisk walk can lift your spirits and help with stress. It is why when you listen to calming music, you no longer are anxious. It is while painting a landscape , you may find yourself smiling. 

Instead of classes and lessons being thought of as an extra expense during a frightening pandemic, these may actually be the just right prescription to a healthier immune system. Classes and lessons can also be a happy distraction from every frightening moment due to COVID-19 and such great chaos and unrest in the world. 

There are many options for classes and lessons right now, from a free class on Facebook, to Zoom classrooms, in person small group classes and even private lessons. After 12 months of fear and uncertainty, it just may be the right time to research for a location that has 

1) health protocols in place, 

2)options for virtual or in person,

 3) private or small group classes, or 

4) an occasional free virtual class in your area.

Mary Myers is the Owner/Director of Academy of Fine Arts of Woodward OK

 

                                                 Confidence Building

Recently,  AMightyGirl.com website published an article about young girls losing their confidence level by 30% starting at age eight years through fourteen years. The article, which we encourage you to read in full, mentions that before age eight, a girls confidence level compared to boys of the same age group, is about the same. The authors of  The Confidence Code for Girls.  Katty Kay and Claire Shipman  go on to explain that "as girls approach adolescence, that openness to risk and failure becomes buried under an avalanche of biological and cultural signals telling them to be careful, value perfection, avoid risk at all possible costs. Parents and society reinforce a lot of these messages and behaviors at the same time that girls' brains are being flooded with estrogen, which heightens emotional intelligence and curbs risk. Not because we are bad, but because there is such a premium on "doing well", especially today". Hence, their Confidence Code for Girls and The Confidence Code Journal. We have not read this book as of this writing, but it has been placed at the top of our reading list. We are adding a link to the AMightyGirl.com article at the bottom of this blog article.

         This article was very timely, since I was recently in conversation with a parent that was inquiring           about the value of classes and lesson. Here is what I know from over all the years of instructing.            Students that started as toddlers or early elementary, and stayed in weekly lessons through their               senior year of high school, only seemed to become more confident and out going. A family                    encouraging their child to continue lessons (and some whose parents never gave an option to drop          class or lessons) only grew into strong minded, self directed, highly intelligent young adults.                  Everyone of our students that were  young when starting and stayed in classes through high school          graduation, went on to college and graduated with degrees. 

         These young adults are all successful in their careers. Many with multiple degrees and                             doctorates.  Some are business owners, others work in healthcare, school teachers, One even                   works in  the administration office of a  professional Ballet Company and another is a director                 for  a community based  activity center, directing "non sports activities", which includes dance. 

         When these students started classes and lessons with us, they had no expectations of what they               would be as an adult. They were there for fun, and we delivered it to them. Their parents had                   them in class to have fun, learn a few dances, be in a recital and get some exercise. 

         Class benefits are many and we will not go over each one at this time.. But one benefit is very                 important during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is the mental health benefit.                   According to an Oxford University study  July 8,2019 "Dance improves mood and can reduce                symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dancing, or moving to music with others, encourages and               increases social bonding with strangers." Joining in class with others is enjoyable and allows a              child to grow socially. Since dance classes are based on age and levels, it allows a child to explore          and learn on an equal ground with others. This means everyone is trying something new, and there          is a more equal chance of everyone experiencing  a  success, failure and success again pattern.

       Unlike sports that are limited to a small  number of members on a team, with many                                 sitting on the bench while only a few actually play, dance classes and groups are limited in size               so that  ALL attendees get to participate fully and benefit. This makes dance feel safer when                   trying movements, without so much fear because the majority of the class is all on the same level            of  learning there is support from others in the class and less fear of being mocked for failing.                This is especially true in studio settings that have a mission statement that is openly shared on a              daily basis through words and actions. 

       Students over the many years that have came through our doors at Academy of Fine Arts of                    Woodward, knowing that if a mistake is made, it is an opportunity to grow and not cave in. With           each new "try", they become stronger and more resilient. With each new skill learned, they become       more confident and giving towards others. I am happy that I have had this lifetime of                               opportunities to experience this with so many young people.  

      Has every student that has came through our doors been like those I just mentioned? Unfortunately        no. There are more that have not been as successful as those that have. What is the difference? I              believe it is family dynamics. Some families are just "trying out" an activity for their child. Others          have looked for something that  their child could grow with and lead to opportunities. These                    parents usually put the "if we start, you have to stay in  for the duration" up front and expect their          child to follow through. ( I actually did this with my children about joining band. Being a former           high school band member, I knew you cannot get the full benefit of band, without seeing it all the           way through your senior year. This even included school athletics and there was never an option to         give up dance and gymnastics either. It was tough, but they learned to manage their time and all did       very well in college,) 

     So sometimes sticking out the duration of dance or any other activity is a family affair. But doing so       it has its reward in learning to work together and to manage time. Sticking out dance through the            12th grade year has major benefits also in confidence building, body image and  learning to follow         through until the end of any project. Future employers love those skills!

     I do intend to purchase and read the book mentioned at the beginning. I think every parent should.        But not because you want your child to have more confidence. The book may just really open doors        for parents more so than their daughter. It just may, and I say may because I have not read it yet, help      parents to help their child to plan for long term benefits of activities by developing a plan from the          beginning for success. The link I promised is below. Read the book and then tell me what you think. 

https://www.amightygirl.com/the-confidence-code-for-girls

        Mary Myers is the Director/Owner of Academy of Fine Arts of Woodward, OK

   

            

    

   

         

 

 

          

         

 

Health Protocols??

 

We just finished up with the last of the piano students today, and while cleaning the surface area with our trusty Chlorox Wipes, I reminded myself that our cleaning and sanitizing protocols is no different than flu season. It just so happens that this "flu season" so far has lasted almost ten months! The only thing different from any flu season from any other year is that teachers and staff are required to wear a mask when working with our students. 

We do recommend that students wear masks as well, at this time, but it is up to their parents if they wear then during instruction time. This is fine for now while the numbers in our community are low. But if they rise to an alarming level, students will be required to wear a mask during instruction.

Of course we do have other protocols as well, to continue this COVID-19 journey. Keeping our students safe and the studio open is a priority after all. We understand that our studio is a place of release and laughter for many of our students. And music and movement can help release their stress and maintain a healthy mental state.

Stay well every one. Take care of your love ones. 

School Option For A New Age

Five years ago, we opened our ASPIRE Integrated School Option program. It's a public virtual school blended with our performing and fine arts programs for K-12. The idea and dream was that it allowed children to spend their day in a facility filled with huge opportunities in dance, music, art, performance gymnastics and acrobatics, while completing their school studies. 

We knew five years ago that this model of school was no different than children in elite gymnastics gyms, Broadway theaters or Hollywood having tutors on site while they worked out or worked on their theater craft.  We saw it as a way that students could have more time for performing and fine arts. Or being a part of a competitive dance or gymnastic team.

Today, ASPIRE Integrated School Option is in the forefront as a school choice for area children, due to the  COVID-19 pandemic. It is sad that the pandemic has so many families concerned about their child's education and safety. But the virtual teachers with the Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools we use are well trained in virtual education on a daily basis, so their is no concerns, stresses or anxiety about delivering a great school experience. They have been doing this for years now! And so have we. 

We are BACK! I'm going to get a little personal for a moment.

No, we did not go anywhere. It has just been many months since posting anything to our BLOG. So long, we did not even realize that Blogger has updated their look and style a bit! 

Why such a long time between posts? Family. Sometimes you just have to take a break and take care of family. And that is exactly what we did. Specifically, the absence was due to me needing to help take care of my parents needs, mostly my dad. Dad passed in May and I am beginning to catch my breath.....at least I think I am. Daddy had dementia for almost 30 years. 

I bring up my Dad because he was the beginning of what I now do. Daddy was a musician. Actually a very good musician. But he never had a lesson in his life. He played multiple instruments, guitar, western steel guitar, mandolin, piano, a little bit of banjo. And he played them all by ear.

Daddy would sit next to me at the piano and watch me practice. He would look at the music books I had in front of me and would say, "Looks like chicken scratches to me."  Then he would play the piano with me. Me playing from my books and Daddy adding chords. He is the one that taught me chords before I was even ready to learn them from Mrs. Evans, my first piano teacher.

Music was always in our house. From my uncles, aunts and cousins gathering at our house on the weekend to join in  the playing of music, to Daddy listening to his Gospel records on Sunday mornings. Music was a big part of our world, an important part of our world.......we just did not realize it at the time.

When Daddy started having to walk with a walker and was slowing down some, I got the idea to build him a Pandora account with all of his old country musicians he loved so much. I would turn it on when we would walk in the house. He and I would circle around from the living room to the dining room, then the kitchen and hallway that lead back to the living room. Some days, he would only walk four or five times around. Other days, he would walk as much as thirteen to twenty two times around ( I would write down each day how many times so it could be given to his physical therapist that visited him at home.). 

Daddy actually started getting stronger in his legs and would walk in tempo to the music, which made us laugh. When a quick two step would come on, I actually had a hard time holding onto his safety belt due to him walking to the tempo! Daddy really loved music. And I really love music, but I loved my Daddy more.

At his funeral, during the COVID-19 pandemic with so many regulations concerning safety at funerals, they played recorded music of Johnny Cash singing Amazing Grace and Alan Jackson singing I'll Fly Away. The morning of the day that Dad passed, he was in his wheel chair listening to music and I'll Fly Away came on. Daddy started nodding his head and tapping the beat with his fingers. When the song finished, he looked at me and smiled a crooked little smile. I said to him, "You really like that song." He responded with "Yeah". 

Early that evening, while setting in his recliner, my Daddy was sleeping and he took his last breath. No lengthy hospital stays or nursing home. He stayed home with mom, my husband and I,.............and his music. Music was his special drug that made everything bearable. It helped when he was in pain or could not sleep. It expressed when he was sad or happy. For many months it was the only way he could walk any distance.

Music has always been a part of my life in my home growing up, at school in the Junior and Senior High Schools, and in  my studio. I listen to music more than I even watch TV. Now music has even a more special part in my life. It holds the memories of my Daddy.

Mary Myers is the Owner and Director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward , Oklahoma.

Why ASPIRE Integrated School Option Makes Sense

UPDATED:
ASPIRE Integrated School Option is a K12 education program at Academy of Fine Arts that allows students to attend Oklahoma Virtual Public School in a private setting.  For five years we closely watched Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools, talked to teachers that teach in the virtual setting, talked to administrators of Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools and visited with parents of students that chose the Oklahoma Virtual Public School option instead of a more traditional setting.

Five years ago, we officially opened the ASPIRE Integrated School Option at Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward.. Although small in attendance so far, the arts based setting has proven to be a success for those students and families that have joined us on this adventure. ASPIRE blends progressive Oklahoma Virtual Public School with the arts based classes such as dance, acrobatic dance, gymnastics, music lessons and art. Other classes to enhance the arts learning includes music theory, dance history, anatomy and technique.

ASPIRE Integrated School Option for K-12 is a great transition from our arts based preschool and private pre-k,  Move-N-Learn Academy, which began in 1986. Move-N-Learn Academy has prepared hundreds of students for Kindergarten, and now they have the opportunity to stay in the location where they started their journey of learning.

ASPIRE students also receive perks such as membership in Lead to Succeed, a leadership training  group for ages 7 - 18 yrs, and free evening classes at Academy of Fine Arts. They also receive instruction from some of the top dance teachers and choreographers in the US through a partnership with CLI Studios in Hollywood CA, and the opportunity to attend music festivals and competitions, dance workshops and conventions, master classes presented in their art by master teachers and more.


What is Oklahoma Virtual Public School?

First of all, Let's share a bit more information about Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools in general. Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools are accredited charter schools in Oklahoma under the guidance of the State Virtual School Board. Each virtual charter school has their own school board as well as administrators.

They have state certified teachers to instruct and teach the students. Through the use of the internet, they present lessons, show examples, converse live with students and the class, while the students can ask questions or comment by virtually hold up their hand during a live lesson. The students can also use the chat pod to give clarification to other students that are stating they do not understand something. Teachers also are required to be in contact with the students by phone and available at field trips and school events.

The administrators we have met, were once  teachers in Oklahoma's brick and mortar schools. Some serving in a public teaching position for as much as 20 years. When we asked Tammy Shepherd, Principal of Oklahoma Connections Academy, why she changed to a virtual school setting, the answer we got was "I believe it is the school of the future." And we believe that to be so too.

Second, these Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools may just be a better setting for some students. The courses are challenging and progressive. Depending on the grade level, students can have four to eight lessons a day plus one to four live lessons with teachers weekly or even daily. The pace is brisk and the day is filled with energy and  school work. No time for boredom for sure. But for the right student, it can mean being finished with school for the day by 1:00 pm or working ahead a day or two.

Completing lessons early or being ahead of schedule can mean that that student now has time to participate in enhancements to the lessons, or following a favorite passion such as dance, music or sports. It also means the possibility of more time for family or just play and being a kid.


Why do we believe that Oklahoma Virtual Public School could be a consideration for your child? Why should you inquire about it?

Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools appear to be training students more for the future. Classes such as Educational Technology is teaching skills in using technology that is above the level of the typical computer classes and software classes I personally have attended at Vo-Tech classes and conferences. They are teaching the skills in a fun way that allows kids to learn and relates to their world. Not by computer games, but by class work. Work that relates to their other classes and trains them to use the full capability of computers. More so than the average adult knows and uses now.

They also are training students through health and fitness courses that teaches the necessity of living an active life and that life is not playing on a computer or iPad. Health and fitness courses that mandates tracking of their daily, weekly and monthly physical activity helps with checks and balances of what a healthy physical life is about. Just because it is a virtual school, it does not mean hours and hours of setting, if managed the way it is managed at ASPIRE Integrated School Option. It does mean learning to be accountable for your health and fitness level, or lack of.

The students of the Information Age are also learning about different resources throughout the internet in locating the most current information, whether is is surfing through logs on the NASA site for current information about planets or other sites and updated PDF's. Information is more current online than in most text books (although virtual students do use textbooks to reference from time to time as well).  And information can be updated quickly online for the most current facts and details.

When the teachers call, they ask the student "How are you doing today?" "Do you need any help from me today?", "Can you tell me about your day?". "What would you like to talk about?" . But better yet, if the student does need to talk to them, even on an unscheduled day, their phone number is available to the student and their families for assistance and support. If the student or parent needs a face to face meeting on a lesson,  they go into the teachers Live Lesson room. Always happy to help.

Families can use Oklahoma Virtual Public School at home. It is free to any school age child residing in the boundaries of the state of Oklahoma. A parent must be able to commit to 4 - 6 hours a day of being with the child to assist them on their school journey. But if this cannot happen, this is where ASPIRE Integrated School Option can fill the gap with Learning Coaches.There is a fee for the Learning Coach and the student coming to Academy of Fine Arts for their school day.

So many times, families are forced to have their children give up activities, the arts an sports, in favor of the student being able to keep up with homework. Many young, gifted people leave classes, lessons and sports because they cannot g keep up with the huge amount of homework when attend school in other settings. "School comes first", says the parent. But at ASPIRE Integrated School Option, arts classes, fitness/sports training and participating in sports is easier, because when they complete their lessons under the guidance of a Learning Coach (who can only have up to five students), there is NO HOMEWORK. So kids get to stay in classes or training's where their passion lies.

Many families state that they had to call off a family outing on the weekend because their child had to work all weekend on their homework. Family time is scarce and almost totally forgotten. But when a student has their own personal Learning Coach that is keeping them on task daily Monday Through Friday, lessons are completed on time and the weekend is given back to the family to spend time together.Time to get to know each other again and have fun.


So why do we believe that ASPIRE Integrated School Option makes sense?

When you combine Oklahoma Virtual Public School and the learning coach services of the ASPIRE Integrated School Option at Academy of Fine Arts, a whole new world opens up for your child and family. They no longer hate or fear school, but love to come to learn.

ASPIRE is a great setting for students and families that prefer a progressive curriculum and setting. One that fits their needs for more brain breaks using physical activity such as sports training, dance, yoga, gymnastics, acrobatics, art and fitness. Besides having a scheduled day, when a student needs a break, their learning coach has the ability to allow them a break. They can use this break to read for enjoyment, free play (younger students), play music, compose music, stretch their bodies and more. ASPIRE is an environment that allows for movement and you will never hear "please sit still".

A lot of articles have been written about the value of the arts being a major part of a child's education. Many life and executive skills can be learned through the study of the arts no matter what their course of study in college takes them. Critical thinking skills, personal management, organizational skills, are just a very few. The arts also helps to build self esteem, allows for creative thought and action, the ability to cooperate and work with others and many more. Being in a setting that encourages the participation in the arts is setting your child on the pathway to personal success.

The arts is also a setting that allows for mistakes and the time to learn from mistakes. It the arts, students learn that a mistake is a sign that you are still learning and that you just keep trying until is is mastered. This is a skill most employers would love to see in employees, instead of the giving up or passing the project on to "someone else smarter". In the right arts based setting, your child will learn to grow as a person as well as a student.

As stated earlier, the Oklahoma Virtual Public Schools are training and educating students for the future. After all, it takes many years to publish new text books. There has to be a first draft, editing, second draft, more editing and possibly a third draft before it is ever ready for publication. After publication, the books then sit in a warehouse waiting to be purchased by a school district. More waiting. But life and world events do not wait. They happen everyday. With virtual books and materials to study, edits to the information can happen shortly after the historic event.

School publications online, can be easily edited and then goes out to everyone immediately. No waiting and falling more behind on the current information that is needed to meet the current college entrance or job employment. It just makes sense that today's, students need their school courses in a timely matter and not when it is all historical. We think most parents will believe and want this for their child as well.

Why does Oklahoma Virtual Public School make sense inside an arts academy? 

Why not? An Oklahoma public education offered in a private setting that offers the arts and sports training. It just might be the best environment for many kids. Just think, an environment that encourages movement, music making (and that means noise), physical activity and artistic endeavors.

When a student is frustrated with their studies, at ASPIRE they can go work out, play their instrument, sketch or dance to refocus then return to their studies. Or if they are really interested in learning more about the subject they are studying, they can take part of their school day to do more research and learn more.

More and more articles and research into the value of learning to play an instrument appear in the news, magazine and internet. Research shows that learning music should be a top priority for young children, teens and adults. In most school settings, children experience music from a couple of times a  week to every day depending on grade. But if there is any extension of the music, such as a true music theory class, that most likely is done after school. At ASPIRE, music theory is a part of the school day and week.

The body and brain connection is not new. Articles abound on the internet, in magazines and books. But in a setting that offers dance (tap/jazz/ballet/contemporary/clogging), gymnastics and acrobatics, yoga, sports training and more, there is a daily opportunity for students to participate in physical training.  Some studies have referenced these arts based classes as a link to doing better in school for young children and teens. Others mention the value of stress relief most children benefit from by participating in the arts.

Whether your child's passion is performing or fine arts, or not, the presence of these classes in your child's daily school schedule means they receive breaks from their general studies that also helps with fitness and brain function. Is you child feeling stressed about math? They can go to a piano studio within the facility and practice their music, returning when they have calmed down and can think again. Or move to the dance studio or gym and work out physically, returning to the studies ready to complete them.

The pairing of Oklahoma Virtual Public School and the classes at ASPIRE also means that if your child's passion is the arts, they now have more time available to them to train. More time for personal coaching. More time for technique. More time to attend conventions, competitions, workshops, etc.

If your child's passion is not the arts, but sports, being at ASPIRE allows for more time to train as well! And we already know the benefits of dance training for athletes.

More flexibility. More arts or sports training. More personal time. More family time. Attending Virtual Public School in an arts based setting may just be the educational setting that makes your child happy. And is that not what parents ultimately want for their children?

We invite parents in the Woodward area to take a look at ASPIRE for their child. Oklahoma Virtual Public School is FREE to all children 5 yrs - 18 yrs living in Oklahoma. ASPIRE does have a fee to cover the Learning Coach fees.

So why does ASPIRE Integrated School Option Make Sense?  Ask your child because we are sure they know the answer.



Mary Myers is the Director and Owner of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward OK

Why Lead to Succeed?

Last month, we started a new group at Academy of Fine Arts that all registered students, ages 7 - 18 yrs can opt to be a part of. The group is about learning to be a leader in school, classes at AOFA and in the community, and is at no extra charge to participating families.

September was our first meeting and most of the meeting was talking about what leadership is and what qualities do we think a leader has, or brings to different events and situations. It was a very enlightening time for all in attendance.

So why offer children an opportunity to learn about leadership and develop leadership skills of their own? Because becoming a strong leader takes time. Just like growing from a child to an adult cannot happen, learning to be a true leader takes time to mature as well. After all, leadership is more than just making better choices or being a big boy or girl. Leadership skills of true leaders, tend to start to develop as a child and teen.

I was invited into leadership training when I was ten years of age. I was involved with lessons as a student when the head of the program approached my parents about me becoming more than just a student of the course. She explained that I would continue to learn and improve my skills in the course I was participating in, but I would also learn to assist the instructors, be a demonstrator and learn leadership skills as well. This lady, that saw something special in my abilities, started me on one of the most wonderful adventures of my life...... teaching and leadership.

Over the years, I have had many opportunities to listen to and be trained by some of the worlds greatest personal development leaders. Jack Canfield, Les Hewitt, Michael Gerber, Fran Hewitt, Darren Hardy, Les Brown, Dave Crenshaw, Jim Abrams, Jim Rohn,  Dave Rendall, Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford to just name a few. Each with their own specialties and viewpoints, have helped me to develop into a leader for many different groups and organizations. Their knowledge about personal development and leadership growth continue to influence my life.

Now it is time to share this wealth of knowledge and training with a different group, our students at Academy of Fine Arts. As I stated before, last month we learned and discussed what leadership is and what it is about. We also discussed qualities of a leader. This month, we continue the conversation and will learn time management skills that leaders use to stay on track. Other things we will be discussing is switchtasking/multitasking versus prioritizing, planning and scheduling. Because these are all skills that help a person to be in position to lead.

As the months go by and the group grows in skills, we will be reaching out to others in our classes, school, homes and community with projects to continue the growth of leadership. We will also be learning skills as to how to supports others on their leadership journey. And we will also explore challenging others in the group to explore how they can put their leadership skills to use outside of the group and Academy of Fine Arts/

If you, as a parent, is unsure about your child dedicating one Saturday morning a month to this adventure, I suggest that you visit with me or allow them to attend a couple of meetings to see what your child's response is to the experience. Registered students age 7 - 18 yrs may attend and participate. We do hope to see your child this Saturday at Lead to Succeed.


Mary Myers is the owner and director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward, OK

Did Walmart Kill The Power Of The Sticker?

 Teachers and parents throughout  more than a few generations have used stickers to reward children for good behavior or good work on their school papers. But, have you found lately that children are less than interested in stickers lately? That the "sticker" seems to of lost it's special super powers?

 Some could say that stickers are not as rewarding today as they were before the internet age. Others might add that children are overindulged these days, and a paper sticker does not match up to being given a cell phone. And there is probably some  truth in both statements.

 But can looking at all details and a trip to Walmart reveal a new answer all together! Remember the Walmart Greeters at the doors? Does your Walmart still offer that smiling, older adult image to greet you and your children?  If so, watch the greeter and see if you can see what we  have encountered here.

The greeters are very nice and sweet. Older adults that are just trying to supplement their monthly funds or wanting to be out among people. They say "Hello, welcome to Walmart." They make you smile and then it happens...….. out come the yellow smiley face stickers, and they are offering them to your children or grandchildren.

A gesture that seems harmless, they smile at your child and the child smiles back at them. You remind your child to say "Thank you" to be polite. Your child continues through the store with you, smiling with their bright yellow sticker. All is well. Or is it...….

A couple of years ago, I was putting tiny smiley face stickers on turned out little feet in ballet class. They were smiling and showing their first position in ballet class. If it was great effort (not looking for perfection due to the age group), I place a smile sticker on one of their shoes. The left shoe to be correct, because we were working on which was left and which was right.

Stopping in front of a student that was not making an effort, I encouraged her to give it a try so that I could give her a smiling sticker. Her blonde head and blue eyes looked up at me and she said, "That's okay. We are going to Walmart after class and they give you a sticker for just showing up!"  Hmmmmm, time to rethink about stickers to encourage work in class or to reward effort.

Offering stickers to our students has been a challenge in recent years, which means we have had to find "work arounds" to become creative, using layering strategies to help the children want to complete class or an assignment in great fashion. After some trial and effort, a new system was designed, and you guessed it! The system includes stickers!!

A couple of systems have been tried in the last couple of years, with some to little success. So we continued to work on the system to make it more fun, while still directing young children towards greater success in class. A new system will begin in October of this year and more details will be emailed out to parents, so that they can encourage their child to continue completing their class and work in high fashion.

Students are still encouraged to work hard in class and on certain movements or elements in class. Stickers are given out for effort, participation, completion in class (did not ask to sit down or refused top participate), knowledge of skill (recall from other lessons/classes), attention to proper behavior in class, leadership and camaraderie. Musicians are also awarded stickers for returning their practice forms , fully filled out and signed by a parent.

Once a student is able to fill their form with stickers, they are rewarded by spinning a wheel for a prize. Prizes can be a trip to the treasure box to select their own prize, candy, a t-shirt, gym bags and more! Prizes will change every six to eight weeks to keep the interest fresh. At the end of the season, during the recital a drawing will be held of all of the students that were able to spin the wheel. One grand prize will be awarded.

So, back to the question, "Did Walmart kill the power of the stickers?" Did they? There are no greeters at most Walmart stores these days to observe and test the idea that this was part of the demise of the power of stickers we used in classes. It does appear that stickers lost their magic in our classes. Was it because of the big yellow stickers with happy faces? Or was it because the greeters were so nice, they did not dare ask the kids "Did you do well in school today?" or "Have you been good for mom today?" before offering the sticker. Life  just became too easy to get that big yellow sticker. Why work for it when it can be given to you.

So, Walmart may of had something to do about the demise of the power of offering a sticker to our students, or maybe not. But for sure the little student telling me it was okay she did not earn a sticker in class, because she could get one at Walmart with no effort  may just be the worst thing in her lifetime. Work ethics are learned early. So if you still have greeters at your local Walmart, help them out with a run down of questions before the sticker is handed to your child.
Have you used your manners today?
Have you been a friend to someone today?
Have you did your best today?
Did you complete your chores?
Did you complete your homework?
Have you read a book today?
Have you worked hard today?

It does not hurt them to work for the sticker. It makes them stronger for the future.


Mary Myers is the owner/ Director of Academy of Fine Arts located in Woodward OK

Your Child Does Not Follow Through With School Work or Chores?

How does dance help your child to follow through with projects, homework and personal chores? There are many ways. But let's explore the most obvious for now.

Dance is a great training ground for your child to learn executive thinking  and organization skills!  That is right! From the process of dressing for the class to stepping on the floor, you child learns about time and organization skills. How is that?

When putting on their dance wear for class, there is order in how it goes on, tights, leotard (shirt, pants and shorts for boys), shoes. When stepping onto the floor, they have their placement and standing positions. But it goes a lot further than that!

Dance teaches children about space, time, area and awareness. In a well organized class, that follows an organized curriculum, your child learns how to think and move while listening to the music. This means learning to travel in their own space and timing from point A to point B and back to point A again, without bumping into others (respecting others space) and arriving at their placement by the time the music calls for the child to be there and be in rhythm with the music (follow through).

Dance teaches respect for others. Learning and knowing their placement , also teaches about knowing other class members placement (space and time) as well. By working together, and knowing their path to follow, young dancers understand that the other dancers have just as much importance to the work as they do. They learn to curtsy and bow at the end of their dance piece to say thank you. They perform a reverence toward the teacher to thank them for the class and guidance.

Dance teaches time management. Have you ever sat and watched a dance class? There is a lot that goes on in a forty five or sixty minute class! Preparing the body with proper dance wear, shoes, and warm ups to prepare the body. Music theory in talking about the music and how the choreography works with the music rhythms and theme. New step break down and performance of the steps, Working in patterns across the floor and transferring it to the dance. Completion and/or review of the choreography taught the weeks before.

Dance class also teaches patience. By repeating the process each and every week, your child knows what to expect and follows through. But there is also the amount of time it takes to learn a dance and wait their turn that is valuable. Your child, learns to respect the teachers time as well as learning to focus and use their patience while others in the class learn the steps and movements.

So think about registering for dance class, when checking out what would be a great activity for your child. It is fun and can teach teamwork like any sport can. But your child has the opportunity to learn so very much more in a dance class. They can learn life skills that helps them for a life time.

Why Should Your Son Be Taking Gymnastics??

There are many articles that cover the internet as to the values of children being in a gymnastics class. But we want to talk specifically about boys today. Why? Because families of boys tend to overlook gymnastics for their sons in our area, and turn more towards soccer, baseball, basketball, football, martial arts, and the shooting and hunting sports.

Why would gymnastics be overlooked? Well, probably because the television networks spend more time showing girls at gymnastic meets and only a small amount of time on the male gymnasts. Stop and think about it. How much coverage did you see on the men's Olympic team this past year? Don't remember? Probably because it was not during prime time network coverage.  

Why should your son be taking gymnastics? Well, we have a lot of ideas that is documented truth and will share about that later. But first let's talk about some of the things that we hear parents say to us about their son being in gymnastics. Some things such as, "We thought is was a sport only for girls." Or, "My boy is not going to wear one of those stretchy leotard things!" Or how about, "Boys can't bend and do splits like girls can!". And, "Gymnastics is a girls sport, not a boys sport!"  We encourage you to read on......

Gymnastics originates from the Greek and Roman games. Some articles even say is was used as a form of physical training for the military in ancient Spain. Here is one version of origin we found on the Scholastics.com site for teachers
(https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/history-gymnastics-ancient-greece-modern-times/) . It reads:

"Gymnastics was introduced in early Greek civilization to facilitate bodily development through a series of exercises that included running, jumping, swimming, throwing, wrestling, and weight lifting. Many basic gymnastic events were practiced in some form before the introduction by the Greeks of gymnazein, literally, "to exercise naked." Physical fitness was a highly valued attribute in ancient Greece, and both men and women participated in vigorous gymnastic exercises. The Romans, after conquering Greece, developed the activities into a more formal sport, and they used the gymnasiums to physically prepare their legions for warfare. With the decline of Rome, however, interest in gymnastics dwindled, with tumbling remaining as a form of entertainment."

So, back to why your son should be in gymnastics class. First of all, gymnastics is a great way for your child to develop better physical fitness. It is challenging and never boring, well, maybe a bit boring when they get stuck on a particular skill and feel like they are not going anywhere with the sport. But that is with every sport. Correct?

But a great coach knows how to distract your son from the complaint of boredom with different variations of the drills in learning a new skill. They can make it into a fitness challenge game that you son will enjoy and eventually see improvement from. The coach will track your child's skills and probably even post them on a check off poster for a visual enhancement towards working more to achieve other skill levels! 

Besides increasing your child's fitness level, they will also learn other great skills such as balance, spatial awareness, body control, strength of mind and personal commitment. 

Gymnastics also teaches all students that a particular skill starts at "X" and ends at "Y", thus also teaching a young child to follow through until they reach the end of the skill situation. Which transfers to being able to complete school assignments and projects! School teachers love having gymnastic students in their classes because of the strict self discipline the student acquires in the training of the body and mind.   

Gymnastics as we know it today, is a competitive sport and there are opportunities of being asked to be on teams. One of the major values learned in a gymnastic class or on a team is always working towards your personal best. That when a skill does not work on a particular day, you just keep trying and continue to work towards your goals. If you fall, gymnastics teaches you how to get back up quickly and try again. Once again, a personal skill training that transfers over into school and later in life into the work force. Being able to keep moving forward in life, no mater how many obstacles is a great way to get on a team.

Camaraderie in a gymnastic class seems to be like no other. Instead of your classmates sitting on a bench, maybe checking their cell phones, when you miss a tumbling element, or grab of a bar, in gymnastics the classmates are on the mats working out as well. They encourage with high fives and constant sayings of encouragement to get back up and try again, and again.

Speaking of a bench. There is none! Well, maybe a bench to sit on to take your shoes off or put your warm ups back on, but NO BENCH to sit on when you are training! Even if others in the training have made the team, and your son is still training to make the team, there is NO BENCH and NO SIDELINE in gymnastics class. No waiting and wanting to be able to get on the floor. No wondering if someone gets hurt, will you be chosen to be the one that gets on the floor next. AMAZING! No waiting for something to happen to the better athletes so that your child can go in and continue his training.
 

Gymnastics, like Cheerleading, historically has been dominated by males. It was a male that brought gymnastics from Europe to the United States.

"The sport was introduced to the United States by Dr. Dudley Allen Sargent, who taught gymnastics in several U.S. universities about the time of the Civil War, and who is credited with inventing more than 30 pieces of apparatus. Most of the growth of gymnastics in the United States centered on the activities of European immigrants, who introduced the sport in their new cities in the 1880s. Clubs were formed as Turnverein and Sokol groups, and gymnasts were often referred to as "turners." Modern gymnastics excluded some traditional events, such as weight lifting and wrestling, and emphasized form rather than personal rivalry." (Scholastic.com)

Some of the top coaches in the US and the work have been male coaches. And gymnastics for males was in the Olympics forty years before women's gymnastics.

"Men's gymnastics was on the schedule of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and it has been on the Olympic agenda continually since 1924. Olympic gymnastic competition for women began in 1936 with an all-around competition, and in 1952 competition for the separate events was added. In the early Olympic competitions the dominant male gymnasts were from Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland, the countries where the sport first developed. But by the 1950's, Japan, the Soviet Union, and the Eastern European countries began to produce the leading male and female gymnasts." (Scholastics.com)

What can your son expect when he enters one of our gymnastic classes? The first thing he will notice is a lack of boredom! The next thing he can expect is a lot of movement and activity. New skills are always talked through and demonstrated. There is a warm up, a stretch session to develop better flexibility and then drills that help to build skills and strength. There is time for individual work on the skills each person is trying to achieve. And then there is a cool down and stretch out before the class is dismissed. 

Why should your son be taking gymnastics class? Gymnastics is training your son will achieve self discipline, a stronger body and mind positioning, time management, follow through on projects, camaraderie with other classmates, and an understanding that a sport can be part of your life, but is not life. Life is learning that no matter how many times you fall down, you can get yourself up again and again. And gymnastics can help them to learn, see and be that. A person that just does not give up on achieving their lifetime goals. 

* Mary Myers is the owner of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward Oklahoma. She has been coaching gymnastics for 40 years. 

Is Your Dance Teacher A Genius?

Most dance teachers would probably say no, they are not a genius. But when you consider all the continual training and the areas of training they have studied over the years, your dance teacher may be one of the most educated persons you will meet in your life. Especially if your teacher is also part of the administration, or the business owner, of the dance school you take classes at.

For instance, your teacher has spent many years on their own training and learning from the very beginning, just as you have. They have suffered through the sore tight muscles, blisters, muscle fatigue, etc, such as you have. They have worked on memory skills and retention, again and again, just as you have. But their training has never stopped at a certain level or after a particular master class.

If there is any one reason to admire your dance teacher, that for sure is that they are a "lifetime learner". With dance being an ever changing element in performing arts, with many trends and the classics to stay abreast of , a dance teacher is always studying, always working and always trying to be the best that they can be for their students.

With new trends, especially the more athletic styles of dance, has came more opportunity for student injuries in class. This means that your dance teacher not only needs to know the moves, steps, style, etc, but also the correct technique that helps his or her students to learn injury free for a lifetime. He or she has most likely trained in assessing injuries to a certain level  and has taken first aide and CPR classes.

Your dance teacher also understands history and the progressions of dance and how to use that history to build creative choreography for the future. Dance is not new. It is just evolving all the time. By knowing dance history, your teacher knows how to connect to the world and help a dancer to grow.

To understand technique, your teacher has spent hours upon hours of study and practice in  dance and stretch techniques, anatomy, physiology, kinetics, and general science. They know how the body should operate free of injury and understand the different elements that makes up one movement at a time. If they did not, they would not be able to break down the dance movements and teach it in different steps or levels for their students.  They would not understand how to defy gravity for turns, leaps and jumps.

All dance teachers have studied nutrition. Either in a class situation or on their own. Nutrition is essential for a properly working body, and so they study to be able to continue to to dance for hours and multiple days a week. Great dance teachers also are a role model exhibiting proper hydration and preparation before, between and after classes by what they choose to eat and drink.

Time management is an important skill that teachers spend hours in developing. After all, every class that she has you in, there is a designated amount of time allowed for what is to be worked on in class. Time management skills is also used in developing lesson plans, selecting costumes, choreographing dances and administrative duties. Time management skills are always being improved upon by self study or attending training's.

Costume and set design sounds like fun, but a skilled dance teacher knows just how to make every student on stage look beautiful in their performance! Besides getting the right fit, color and style of costume, your teacher also has to match it to the show theme. And then there is the set/stage design and the lighting and sound to be considered. Dance teachers spend weeks and hours on getting it just right, so that the dancers look beautiful and the audience is entertained.

Human development and coaching is also an area your dance teacher may of studied as well. Ever noticed that when you have a problem, your dance teacher may be someone that you feel comfortable enough with to go to? For some reason your teacher is a person that is easy to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a voice to encourage and a person to quickly give you information as to where to go to to get help, how to handle a situation, how to find your personal courage, etc.

Problem solving is a number one skill your dance teacher has had to learn to do. Ever notice how quickly they can change a part of the choreography that is not working? Pull a costume back together that decided to come apart just as you are about to step out on the stage? Find a way to mend a hurtful moment in class between you and another student? Help you tape a hurt ankle to go right back onto stage? Dance teachers have high level problem solving skills that tend to be over looked by many.

So, is your dance teacher a genius? They would probably say no. But ask as many adults today what skills they learned most from their dance teachers. Probably they will not remember the dance steps or technique. But they more than likely will tell you about all the life skills they learned in dance classes from their genius dance teachers.


*Written by Mary Myers, owner and director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward OK.

Movement Leads To Learning in Children

Our Adapted Gymnastic class looks like a lot of fun, but there is more going on than what the observer sees. Recently our Adapted Gymnastics class was featured in the Woodward BoomTown Magazine published by The Woodward News. We invite you to read it and learn how gymnastics is making a difference in the lives of these children. We are also very grateful for the interviews our parents were willing to participate in.

Thank you Elise Solloway, writer for the Woodward News, for the opportunity to share with our community area about this great program and what the benefits may be for these children.

You can read the article from this link :
https://www.joomag.com/magazine/mag/0884212001476111454?feature=archive

Now Registering For Fall Classes!

Should My Child Compete?

One of the most asked questions we encounter is "Should my child compete?" Some parents worry about the experience not being a positive one. Others are sure their child will do fine in competition, but worry about the travel and competition costs. We look at this situation a bit differently.

If your child has siblings at home, participates in the city sports league, enters essay contests at school, takes a playing test in band for chair placement, they already compete! They are already in a training ground position to learn to compete as an adult for scholarships, job placements, job advancements, etc. Competing in dance is actually about learning to perform at the highest level of competition available to them.

There are many different ways to compete in dance. Some think that the easiest way to learn is to just jump in and learn a dance and go to the competition. The idea in this case is that the dancers will become better just by getting the experience. 

Another method of getting to competition is to "hold auditions". That way you place them on a "team" that the abilities matching up with other dancers. Some feel this is the most successful way. Or they will group everyone in age groups, but use the audition process for lead parts or "who goes on the front row".

And yet another, is based on how many classes a child takes per week as to if they can be on the "competition team". The majority of these methods of dance team placement never bring in the personality and personal strength of the child.

We would like to suggest a different way of preparing for competition on the dance stage. One that we have found great success with for  our dance teams. It is a way of grooming, empowering and teaching them about performance first. One that allows us to help the child to find their place on the team rather than be told which team they can perform with. 

The method we use is four steps:

1. Regular weekly classes for a strong dance education.

2. Participation in master classes and conventions (we are highly selective about the conventions).

3. Community performances through out the year and recitals. A lot of community performances!

4. Competition team placement and work.

By using this method, the teachers and director has a chance to get to know the child better. We learn what a child's strengths are and what we need to work on to help them through the process. For instance, a lot of time is spent on just entering and exiting the stage that demonstrates confidence. Without confidence, the routine is not going to go well, no matter how much practice and training on the routine has been done.

Personality in performance is important as well. Getting to know the child better helps with building the choreography around the students personality, instead of pushing them into roles that they cannot pull off. As a dance adjudicator, I can say it is very evident when the personality of the students has not been considered and used to set the choreography. 

Music selection is also key to success, and again can be a part of the personality situation. Too mature or immature of  music for the dance group can mean that the dancers never really connect with the music and are unable to deliver a great performance. 

Participation in master classes, conventions, workshops and community performances is an opportunity for the student to grow not only in their dance, but as a person and performer. It is an opportunity to find out personally what their strengths are and not just be told by their teacher or parents where they are strong. It is also a way for them to face any fears in a supportive environment, without anxiety that they may "mess up" the team". It is a way of truly growing a team to work together at different ability levels.

Is your child ready to compete? Probably. Probably because they have already been competing and trying to get to the front row in class already. But the real question to ask is, "Is your child ready to grow and discover who they are?". 

*Mary Myers is the Director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward Oklahoma. She is a teacher, choreographer and adjudicator. 

Why Music Training Should Be A Part Of Your Child's Growing Years

Why Music Training

 Should Be A Part Of Your Child's Growing Years 

Most parents understand that music for their child is a good choice. But just listening to Kid's Bop or Disney Tunes is not what we are talking about here today. We are talking about your child experiencing and learning to read and play music on actual instruments, and not on an iPad or iPhone.

Research has found that music can help to grow a child's brain, help children make better connections to math, relieve stress and lower blood pressure in children and adults, improves rhythm for reading skills, improves focus and much more. Music is also one of the "activities" you can put your child in that can soon develop into an education, that can also lead to a college scholarship and career.

But let's look at it a bit deeper for the very young child. Young children, under 7 years of age can actually learn to read music, probably even before they can read their first book, according to Debbie Yakabosky, creator and CEO of Music FunTime.

Music is something that we can all benefit from, but a child connects to it so easily that they can use the rhythm from their favorite song to self sooth at night going to sleep. Or they can use an upbeat tune they love to hum to help with better skipping skills and other gross motor skills that fit to a rhythmic beat. Remember skipping rope to simple songs and rhymes? How much more fun it was to have a tune running through our heads or coming from our lips as we worked the rope.

Music written on paper is made up of symbols and combinations of symbols, much like math. When one of our daughters was having trouble learning fractions in grade school, and did not have a teacher that could figure out how to get her to understand fractions ( as I was told at the parent teacher conference), I quickly sprung into action and introduced her to two different helping tools, reading music notes and their counts, and baking cookies. She soon had a better idea of working fractions, much to the amazement of her teacher.

Music is magical. Just think about watching a movie with no sound track. How boring that would be! Nothing to carry our imagination and emotions to higher levels and helping us to discover connections to the characters. Next time you sit down with your child to listen to music, use the soundtrack of their favorite movie. You will certainly hear them tell part of the movie script, if not even being able to recite the full lines of the story. Music helps us with memory and recall. Your child knows this and lives it through every magical moment.

Music helps your child to create their own stories. Whether playing on an instrument or listening to someone play a piece on the piano. Recently, once of our grandsons was staying over and asked to play the piano. Of course we said yes.

He started out improving something very bold and dynamic and then it would soften and become very lyrical. He repeated the process again, and it appeared to be the same. Quickly I took out my camera to see if I could capture this moment on video. He started again. And once again, the melody was the same, big, bold and dynamic, then suddenly soft and lyrical.

He turned around to pick up a music book sitting on the bench and realized I was standing behind him with my camera. Smiling, he asked if I heard his song he had played (his improvisation). I stated yes that I did. He continued, "It is a song about two people getting married." I asked if it was a wedding march, and he said yes that it was.

Later, I asked his mom if they had attended any weddings recently and her answer was no. Most likely he has never seen or been part of an actual wedding, but may have seen one on television in a TV show or movie. Later in reviewing the video, I had to watch it three times in awe. Listening very close, you could hear a simple melody very close to Canon in D Minor. Now how did that happen? He is only 4 years old and yes takes piano lessons, but is not at that level yet for sure! Music connects with children and music is magical. Music grows the brain.

I believe that most music educators would agree with me when I tell you that it just may be time to put all digital music aside and start getting out instruments for your child to explore with. Instead of a few more video games, check out lessons. When attending a movie, ask your child what they think of the music soundtrack.

When setting your schedule for the school year and blocking out time for homework and reading, block out time for playing music. Put the videos games away and bring out the instruments and watch and listen for the magic to happen. (I see you smiling.)


*Mary Myers is the director and owner of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward OK . 

Gymnastics For Special Needs Children?

Gymnastics For Special Needs Children?

Gymnastics can be a great outlet for activity and fun for special needs children. A properly structured class can allow them time to release pent up energy by running, jumping, bouncing, rolling, etc. It gives them another social outlet. It brings smiles and laughter.

For all children, a gymnastic class helps to build strength and flexibility. It also allows them to experience success as well as failure. Build core strength and grip, etc. But for special needs children the benefit of being in a gymnastic class are much larger and more towards life skills, such as walking, focus, and communicating. 

Gymnastics allows a special needs child to be in an environment that is not only physical, but cognitive as well. They that have to focus on small and large skills while working to place their bodies in the right position to maneuver the body through the gymnastic movement. After all, walking on a 4 inch wide balance beam is no easy feat (an act or achievement that shows courage, strength or skill) for anyone!

But lets look at what else gymnastic classes can offer a special needs child.

1. On the physical side of a gymnastic class, a special needs child can learn better balance and work on core strength that helps with day to day activities such as sitting and walking for any length of time. This in turn helps in attending school and OT therapy sessions.

They also get to experience flight by jumping on bounders and trampolines and when ready, the ability to land on their feet from a simple dismount and safely roll out. This is in hope that they will learn to do a safety roll if ever falling from a height.

Rolling itself is a vestibular  activity that helps us to understand the perception of body position and movement. It is why so many children, including myself as a child, will get in a swing and spin in it, instead of swinging back and forth, until you are nauseous. It is a necessary development need to develop this state of balance and being in space and time.

2. As an energy outlet, there is none better! With padded floors and equipment to land on, it is a great environment to start learning about success (which we highly praised) and failure (we praise the effort). The gym is a big open space that allows a child to move, run, work and train in. And with all of the colorful foam shapes such as wedges, octagons, trapezoids and more, you can't help by laugh and have a great time.

3. Gymnastics is also a social outlet. All children learn to wait their turn, walk in a line, respect other gymnasts, and develop friendships. They also learn to support each other with the demonstration of high fives, a pat on the back and sometimes even a cheer of "you can do it"!

4. Gymnastics is motor building fun! Brightly colored equipment make challenge courses, that develop gross motor skills, fun and entertaining. Learning to grip and swing on the bars can lead to better writing skills and arm strength.

5. Gymnastics is great for learning spatial and body awareness. It is great for increasing focus and controlling our movements. From walking on beams to bouncing on trampolines, they learn to control their landing on their feet.

Yes, gymnastics is great for special needs children. And yes, some may never do a back handspring or a tuck. They may never compete in a gymnastics meet. But one thing for sure, they will always steal a gymnastic coaches heart,



*Mary Myers is the owner and director of Academy of Fine Arts. They offer dance and gymnastics for special needs children.

Why Do Parents Really Need To Think About Dance For Their Child?

Why Do Parents Really Need To Think About Dance

For Their Child?

Every parent should consider dance classes for their child. But not because they get to dress up and twirl around on a stage once a year in a recital. Nor just because they are shy and you have heard it is a good "activity"  until your child is no longer too shy for other things.

Every parent should give high consideration of dance for their child because of all the different life skills that are taught from age two to eighteen years. Why for that many years? Because you are helping them to be successful in school, including college (yes, we know you think you have already heard this many times) and beyond. Because you, the parent, are helping to grow a focused, dedicated, committed adult that will be successful in life, thus relieving any stress and worry on your part as a parent as to whether they will be capable of "making it" throughout life. Yes, this is about you , the parent, as well!

Ages 2 - 6 years

Most parents will register their children ages 2-6 yrs in a dance class in hope that they will have an outlet for their energy, a place to build self confidence and learn to get along with others before starting school. What these parents do not realize is that they just  started their child in school!

Dance school can be your child's first experience of school. And since you can enroll your child in dance classes at a younger ages than most preschools, it has a profound opportunity of setting the pattern later in formal academic education. It probably is the first time they learn about standing in a line, or other formation, with others. It is the first place your child learns to attempt weight change from foot to foot in a patterns such as skipping, galloping, sliding, hopping on one foot, jumping from two feet, leaping over an imaginary line and much more.

Dance school can be your child's first social avenue to make friends, learn to get along with others, wait their turn, develop patience and understand that another person (child) is just as important as they are to completing a group project. Dance school is an opportunity to discover and share interests, thoughts, experiences and dreams with others in a setting that they would never be laughed at. You do not see "bullies" in a good dance school. Why? Because dance school offers free expression from all participants in a class, and bullies do not want to share that with anyone. Therefor, they are the ones that do not fit in.

Besides all of the physical side of learning, dance school also is a young child's first experience in following patterns, moving in sequence, expanding their thought processes so they can work towards and see ahead to the end of a project (after all, dancers have to think ahead of the music a bit to be on time with their movements, or the moment has passed them). This then sets your child on a great course for adding music training, enhancing their math skills and visionary skills for the future.

Ages 7-11 yrs

No matter if you are just beginning dance school after age 6 yrs or continuing from the younger ages, there is great growth during the seven to eleven years in dance school. It is during this time that children start sensing a stronger connection to their friends. Over the many years, we have been told many, many times by a child "I like my friends at school, but I really like my friends at dance better". Why is this? We believe it is because at dance school, your child finds acceptance at this age. It does not matter if your child is the best dancer in class or not. What matters is that they have friends by their side that are constantly reminding them (and hopefully great teachers) that they "can do this", and in turn, the child that was encouraged to try, openly and willingly encourages their friends as well in class. Special memories are created at this time, that carry forward to adulthood.

Dance school is also a great place to start learning that everyone has strengths. Not necessarily physical strength that can always be developed by just working out in class. But strength in character, mind and heart. It is during this time that students start feeling like the dance school setting, and the ones in class with them, are more than just classmates, they are a  dance family. They may even ask to take more classes just to expand their time at the school, to be with their friends.

Another reason that they may start asking for more classes or time at the dance school may be that they are beginning to discover their own personal strengths and work towards a higher level of confidence and self esteem building. They start seeing themselves as a performer. Someone that knows that there are times that we fall, but all we have to do is get up and try again. And again and again.

Beyond social and personal skill advancement, this age starts to expand their memory skills with across the floor progressions that change from one class date to another. Each week, the progressions may be added onto, thus training the brain to recall the previous weeks sequence and add new information to it. Keep in mind that this is all done to music and counts, so the child is also having to count and think ahead in time. This is just one of many reasons that dancers are able to do very well in academic school work.

Ages 12-18 yrs

It is at this age, that peer support is very important. And you will find it in a dance school, because as we stated before, there are no bullies in a good dance school. In a class of this age group, you will see and hear encouragement and peer coaching from those boys and girls that have accomplished a skill or movement, to help those that have not accomplished it yet. You will also see and hear laughs of joy and clapping when someone is finally able to complete a skill. This means that your child has an opportunity to "network" with their peers to achieve higher levels and networking is another great skill to learn for adulthood success.

It is also at this age that we see the dancer mature tremendously. They become more intense and focused on the dance training and strive towards correctness of movements as well as determination to meet completion of work. If they are driving, then they know to not be late to class, but be early to prepare the body for class. This helps to develop better time management skills that carries over to college and work that professors and employers love. Being in dance classes from a young age to 18 yrs (high school graduation) also trains a child for long term commitment and dedication, again success skills to complete university studies and hold down a job long enough for advancement.


So Why Do Parents Really Need To Think About Dance Training For Their Child?

First, so that you do not have to worry about them as an adult.....ever! You have made sure they are trained to ...........
1.Be where they are suppose to be in a timely manner.
2.Be organized, committed and able to follow through on everything they do.
3.Be socially committed and encouraging of others.
4.Be able to process information in an organized fashion and follow through to the end.
5.Be able to see value in long term relationships.
6.Be a person that takes on responsibility willingly.
7.Be a person that understands how to break down problems and rebuild to success.
8.Be understanding that learning high level skills means time commitment, personal energy and
   dedication to seeing things completed.
9.Be the best that they can be. They set the level of accomplishment through their long term
   commitment and hard work.
10.Be able to work as a member of a team and committed to the teams success.
11.Be committed to family and work hard towards success.
12.Be willing to coach and train others in skills they have high achievement in. Be a teacher.

And The List Could Go On.......

But we think you can see where all of this is going. Parents selecting long tern dance classes over other activities that can distract from training to be an adult, know and will see that your child does not have to have a dream to be a professional performer to benefit from being in dance class. We are very proud to say that we have had the opportunity to train many public educators, several nurses, a pediatric surgical nurse, many business owners, several business managers, a Chiropractor, a mental health expert, dancer teachers, a band director, a minister, a special needs advocate, and thousands of committed and dedicated parents that love their children and family. But of course, all when they were ages 2-18 yrs. And the majority for over 12 years of their life right here at our dance school.

We want parents to know that when they are at our dance school, our objective is to teach them great skills that will help them be successful in life. If a professional dance career is their goal, then we are more than happy to train and coach them towards that direction and hand them off to higher level training when the time comes. But in the mean time, we are happy to train young people to achieve the highest level possible for them in life, while having fun and being a part of our dance family.

* Mary Myers is the Owner and Director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward , OK.