Keep Everyone Engaged: Fun and Focused Caregiver & Tot Dance Class Activities

Consistent Lesson Planning is Key

When planning my early childhood dance classes, I always build activities around a consistent lesson plan framework. This approach not only creates a reliable structure for each class but also makes it easy to plug in the right activities for each section, without starting from scratch every time. I share more about lesson plan frameworks and other must-have class systems here.

Having a solid framework in place allows us to swap out activities from week to week without disrupting the flow of class our students rely on. When choosing activities for my caregiver and tot classes, I prioritize those that keep both the caregiver and child engaged, connected, and moving together. This ensures I have everyone’s full attention. If you have ever taught caregiver and tot classes, you may know that it is sometimes the caregivers who need help focusing, not the tots!

Today, I am sharing five caregiver and tot activities, and examples of each, for you to use as-is or for inspiration.

Lap Songs:

Having children sit on their caregiver’s lap and perform activities is a great way to keep the caregivers involved, while also making it a fun ride for the children. I have adapted many songs to be a seated lap activity and it never fails to produce giggles from all. As for development, lap activities work our core strength and vestibular systems. When we add the element of anticipation (pausing our singing or movement), we help them develop their musical ear for recognizing patterns and sequences.

Lap Song Activity: “Drivin’ in My Car” by Ralph’s World

Dancers sit on their caregivers lap and hold a small hoop. Caregiver bounces knees on the beat during the chorus, while dancers “drive” their cars. When the song says “red light”, freeze dramatically. Follow the instructions and mimic the movements in the song.

Partner Props:

Of course we are going to use lots of props in our caregiver and tot classes, but to improve engagement, consider offering activities with partner props. These props foster collaboration and give both participants a sense of shared responsibility during the activity. For example, caregivers and tots can hold opposite ends of a hoop or use noodle sticks together to perform an activity. A beach towel becomes a “magic carpet” ride, where the caregiver gently pulls their tot along various pathways, directions, or speeds. Or, try a small parachute or oversized scarf to encourage cooperative movement and connection.

Partner Prop Activity: “Windy Day” by Judi Cranston

With a small parachute or oversized scarf, sit or stand with your partner and move the prop together. During the chorus, bounce it to the beat, and when the music cues “high,” “low,” “fast,” or “slow,” adjust your movements accordingly. While this activity works well with the entire class, using a partner prop creates a quieter and more intimate experience between caregiver and child.

Group Props:

I have found group props, such as the parachute or giant stretchy band, to be much more successful in a caregiver/tot class than in an independent toddler or preschool class, thanks to the extra hands from the grown-ups! Group prop activities assist in building community and teamwork along with developing our proprioception, gross motor movement, and musical skills.

Group Prop Activity: “Walking in a Circle” by Julie Wylie

Follow the instructions of the song, allowing children to hold the parachute with the grown-ups or explore freely under the parachute. Option: Lay the parachute on the ground and carefully guide dancers to a seated position in the middle of the parachute. Grown-ups, and the tots who prefer to stand, hold the edges of the parachute and follow the instructions of the song.

Across the Floor:

We can set the foundation for across the floor movement in our caregiver and tot classes. In fact, it’s much easier when each dancer has their grown-up to help guide them.

Across the Floor Activity: Spot to Spot with background or no music

Place each dancer on a poly spot on one side of the room. Place the same colored poly spot on the other side of the room with their grown-up. Dancers travel from their “home” spot to their “away” spot, where their grown-up is waiting for them. They then travel backwards away from their grown-up back to their home spot. You can practice any locomotor movement skill you are working on in class. You can also find directive songs that work with this spot to spot pattern as well.

Resting:

I always end my caregiver and tot classes with a moment of rest. This 1-2 minute activity may be short and sweet, but it offers many meaningful benefits. For the caregivers, this is a structured pause in their day offering them a rare opportunity to slow down and enjoy a moment of stillness. For our tots, resting allows them to quiet their bodies and brains, learn about their breath, and develop essential self-regulating skills.

Resting Activity: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” by Baby Mozart

If your space allows for the lights to be turned off without it being too dark, switch off the lights to signal it’s quiet time. Tots lay down in a comfortable position, while their caregiver draws on their backs or bellies. Option: Switch it up and have the tots draw on their caregiver’s back.

Put Some Rhythm in Your Lesson Planning

To further streamline your lesson planning, open your favorite music streaming platform and create five playlists titled Lap Songs, Partner Props, Group Props, Spot to Spot, and Resting. As you discover new music, add each track to the appropriate playlist so it's organized and ready to go whenever you need it!

Looking for More Support?

If you’re passionate about creating joyful, developmentally appropriate dance experiences for young children, the DanceLife Teacher Conference is a must-attend event. This conference brings together studio owners, educators, and industry leaders to share ideas, inspiration, and practical tools that make your job easier and more fulfilling. Whether you're new to teaching caregiver and tot classes or a seasoned pro, you’ll leave re-energized and full of fresh ideas.