50 mins is way to long for a class that age range. We go for 30 min for that age range. We also use “spot dots” on the mat to keep kids in place. They don’t get to wander off the dot unless told to go to the bags or obstacle course.
I agree that 50 minutes is super long.
We used to use cones, hula hoops, and other tools to keep them in line and stuff. The class honestly gives me major anxiety and leaves me kind of drained for the following 3 classes.
For the most part, 5 and under is daycare. Mostly, you need to play games. Incorporate some technique and discipline into the games. Whoever stands still the longest gets to pick the next game. Things like that.
Interesting. I’m really stumped on ideas for games, though. I think I’ll give them games every day instead of just friday in order to give them something to look forward to.
I have a couple of questions. Not trying to undermine you as an instructor, just to get a sense of you.
1. What country are you in?
2. How old are you?
3. Do you have any children?
4. How long have you been doing tkd? How long have you been teaching?
Country: USA
Age: 20
Children: Nope
Been training since 6 years old. Def lost some of my ability, since I haven’t been serious since age 11. Been teaching seriously for about a year and a half.
Thanks.
Music can help. Make sure its upbeat and appropriate. Preferably no words. You can do things like see how many kicks you can do while the music is on. 30 seconds to a minute.
Depending on size of space, see who can run the fastest.
Prizes work. See who can do the best sitting stance, front kick, whatever. Kids love stickers. Just try to make sure all the kids get a sticker.
Class will be more about having fun and exercise than technique. Discipline will start getting better as they get used to the class and when you get more relaxed.
If you have friends or family with young kids, see if you can hang out with them. It sounds weird, but being around young kids outside the confines of class will help you understand them better.
For that age, we call them “tigers” and they are 30 minutes. We have a quick fun warmup with music. Look at some kinder style music with directions in the music. Then we work on simple stuff. It’s not about them being strong, or perfect. Do 1 line of a form, a few kicks, add in a ballon for fun, and give them colorful stripes to earn.
Teaching kids that young requires different attitudes and strategies than even a regular 6+ kids group. Engage it like a game, you’re not needing to teach them anything but the most rudimentary basics. Make it fun for them. Read some books on early childhood education
got some games for ya. i teach a class ages 4-6.
1: have them in lines at the back of the mat, put all lines behind a cone (like a starting line). they run across the mat, do 3 kicks of whichever kick you’re working on that class, and run back and high five the first person in their line for their turn. first line done and at one knee wins.
2: baseball!! also at the back of the mat, have them sit down in one row. you hold a small square pad in between your hands, not holding the pad tightly. they should be able to hit it out your hand. using a back fist, knife hand strike or roundkick, they see how far they can hit it!
i’ve been teaching for 2 years but training for 9 and i know how out of hand things can get. first they need discipline before the games. use the games as incentives. good luck!
At that age, the class is more about the kids learning how to be in a class than it is about learning TKD itself.
(I also agree 50 minutes is a bit long)
Dunno if this will help but here’s what my dojang does and the kids are super disciplined for their age it shocked me.
They so one hour classes, even for the little ones. However, they start at age 5.
I have found that having more than one instructor is helpful for when you get more than 10 students.
The instructors emphasize doing things that are fun for the kids.
Example, they do a warm-up dodgeball where the kids try to run away and not get hit by a big soft yoga ball. It’s a lot easier than telling them to start running or do high knees if they could just jump around and dodge a big ball like hooligans.
Another technique that the teachers use is quick response games. For example, they say “red mats” in the kids run as fast as they can into the red mats, and the kid that gets there last has to jump really high three times.
When they are doing more technical kick drills that same tone of excitement of “go to the rail” is used so the kids then run as fast as I can to the rail where they practice balance and kicks.
I think it’s also really important to be able to, in a professional manner, yell at the kids. If the kids aren’t paying attention the instructors clap their hands really loud and then you have their attention and capitalize on it. They make the case that they really believe in them so they need to do what they are told.
I see a big difference between the student instructors who command attention and the student instructors who don’t is the ones who command attention are totally fine with stopping the class immediately, addressing the issue and not letting anything slide. If there’s ambiguity, then the kids don’t know what to do, but if the kids get immediate feedback based on their behavior every time, they will follow that instructor’s words every time.
Teaching kids that young requires a completely different skill set than with older kids and adults. To teach that age you don't even need to know much about martial arts but you need to know a lot about kids. Melody Johnson has some great free resources on how to teach kids coming from both a martial arts background and EC development background. Her entire Skillz courses are a bit overpriced in my opinion but there are a ton of free and fantastic resources on her youtube channel. And as stated in other posts, 50 minutes is too long.
Hey! I run classes for ages 3-6, and firstly, agreed. too long. 30 minutes max with this young. Secondly, there is going to be running around for sure. Focus on the positive behavior you want and if you have 1 who listens better, regularly compliment them on how strong they are, and how well they listen. We don't use dots, we have a "listening position" which is sitting cross legged, on a wall, or line.
What are you trying to teach them? I "teach" them basics. There is no need for belts at this age really, just make the class fun. They don't care about learning, they just want your attention, and to have fun.
Ham it up, be a goof, most of our classes are, punch/kick/block while standing on a pad, or walking, or balancing, or super power, let them knock you over, practice no power. practice speed. We also do a lot of basic, jumping, running, core skill type things. Make your drills entertaining. We also end with a game every class, that with the slightly older, you can hold over their head to remind them to listen. In a positive manner of course.
Most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. If you are getting flustered or angry, you are definitely going to have a bad time.
i agree that as a teacher, emotions such as anger are of no use. we have red and black squares, which give my students somewhere to line up.
we only teach blocks, punches, and front/crescent kicks. we never focus on technique. we’re usually stoked if they can get in their little cute version of a “fighting stance”, lol.
If they’re actually toddlers, that’s too young. 4 is our minimum. And if they disrupt class, we remove them.
30 minute classes. We don’t play games. They’re expected to stand still and focus (in short bursts, not the entire time of course). They are rewarded with lots of praise and high fives and “focus tips” for their belts.
My opinion is that you guys need more rules, not “5 and under”. Establish a minimum age and requirements to join class. Potty trained and able to follow the class without distracting others or causing a safety issue - those are ours. If a kid isn’t ready, don’t enroll them.
i’ve thought about the requirements too, but have been faced with backlash from the other two coaches. due to this, i’ve been letting them conduct that class all by themselves, since i can’t deal with kids screaming and yelling…
i love teaching, but man… that is way above my level as a teacher.
I don't have anything useful to add, but I do offer you my condolences, as that sounds like a frigging nightmare. I hope someone with good advice chimes in.
50 mins is definitely too long. Kids of that age cannot focus for that long adequately and it will be exhausting for them and you. Cut the classes back to 30 mins absolute tops.
Start of class respect/bow - then a dance warm up.
Middle of class - I’d play a game of “freeze” for about 5-10 mins - but they can only do three or four moves which form basic pattern (etc) so lower block stance, punch stance and body block (if higher in patterns) to help them they have to stay within the hoola hoop. To win the best stance has to be within the hoola hoop.
Lots and lots of praise for the ones that do really good poses - top tip: everyone gets a prize for trying really hard. Lots and lots of positive reinforcement.
Probably another game but make it short - maybe kicking balloons or punching the pads in a line up. Little kids love to show how strong they can be - so pretending that it’s the strongest punch *ever* is really good here.
You’ll probably need a few different games you can cycle so it doesn’t get boring for them. Once they get used to the games, you can do a “vote” in which game the group would like to play best - but only IF the team are really brave and really listening to the instructor in the class (that you could do if you’re getting towards end of term or it’s after school/kinder or in the afternoon and the kids attention spans are yuck that day)
Cool down game, so this one is on calm (the hardest for small kids) - get them to lay on their backs and stretch their legs and arms out and breathing big deep breaths.
End up with a bow at the end in the “best straight lines” and then that’s it for the session.
Edit to add: I’m not a black belt but I help my Dan with the little kids as a helper and these are things we run with a class of 30-40 4-5yo students. They’re super cute and generally that just want to be seen and want to show what a great job they can do.
You may need more than one adult in this class pending size. Say a black belt (of course) and maybe a Cho Dan Bo for example.
It's daycare yes. 30 min max. When I was an instructor for that age you were more of a clown / entertainer than tkd instructor. Yea it sucks I hate teaching that age. 7 and up for tkd tbh. But parents are willing to pay so...
Break that 50mins up into smaller chunks.
Play games…. interspersed with drills.
Teach them drills with games like Whats the Time Mr Wolf, or Stop/Go, or Simon Says.
Also build in some mindfulness drills…. A little lying on the mat and staring at the ceiling and calming down.
Give each kid a marker for where to sit/stand.
Don’t make them wait too long for a turn at something, they don’t hve patience for that yet. Instead they are all moving, or only watch and wait for two other kids at a time.
Don’t make them sit too long…
Try to make it like animals or something… Pretend to be animals while doing the moves and they can get the idea in their head
For that age range, don't go over 30 minutes .
Don't look for them to be perfectly disciplined either.
You have to make the class fun for them or they won't be engaged. Not saying make your whole class a game. You have to teach simple ideas.
Cones, hula hoops, obstacle courses, and an abbreviated TKD curriculum at that age (less moves, shorter forms), just make it fun for the kids. Even use a different belt system for them so they can transition and catch up when they age out of the little kids class.
For kids 5 years and younger, it's more about keeping them active and having fun. They don't know their bodies well enough to do any real martial arts, not to mention their mental capabilities.
Theres a reason why, a sport like gymnastics, which favour training the kids as young as possible, as most Olympic gymnastics are 16-18, yet still, they wait to start training kids when they're 6, because most children under 6 just can't focus.
They're is a 3 yr old in my class, he tries to do punches and kicks in class, but he does not know how body well enough to hold a stance, and he spends most of the class sitting with his mom
There have been several excellent points mentioned:
1). Shorten the class
2) Make the class structured - have a routine, have a place to stand, set activities etc
3). At under 5 or 6 the class is more about being in a class than about actually doing Taekwondo.
4) Make it fun! Games, doing moves like animals ec.
And here is one I did not see while skimming the comments: you, as the instructor have to be “on”. You must be the most enthusiastic person in the room.
I have never taught 3 year olds but I have taught 25 five year olds solo and I remember how my son was at that age. Easily distracted is an understatement, but also very inquisitive and eager to learn.
If you as the instructor are excited, they will get excited. Here is an easy one, see if they can Kiai louder than you (not longer, louder) give them permission to yell! They get in trouble for yelling at home, but at the Dojang we love it when they yell (at the right time of course).
Also, remember the goal of a little tigers / dragons / bears program is to get them used to the idea of a class, and have fun. Whatever they do, so long as it isn’t dangerous, just include it , get them back on track and have fun. And you have fun too!
oh, you bet i’m “on!”
i do try to have fun with the little class, but 2 our of 3 students always have tantrums and it’s tough for me to keep the mood high for the one who’s actually ready to move around and run.
How young do they go? And FIFTY minutes?
I’m speaking from the POV of a parent (who has a background in TKD) who takes her kid to class 4-5 times a week. My daughter, currently 7, is in the dojang’s class for the youngest students. It’s technically only for those aged 4 to 6, but my daughter likes how small the class is (max of around 8 whereas the next class up is double that at least and the kids tower over her). The class is ONLY 30 minutes long, which my daughter says is borderline too short, but it’s perfect for the 4 year olds.
Their attention span isn’t very long. Not even for my 7 year old. They definitely don’t get to as many things as the hour long classes do (I attend the adult classes) but they have one goal per class, whether it be kicks, forms, or hand techniques.
The class starts with warm up for about 10 minutes and that differs each day. It could be things like jumping jacks or sit ups, laps, high jumps, or exercises like bear crawls and frog leaps. Sometimes, they even have obstacle courses and take out the giant air mattress (used for rolls or just for fun because the kids love it).
Then they’ll try to tackle a skill or two like lining up for kicking drills or going through forms grouped based on belt level. If the class is doing well, they might add another thing before the end of class but sometimes, time just runs out.
Sometimes, the kids are more distracted or they goof off but then the parents might step in if needed, or at least I do. And the Master of the dojang is fairly intimidating so if he’s there and he sees it, he’ll head over and the kids shape up like magic.
The instructors tend to be more patient and encouraging. They are definitely more lenient than with the older age groups.
I used to teach a daycare class in Korea in addition to my regular classes. I’m not Korean. No one in that class knows Korean. I sort of get what you’re going through because my teaching methods are more aligned to older kids, never mind the language barrier.
Just focus on making the class fun and incorporating what you can. Don’t expect to go through a lot per class. Know that young kids take a while and their attention span is akin to that of a goldfish, though some can be pretty attentive.
i’m happy if we get to complete ONE drill with the 3 current students we have. we lose attention SO so fast… i understand the games. it’s super draining with the class being 50 minutes though, so i’m gonna check about lowering the class time 😅
My studio has a “Tiny Tigers” class for the youngest children. I can talk to my grand master or another instructor about what they do in that class. I’ve seen some of the kids promote from Tiny Tigers to the older kids classes.
Markers so they know where to stand
Adjust expectations - they're young, lots of time to learn the complex stuff. Lining up, bowing ect was a big win for us.
Are they all beginners? We just finished our first year, and already the more disciplined students are helping the newer/ more distractable students.
Once they're lined up, get them moving. When we do drills, I start slow and get faster and faster. I'm a school teacher with a fair bit of experience, so I had some advantages there. Acting it up ect, like holy wow, how are you moving so fast kind of stuff. If they're moving and smiling, you're doing something great.
We do games, like a trip to monkey Island, where different obstacles are overcome using different motions. Guarding block, for example, is petting a giant rhino with the front hand and holding a tiny rhino with the other. Kids love that.
Finally, watch for and celebrate improvement, especially when parents are there. Lining up was a huge victory. At our last testing of the year, when we rotated partners for sparring, and a lot of parents were there for the first time in a while, we made a big deal of how well they rotated.
Be proud of their accomplishments more than frustrated by their limitations. Kids aren't like they used to be - there are lots of reasons for this, and none of them are the kids fault. They're showing up. If they have fun and develop, then you're winning. Enjoy the journey.
One final final. Does anybody know what I mean when I say a kid clicked? One day they're sloppy, turned around, half assing it (can I say that here?) and the next day they're with you and not only trying to do it, but trying to do it right. That's something to watch for and look forward to.
Long rant, sorry!
Here is the reality. It is largely daycare. And remember that when dealing with the parents (you should figure out the ones this applies to the most). That said, it is daycare with a partial focus on TKD. Remember, there are three ways all humans (of any age) receive information, visually, audibly, and tactilely. Especially at the younger ages, visual and tactile engagement is more effective. This means, as the teacher, they have to see you doing whatever it is you want them to do, and they have to perceive it as FUN! Never have the mindset that you are 'just going to tell them what to do'. If so, you have already lost the room.
Children have the uncanny ability to learn by osmosis. They can absorb information at light speed while doing other things at the same time. And they have a TON of endless energy, which you have to tap into. So, make up sets of energetic, fun games that require them to use TKD movements and naming conventions.
\*\*\*If you are trying to go through a traditional stretching session at the beginning of class, forget it. Kids that age will not set down that long without the right visual triggers (other kids setting down which you do not have enough of) and motivations. Make a fun, dynamic, pseudo stretching session. You can use obstacles and cones if you wish. \*\*\*
Some say 50-minutes it too long, I tend to disagree. The key is however long your class time is, you Must have a curriculum full of material that will keep them captured for longer than the class time. This largely means them (and you) have to keep moving.
Just like teaching in a formal classroom setting, teaching TKD is a calling, that just is not for everyone and anyone.
First off, you need a minimum starting age. “5 and under” includes infants and toddlers. I would strongly recommend starting at 4 years old. By then, most kids are at least in some kind of organized day care or pre-school.
Second, you need to be okay with rejecting prospective students. Let them take a trial class and if they are out of control, tell their parents they need to mature more before coming back. This goes for current students too. Don’t be afraid to kick someone out of the program if they cannot listen. Why teach combative skills to an individual with no self-control?
Finally, if the students NEED an adult with them the entire class, convert the class into a “mommy and me” style class. Require that a parent or babysitter be physically with the child to keep them on task.
I do 55 minute classes with this age group. Everything is gamified or has manipulative. I have a agility ladder that looks like a dragon and they all have their name in a square. The assigned spots are far enough apart where they shouldn't be able to touch each other.
All activities are 5 to 10 minutes at most. We start with 10 minutes of stretching. I have aquestion for the day like"what would you feed a pet dragon?" We ask the first kid, let him answer, change poses, and then ask the next. That way each gets a chance to tell me something. We mainly focus on fundamental movement skills in the other 5 to 10 minute sets. I let the kids behavior dictate what we attempt. Being flexible and having realistic expectations goes a long way.
I know most of the times I sound like a jerk, but it's not my intention. But that was my first thought when I moved from Brazil to North America and checked at least 5 gyms.
"Why is it a daycare here? Why are people not training hard? What is this fish kick?"
Games, games and some more games, and you might add a Game 😅😅
As a Mom of and instructor of small Kids. That is basically the only way.
Go to YouTube and Look at Martial arts (any Martial arts) Games, Warm-up Games in General Look for the easiest ones. Something fun and silly. Let them pretend to me different animals and walk in that Style (actually adding some Basic stances in that)
haha, of course! 😂
we mostly only do games and running stuff but it can still get quite hectic. i’m looking at shortening the class more than anything…
It's simple, if they are uncontrollable, after a couple of classes our owner/ instructor simply tells the parent that the kid isn't ready yet and to bring them back in a year or 2. This is one of the reasons he doesn't do contracts and doesn't accept payment until he's sure the kid is worth keeping. He's got a waiting list and doesn't need their money.
Fitness and fun. Can’t get too detailed, and yes it’s daycare… BUT it’s your chance to put a good base of teaching engagement.
PS: I regularly coach 6u hockey players. Teaching body awareness is the key… balance challenges.
If u can teach more than a ten step poomsae, send video!
Beside the time span issue, my experience with the kids is don't be too nice to them even after class. Kids doesn't have any idea of boundary. My kids don't take me seriously when I am nice to them cuz they think that make me a friend more than a teacher.
50 mins is way to long for a class that age range. We go for 30 min for that age range. We also use “spot dots” on the mat to keep kids in place. They don’t get to wander off the dot unless told to go to the bags or obstacle course.
I agree that 50 minutes is super long. We used to use cones, hula hoops, and other tools to keep them in line and stuff. The class honestly gives me major anxiety and leaves me kind of drained for the following 3 classes.
For sure. The little classes are physically and mentally draining.
For the most part, 5 and under is daycare. Mostly, you need to play games. Incorporate some technique and discipline into the games. Whoever stands still the longest gets to pick the next game. Things like that.
Interesting. I’m really stumped on ideas for games, though. I think I’ll give them games every day instead of just friday in order to give them something to look forward to.
I have a couple of questions. Not trying to undermine you as an instructor, just to get a sense of you. 1. What country are you in? 2. How old are you? 3. Do you have any children? 4. How long have you been doing tkd? How long have you been teaching?
Country: USA Age: 20 Children: Nope Been training since 6 years old. Def lost some of my ability, since I haven’t been serious since age 11. Been teaching seriously for about a year and a half.
Belt rank? From my math, your either a 2 or 3rd Dan?
2 dan
Thanks. Music can help. Make sure its upbeat and appropriate. Preferably no words. You can do things like see how many kicks you can do while the music is on. 30 seconds to a minute. Depending on size of space, see who can run the fastest. Prizes work. See who can do the best sitting stance, front kick, whatever. Kids love stickers. Just try to make sure all the kids get a sticker. Class will be more about having fun and exercise than technique. Discipline will start getting better as they get used to the class and when you get more relaxed. If you have friends or family with young kids, see if you can hang out with them. It sounds weird, but being around young kids outside the confines of class will help you understand them better.
For that age, we call them “tigers” and they are 30 minutes. We have a quick fun warmup with music. Look at some kinder style music with directions in the music. Then we work on simple stuff. It’s not about them being strong, or perfect. Do 1 line of a form, a few kicks, add in a ballon for fun, and give them colorful stripes to earn.
Teaching kids that young requires different attitudes and strategies than even a regular 6+ kids group. Engage it like a game, you’re not needing to teach them anything but the most rudimentary basics. Make it fun for them. Read some books on early childhood education
You’re right. It’s kind of hard because even when there’s games involved and stuff, they don’t be giving a damn lol. Any books you recommend?
got some games for ya. i teach a class ages 4-6. 1: have them in lines at the back of the mat, put all lines behind a cone (like a starting line). they run across the mat, do 3 kicks of whichever kick you’re working on that class, and run back and high five the first person in their line for their turn. first line done and at one knee wins. 2: baseball!! also at the back of the mat, have them sit down in one row. you hold a small square pad in between your hands, not holding the pad tightly. they should be able to hit it out your hand. using a back fist, knife hand strike or roundkick, they see how far they can hit it! i’ve been teaching for 2 years but training for 9 and i know how out of hand things can get. first they need discipline before the games. use the games as incentives. good luck!
thanks! we’re currently working on the discipline, more than anything. can’t play games if they ain’t even looking/listening to us, ya know?
absolutely man. good luck with that!
Involve the parents. That's what we we're doing (my daughter is 5).
At that age, the class is more about the kids learning how to be in a class than it is about learning TKD itself. (I also agree 50 minutes is a bit long)
Dunno if this will help but here’s what my dojang does and the kids are super disciplined for their age it shocked me. They so one hour classes, even for the little ones. However, they start at age 5. I have found that having more than one instructor is helpful for when you get more than 10 students. The instructors emphasize doing things that are fun for the kids. Example, they do a warm-up dodgeball where the kids try to run away and not get hit by a big soft yoga ball. It’s a lot easier than telling them to start running or do high knees if they could just jump around and dodge a big ball like hooligans. Another technique that the teachers use is quick response games. For example, they say “red mats” in the kids run as fast as they can into the red mats, and the kid that gets there last has to jump really high three times. When they are doing more technical kick drills that same tone of excitement of “go to the rail” is used so the kids then run as fast as I can to the rail where they practice balance and kicks. I think it’s also really important to be able to, in a professional manner, yell at the kids. If the kids aren’t paying attention the instructors clap their hands really loud and then you have their attention and capitalize on it. They make the case that they really believe in them so they need to do what they are told. I see a big difference between the student instructors who command attention and the student instructors who don’t is the ones who command attention are totally fine with stopping the class immediately, addressing the issue and not letting anything slide. If there’s ambiguity, then the kids don’t know what to do, but if the kids get immediate feedback based on their behavior every time, they will follow that instructor’s words every time.
Teaching kids that young requires a completely different skill set than with older kids and adults. To teach that age you don't even need to know much about martial arts but you need to know a lot about kids. Melody Johnson has some great free resources on how to teach kids coming from both a martial arts background and EC development background. Her entire Skillz courses are a bit overpriced in my opinion but there are a ton of free and fantastic resources on her youtube channel. And as stated in other posts, 50 minutes is too long.
Hey! I run classes for ages 3-6, and firstly, agreed. too long. 30 minutes max with this young. Secondly, there is going to be running around for sure. Focus on the positive behavior you want and if you have 1 who listens better, regularly compliment them on how strong they are, and how well they listen. We don't use dots, we have a "listening position" which is sitting cross legged, on a wall, or line. What are you trying to teach them? I "teach" them basics. There is no need for belts at this age really, just make the class fun. They don't care about learning, they just want your attention, and to have fun. Ham it up, be a goof, most of our classes are, punch/kick/block while standing on a pad, or walking, or balancing, or super power, let them knock you over, practice no power. practice speed. We also do a lot of basic, jumping, running, core skill type things. Make your drills entertaining. We also end with a game every class, that with the slightly older, you can hold over their head to remind them to listen. In a positive manner of course. Most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. If you are getting flustered or angry, you are definitely going to have a bad time.
i agree that as a teacher, emotions such as anger are of no use. we have red and black squares, which give my students somewhere to line up. we only teach blocks, punches, and front/crescent kicks. we never focus on technique. we’re usually stoked if they can get in their little cute version of a “fighting stance”, lol.
If they’re actually toddlers, that’s too young. 4 is our minimum. And if they disrupt class, we remove them. 30 minute classes. We don’t play games. They’re expected to stand still and focus (in short bursts, not the entire time of course). They are rewarded with lots of praise and high fives and “focus tips” for their belts. My opinion is that you guys need more rules, not “5 and under”. Establish a minimum age and requirements to join class. Potty trained and able to follow the class without distracting others or causing a safety issue - those are ours. If a kid isn’t ready, don’t enroll them.
i’ve thought about the requirements too, but have been faced with backlash from the other two coaches. due to this, i’ve been letting them conduct that class all by themselves, since i can’t deal with kids screaming and yelling… i love teaching, but man… that is way above my level as a teacher.
I don't have anything useful to add, but I do offer you my condolences, as that sounds like a frigging nightmare. I hope someone with good advice chimes in.
50 mins is definitely too long. Kids of that age cannot focus for that long adequately and it will be exhausting for them and you. Cut the classes back to 30 mins absolute tops. Start of class respect/bow - then a dance warm up. Middle of class - I’d play a game of “freeze” for about 5-10 mins - but they can only do three or four moves which form basic pattern (etc) so lower block stance, punch stance and body block (if higher in patterns) to help them they have to stay within the hoola hoop. To win the best stance has to be within the hoola hoop. Lots and lots of praise for the ones that do really good poses - top tip: everyone gets a prize for trying really hard. Lots and lots of positive reinforcement. Probably another game but make it short - maybe kicking balloons or punching the pads in a line up. Little kids love to show how strong they can be - so pretending that it’s the strongest punch *ever* is really good here. You’ll probably need a few different games you can cycle so it doesn’t get boring for them. Once they get used to the games, you can do a “vote” in which game the group would like to play best - but only IF the team are really brave and really listening to the instructor in the class (that you could do if you’re getting towards end of term or it’s after school/kinder or in the afternoon and the kids attention spans are yuck that day) Cool down game, so this one is on calm (the hardest for small kids) - get them to lay on their backs and stretch their legs and arms out and breathing big deep breaths. End up with a bow at the end in the “best straight lines” and then that’s it for the session.
Edit to add: I’m not a black belt but I help my Dan with the little kids as a helper and these are things we run with a class of 30-40 4-5yo students. They’re super cute and generally that just want to be seen and want to show what a great job they can do. You may need more than one adult in this class pending size. Say a black belt (of course) and maybe a Cho Dan Bo for example.
It's daycare yes. 30 min max. When I was an instructor for that age you were more of a clown / entertainer than tkd instructor. Yea it sucks I hate teaching that age. 7 and up for tkd tbh. But parents are willing to pay so...
Break that 50mins up into smaller chunks. Play games…. interspersed with drills. Teach them drills with games like Whats the Time Mr Wolf, or Stop/Go, or Simon Says. Also build in some mindfulness drills…. A little lying on the mat and staring at the ceiling and calming down. Give each kid a marker for where to sit/stand. Don’t make them wait too long for a turn at something, they don’t hve patience for that yet. Instead they are all moving, or only watch and wait for two other kids at a time. Don’t make them sit too long… Try to make it like animals or something… Pretend to be animals while doing the moves and they can get the idea in their head
Oh. And establish a routine. So it runs the same every week.
For that age range, don't go over 30 minutes . Don't look for them to be perfectly disciplined either. You have to make the class fun for them or they won't be engaged. Not saying make your whole class a game. You have to teach simple ideas.
Cones, hula hoops, obstacle courses, and an abbreviated TKD curriculum at that age (less moves, shorter forms), just make it fun for the kids. Even use a different belt system for them so they can transition and catch up when they age out of the little kids class.
For kids 5 years and younger, it's more about keeping them active and having fun. They don't know their bodies well enough to do any real martial arts, not to mention their mental capabilities. Theres a reason why, a sport like gymnastics, which favour training the kids as young as possible, as most Olympic gymnastics are 16-18, yet still, they wait to start training kids when they're 6, because most children under 6 just can't focus. They're is a 3 yr old in my class, he tries to do punches and kicks in class, but he does not know how body well enough to hold a stance, and he spends most of the class sitting with his mom
There have been several excellent points mentioned: 1). Shorten the class 2) Make the class structured - have a routine, have a place to stand, set activities etc 3). At under 5 or 6 the class is more about being in a class than about actually doing Taekwondo. 4) Make it fun! Games, doing moves like animals ec. And here is one I did not see while skimming the comments: you, as the instructor have to be “on”. You must be the most enthusiastic person in the room. I have never taught 3 year olds but I have taught 25 five year olds solo and I remember how my son was at that age. Easily distracted is an understatement, but also very inquisitive and eager to learn. If you as the instructor are excited, they will get excited. Here is an easy one, see if they can Kiai louder than you (not longer, louder) give them permission to yell! They get in trouble for yelling at home, but at the Dojang we love it when they yell (at the right time of course). Also, remember the goal of a little tigers / dragons / bears program is to get them used to the idea of a class, and have fun. Whatever they do, so long as it isn’t dangerous, just include it , get them back on track and have fun. And you have fun too!
oh, you bet i’m “on!” i do try to have fun with the little class, but 2 our of 3 students always have tantrums and it’s tough for me to keep the mood high for the one who’s actually ready to move around and run.
How young do they go? And FIFTY minutes? I’m speaking from the POV of a parent (who has a background in TKD) who takes her kid to class 4-5 times a week. My daughter, currently 7, is in the dojang’s class for the youngest students. It’s technically only for those aged 4 to 6, but my daughter likes how small the class is (max of around 8 whereas the next class up is double that at least and the kids tower over her). The class is ONLY 30 minutes long, which my daughter says is borderline too short, but it’s perfect for the 4 year olds. Their attention span isn’t very long. Not even for my 7 year old. They definitely don’t get to as many things as the hour long classes do (I attend the adult classes) but they have one goal per class, whether it be kicks, forms, or hand techniques. The class starts with warm up for about 10 minutes and that differs each day. It could be things like jumping jacks or sit ups, laps, high jumps, or exercises like bear crawls and frog leaps. Sometimes, they even have obstacle courses and take out the giant air mattress (used for rolls or just for fun because the kids love it). Then they’ll try to tackle a skill or two like lining up for kicking drills or going through forms grouped based on belt level. If the class is doing well, they might add another thing before the end of class but sometimes, time just runs out. Sometimes, the kids are more distracted or they goof off but then the parents might step in if needed, or at least I do. And the Master of the dojang is fairly intimidating so if he’s there and he sees it, he’ll head over and the kids shape up like magic. The instructors tend to be more patient and encouraging. They are definitely more lenient than with the older age groups. I used to teach a daycare class in Korea in addition to my regular classes. I’m not Korean. No one in that class knows Korean. I sort of get what you’re going through because my teaching methods are more aligned to older kids, never mind the language barrier. Just focus on making the class fun and incorporating what you can. Don’t expect to go through a lot per class. Know that young kids take a while and their attention span is akin to that of a goldfish, though some can be pretty attentive.
i’m happy if we get to complete ONE drill with the 3 current students we have. we lose attention SO so fast… i understand the games. it’s super draining with the class being 50 minutes though, so i’m gonna check about lowering the class time 😅
My studio has a “Tiny Tigers” class for the youngest children. I can talk to my grand master or another instructor about what they do in that class. I’ve seen some of the kids promote from Tiny Tigers to the older kids classes.
Markers so they know where to stand Adjust expectations - they're young, lots of time to learn the complex stuff. Lining up, bowing ect was a big win for us. Are they all beginners? We just finished our first year, and already the more disciplined students are helping the newer/ more distractable students. Once they're lined up, get them moving. When we do drills, I start slow and get faster and faster. I'm a school teacher with a fair bit of experience, so I had some advantages there. Acting it up ect, like holy wow, how are you moving so fast kind of stuff. If they're moving and smiling, you're doing something great. We do games, like a trip to monkey Island, where different obstacles are overcome using different motions. Guarding block, for example, is petting a giant rhino with the front hand and holding a tiny rhino with the other. Kids love that. Finally, watch for and celebrate improvement, especially when parents are there. Lining up was a huge victory. At our last testing of the year, when we rotated partners for sparring, and a lot of parents were there for the first time in a while, we made a big deal of how well they rotated. Be proud of their accomplishments more than frustrated by their limitations. Kids aren't like they used to be - there are lots of reasons for this, and none of them are the kids fault. They're showing up. If they have fun and develop, then you're winning. Enjoy the journey. One final final. Does anybody know what I mean when I say a kid clicked? One day they're sloppy, turned around, half assing it (can I say that here?) and the next day they're with you and not only trying to do it, but trying to do it right. That's something to watch for and look forward to. Long rant, sorry!
Here is the reality. It is largely daycare. And remember that when dealing with the parents (you should figure out the ones this applies to the most). That said, it is daycare with a partial focus on TKD. Remember, there are three ways all humans (of any age) receive information, visually, audibly, and tactilely. Especially at the younger ages, visual and tactile engagement is more effective. This means, as the teacher, they have to see you doing whatever it is you want them to do, and they have to perceive it as FUN! Never have the mindset that you are 'just going to tell them what to do'. If so, you have already lost the room. Children have the uncanny ability to learn by osmosis. They can absorb information at light speed while doing other things at the same time. And they have a TON of endless energy, which you have to tap into. So, make up sets of energetic, fun games that require them to use TKD movements and naming conventions. \*\*\*If you are trying to go through a traditional stretching session at the beginning of class, forget it. Kids that age will not set down that long without the right visual triggers (other kids setting down which you do not have enough of) and motivations. Make a fun, dynamic, pseudo stretching session. You can use obstacles and cones if you wish. \*\*\* Some say 50-minutes it too long, I tend to disagree. The key is however long your class time is, you Must have a curriculum full of material that will keep them captured for longer than the class time. This largely means them (and you) have to keep moving. Just like teaching in a formal classroom setting, teaching TKD is a calling, that just is not for everyone and anyone.
First off, you need a minimum starting age. “5 and under” includes infants and toddlers. I would strongly recommend starting at 4 years old. By then, most kids are at least in some kind of organized day care or pre-school. Second, you need to be okay with rejecting prospective students. Let them take a trial class and if they are out of control, tell their parents they need to mature more before coming back. This goes for current students too. Don’t be afraid to kick someone out of the program if they cannot listen. Why teach combative skills to an individual with no self-control? Finally, if the students NEED an adult with them the entire class, convert the class into a “mommy and me” style class. Require that a parent or babysitter be physically with the child to keep them on task.
I do 55 minute classes with this age group. Everything is gamified or has manipulative. I have a agility ladder that looks like a dragon and they all have their name in a square. The assigned spots are far enough apart where they shouldn't be able to touch each other. All activities are 5 to 10 minutes at most. We start with 10 minutes of stretching. I have aquestion for the day like"what would you feed a pet dragon?" We ask the first kid, let him answer, change poses, and then ask the next. That way each gets a chance to tell me something. We mainly focus on fundamental movement skills in the other 5 to 10 minute sets. I let the kids behavior dictate what we attempt. Being flexible and having realistic expectations goes a long way.
I know most of the times I sound like a jerk, but it's not my intention. But that was my first thought when I moved from Brazil to North America and checked at least 5 gyms. "Why is it a daycare here? Why are people not training hard? What is this fish kick?"
Games, games and some more games, and you might add a Game 😅😅 As a Mom of and instructor of small Kids. That is basically the only way. Go to YouTube and Look at Martial arts (any Martial arts) Games, Warm-up Games in General Look for the easiest ones. Something fun and silly. Let them pretend to me different animals and walk in that Style (actually adding some Basic stances in that)
haha, of course! 😂 we mostly only do games and running stuff but it can still get quite hectic. i’m looking at shortening the class more than anything…
It's simple, if they are uncontrollable, after a couple of classes our owner/ instructor simply tells the parent that the kid isn't ready yet and to bring them back in a year or 2. This is one of the reasons he doesn't do contracts and doesn't accept payment until he's sure the kid is worth keeping. He's got a waiting list and doesn't need their money.
Fitness and fun. Can’t get too detailed, and yes it’s daycare… BUT it’s your chance to put a good base of teaching engagement. PS: I regularly coach 6u hockey players. Teaching body awareness is the key… balance challenges. If u can teach more than a ten step poomsae, send video!
Beside the time span issue, my experience with the kids is don't be too nice to them even after class. Kids doesn't have any idea of boundary. My kids don't take me seriously when I am nice to them cuz they think that make me a friend more than a teacher.