Let’s explore the topic ‘how to teach parent and me classes.’ A good and quality parent and me dance program will help you to attract new students into your studio. You can target the 2 and 3 year olds for this and the classes are a lot of fun to teach.
Here is why you should add a program like this to your studio.
Word of Mouth
A lot of the parents who join our program will usually invite their friends to the class. Parents are always looking for opportunities for their young children to make friends and also learn valuable skills at the same time.
Many of our students invite friends to the studio and use it as a play date outing too.
Introduces New Young Families To The Studio
Many dance schools don’t take young children, so there is a huge market of parents of toddlers looking for quality programs that can help their child to develop, build friendships and learn to follow instructions.
The parent and me class is a wonderful way to attract younger children to the studio. They will enjoy their dance experience, and hopefully enroll into the preschool programs when the time comes as they are already in your studio.
Our parent and me program feeds 70 % of the older preschool program classes. As they age out of the parent and me program, parents usually still want their child to dance, so it is important to offer them a stepping stone to this.
Parents are more likely to keep their child enrolled as the child trusts the instructor and it will be an easier transition than taking them to a different studio.
Separation Anxiety Solution
Have you ever found yourself telling the parent of a young child, that their child is not ready for dance because they wouldn’t separate? Or has a parent ever withdrew their child after the first week because the child didn’t dance?
Having the parent dancing with the child is a great solution as the child may need more time with a care giver before they are ready for a class on their own.
This can work for slightly older children as well.
Build Confidence In Your Young Dancers
Having a trusted adult nearby helps toddlers feel safe, encouraging participation, exploration, and joy in movement.
Supports Early Childhood Development
These classes improve:
- Gross motor skills
- Coordination & balance
- Rhythm & musical awareness
- Listening and following simple instructions
Lower Pressure, High Joy Classes
These classes are less about technical perfection and more about fun, which creates a warm, welcoming studio culture.
Intangible (But Powerful) Benefits
- Positions your studio as family-focused and nurturing
- Builds trust early with parents (who are the decision-makers)
- Creates joyful first experiences with dance and movement.
How To Teach Parent And Me Classes In Your Dance Studio
Tips for Success
Keep classes:
- Short (30–45 minutes)
- Play-based and music-driven
- Focused on exploration, not performance
- Clear that parents participate, not observe
Here are age-appropriate Parent & Me dance lesson plans, designed to support child development and keep parents engaged. These are flexible, play-based, and easy to repeat weekly (repetition = confidence at this age).
I’ve broken them down by age group, plus a sample class flow you can reuse.
👶 18–24 Months (Explorers)
Goal: Comfort, sensory exploration, bonding, basic movement awareness
Class length: 30 minutes
Key Skills
- Walking, stopping, crawling
- Responding to music
- Body awareness
- Social comfort
Sample Lesson Plan
1. Welcome Circle (5 min)
- Hello song using each child’s name
- Sitting on parent’s lap
- Gentle clapping or waving
2. Traveling Together (5 min)
- Walking, marching, tip-toeing while holding hands
- Move around the room following the teacher
3. Sensory Dance (5 min)
Scarves, bubbles, or soft balls
Free movement with parent support
4. Floor Time (5 min)
Rolling, stretching, crawling through tunnels
5. Music & Calm (5 min)
- Rocking side to side
- Slow song to regulate energy
6. Goodbye Song (5 min)
- Repeat routine weekly for security
🧒 2–3 Years (Movers)
Goal: Independence with support, rhythm, imitation
Class length: 30–40 minutes
- Parents guide movement gently
Key Skills
- Jumping, spinning, balancing
- Following simple directions
- Turn-taking
- Musical timing
Sample Lesson Plan
1. Welcome Song & Warm-Up (5 min)
- Simple stretches while seated or standing with parent
2. Action Songs (10 min)
- Freeze dance
- “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (jump, stomp, spin)
3. Across the Floor (5 min)
- Walking, galloping, hopping with parent nearby
4. Props Dance (5 min)
- Scarves or ribbons to encourage big movements
5. Mini Routine (5 min)
- 3–4 simple steps repeated to one song
6. Cool Down & Goodbye (5 min)
- Breathing, cuddles, slow movements
🌟 3–4 Years (Pre-Independence)
Goal: Confidence, structure, preparation for solo classes
Class length: 40–45 minutes
Key Skills
- Balance, coordination
- Listening and memory
- Expressive movement
- Classroom structure
Sample Lesson Plan
1. Hello Circle (5 min)
- Children start standing on their own
- Parents nearby, not always hands-on
2. Warm-Up (5 min)
- Stretching arms, legs, jumping
3. Technique Play (10 min)
- Toe taps, skips, spins
- Balance like a tree, walk on “imaginary lines”
4. Creative Movement (5 min)
- “Dance like animals / weather / emotions”
5. Short Choreography (10 min)
- Simple routine repeated weekly
- Parents assist only when needed
6. Cool Down & Reflection (5 min)
- Sitting quietly, praise effort, goodbye song
🧠 Teaching Tips for Parent & Me Classes
✔ Keep instructions short and visual
✔ Praise effort, not correctness
✔ Expect wandering—this is normal
✔ Repeat songs weekly (routine = safety)
✔ Guide parents on how to assist (not control)
🩰 Parent Role Guidelines (Highly Recommended)
Tell parents:
- Participate actively
- Let your child explore
- Model enthusiasm
- Avoid correcting—encourage instead
So best of luck with those parent and me classes in your dance studio.
If you love stories, try this lesson plan.
Please comment below if you have any questions.
