Giving teachers the tools: Celebrating dance and movement with young children

Giving teachers the tools to succeed

All training participants are provided with a pack of prompt cards which act as lesson plan tools.
Image by Nicole Guarino.

Rambert Grades teachers who train to deliver this syllabus are given the tools to create a learning environment for the early years age group which embraces each child and encourages them to explore the world through movement.

This syllabus provides the teacher with a structured framework without the repetition of exercises each week. All training participants are provided with a pack of specially designed prompt cards which act as lesson plan tools, physical exercises, themes and games. These cards provide teachers the opportunity to take their groups upon a new journey every session, delivering each class in numerous different ways without repetition from week to week

With the first syllabus training course for Creative Dance for Early Years coming up this April and June, we’re giving readers a glimpse into our new offering for ages 3+.

Celebrating movement:
Creative Movers,
Pre-Primary and Primary

The new syllabus was designed by some of the most dynamic and relevant voices of contemporary dance to offer teachers the tools to encourage creativity in their classes for young children.

Each class takes children on an imaginary journey with endless themes. An energetic warm up is followed by physical skills development,with structured movement material. Creative intuition is encouraged with a creative exploration to dive deep into their imagination.

The framework offers the teacher endless options which can be customised for their group. Swimming with whales, flying rockets to the moon or adventuring through the desert- every class is different.

About the training

The training is divided into two parts. First, Independent Learning, in which the training participant is provided with syllabus content and videos. This is followed by two days of live Guided Learning with Rambert Grades Delivering Artists.

The syllabus content includes video content of physical skills, demonstrated here by dance artists Ihsaan De Banya and Maiya Leeke.

Amanda Britton, Joint CEO of Rambert Grades and Chief Executive, Artistic Director and Principal of Rambert School said,

‘We are very excited to launch Rambert Grades Creative Dance for Early Years. We look forward to seeing the next generation enjoying movement and building confidence through creative dance. This is a really important step forward in dance education.’

An accessible offering

A fully accessible syllabus created by experts, this offering provides dance teachers and early years educators with the tools to explore movement in a new way with young children of all abilities and backgrounds.

Choreographer, performance artist and accessibility consultant Caroline Bowditch said of the syllabus,

“The imagination and creativity of the young people is at the centre of this new Creative Dance for Early Years syllabus. I’m thrilled that Rambert Grades is providing this alternative option, allowing endless possibilities and options for the teachers and children taking part. I feel strongly that this syllabus creates new opportunities and fills a gap in provision for young people who want to learn technique as well as creativity. They can explore skills and movement intention in a way that works for all bodies and their experience isn’t diminished.”

Moments of Celebration

The culminating exam is a moment of celebration. Exams for these three new grades celebrate each child’s achievements, acknowledging six key qualities: Communication, Teamwork, Generosity, Effort, Listening and Enthusiasm.

Each student is awarded a bright fabric badge to mark their progress, as well as receiving personalised feedback.

Upcoming training courses

The syllabus training course for Creative Dance for Early Years is suitable for dance teachers, dance professionals and early years providers and teachers. Rambert Grades membership is required to book all courses.

All courses run online over two days, with a three hour session on each day. Courses are currently offered in mornings for those in UK/Europe and evenings for those in Australia/NZ.

Upcoming Rambert Grades training:

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