How to control a dance class of kids?

I teach dance class to kids 5-10 years old. They like to dance and when I teach them, they catch on quickly. The problem is that I can never control them or get them to listen. How can I be more strict while still being nice and fun?How to control a dance class of kids?
this migh sound wierd but how my mom gets her class under control is she makes animal noises whichc i think is very funnyHow to control a dance class of kids?
Nice and fun comes after the kids have given you their full attention. Screaming and acting out in anger does not earn their respect, and I am sure you know this. Calm assertive energy will win them, think your Grandma when you were a kid bouncing all over the house. Structure does not kill creativity when properly administered.





Lay down the law with a posted list of basic rules of behavior, for example:


*No yelling


*No talking unless called upon by you once class has started


*If you have a question or a problem once class has started raise your hand for permission to talk








Is the class structured with stretches and all? The stretching can be done to calming music to help them focus, no one gets to start stretches until every one is quiet and in their assigned spot. Then the new moves or practice. A short crazy improvasation to the kids favorite radio station or age appropriate popular music at the end of the class could be a reward for listening to you.


Do not react when a child gets out of control, simply quietly remove them from the group to a bench or chair for a set amount of time.





Kids are so fun it is very tempting to be just one of the gang, but you are not. You are the teacher, a very important responsiblity. They will test your authority but with a knowledge you have their best interest in mind and at heart they will learn to respect you.





By positively asserting your authority during class you will give these kids a wonderful skill that will never leave them. I was commonly asked when I went out with my gals (edit*) to the club in the late 80's and early 90's if I was a dance student at the college. My last class was when I was 8 years old. I did have problems with Martial Arts training though, always wanted to point my toes to kick lol.





A link that may help:


http://www.honorlevel.com/techniques.xml
You could try stickers for the best behaved kids in class, having enough for everyone who is well behaved.





Alternatively, when they get noisy you could start talking quietly, so they have to be quiet in order to hear you. This one works really well.





If they see your mouth moving but nothing coming out they will naturally be curious and stop chatting. Test it out and see for yourself.






give them awards if they pay attention