By Mimi Say
Children feel most comfortable if they are able perform something. This can boost their self esteem and be motivated to learn more.
Last year there was a child who refused to cooperate to practise dancing. She told her mum that she doesn't want to learn dancing. Her mum hesitated to pay for the performance costume. I informed her mum that each child will be given the opportunity to perform on stage. This in future will enhance their confidence in themselves. Even if she did not perform, she will have the opportunity to experience that going up on stage is not a big deal neither is it a scary experience. Reluctantly she paid for the costume after being informed of the advantages.
Finally the dreaded day arrived. The girl went up on stage. She froze on stage; refused to dance and was led by her partner. (*I earlier reminded her mum not to reprimand her if she did not dance on stage. Being there is already an achievement!) But the moment she came down from stage, she was praised for being able to go up and stayed there until the end of the dance. We praised her for not breaking down too. (*I won't do this to a three-year-old unless accompanied by children's mums)
Surprisingly after this experience she cooperated with us during the year-end concert. She did not give us any trouble at all. We always encouraged her during the practises. And, during the most recent performance, she danced better than anybody else. This is the power of POSITIVE reinforcement.
We always try to find ways for children to boost their self esteem.
We do not stress on best performances but we do give a lot of encouragement for children to perform even though it's not the best but it's their very best!
Do enjoy some of these special and magical MOMENTS!
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| Elina having fun dancing |
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| Kirtana doing Bole Chudiya |
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| Dancing to the beat of a Monggolian number |
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| Sha La La |
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| Damia is so into Poker Face |
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| Cross cultural performance - Malay dandut song, with an Indian costume performed by a Chinese girl. |
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| Cross nation dance - Macarena |
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| Fun time dancing |
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| A confident beauty on stage |
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