WWYD -- 3 year old + dance class

[lilempressmommy]

I have a very active 3 year old with a HUGE imagination and lots of energy. I've found some dance classes through the city we live in that I think she'd love. The only catch is that she's speech delayed (diagnosed). She understands at age level but her expressive speech is still lagging. She sometimes speaks in age appropriate sentences but has a very limited vocabulary and a lot of articulation problems. In general, it is very hard for other kids (and teachers) that don't know her to understand her. I know she'd love the movement but am I too worried thinking that the other kids in the class may not want to play with her because they can't understand her?

[seashells]

DD (5) is not in dance class but I thought I could actually respond anyway. She is in swim class and gymnastics. It's not that the kids don't interact - they do - but it's spotty and temporary and ... I dunno. I just really don't think you have anything to worry about. 3 year olds aren't sitting around chatting about the state of the union while waiting their turn. They might bounce up and down and giggle, either by themselves or with another child. That's kind of the extent of it. If your child doesn't speak well, a typical 3 year old will probably neither notice nor care.

Go! Have fun!

[tea_time]

My 3 yo is in a ballet/tap class for 3-5yr olds.  There isn't really much talking, just dancing!  I'd say sign her up and keep in touch with the teacher to see if there are any issues.

[pianojazzgirl]

I agree with the pps.  I don't think there would be much (if any) talking involved (on the part of the kids).  It's all about moving and having fun.  If you think your dd would enjoy it then go for it.

[Tjej]

In my 4 now 5yo's ballet class they do talk a fair bit - they do imagination things with the different moves and the girls talk about what they are thinking/doing.  I think they did the same stuff when DD was 3 as well, but I'm not 100% sure I'm remembering it right.  So you may want to ask the teacher.  From what I understand of reading a ballet book with my DD this is pretty much the way a ballet class operates - it's how they connect with the teachers.

That said, if the teacher knew your DD had some speech delays I think even in a class like my DD's it could work just fine.  It'd just take a little thought for the teacher.  My DD is really slow to warm up and doesn't talk a lot in groups and she did just fine as a 3yo (fit in fine and the teacher didn't have problems with her not answering questions).  And I don't think the other kids would judge.  They do that when they are older.

Tjej

[Peony]

DD2 has been taking dance since she was 2. She doesn't have speech delays (I do have another child that does), but she rarely will choose to speak in classes. It has never been an issue. Her dance has always been a fair amount of talking, jumping over "rivers" pretending various things, they sit in a circle and go around and say something in the beginning. She just elects not to speak, they always ask her, she doesn't say anything, and they move on, not a big deal. She isn't judged, I'll agree that is an older child thing, more elem school aged. 

[Ornery]

If you are worried about it, maybe you could sit in on a few classes with her to see if they are a good fit?  I always recommed sitting in on a class or two before signing children up for things as some teachers or classes can be really bad fits for certain kids.

[Shannie77]

I am a ballet teacher and teach 3 year olds.  I don't think your daughters speech should be a problem at all!  Last year I had a class of 7 3 year olds, 2 had  delays, and 2 didn't know much english.  It was not a problem, although I wish I had known ahead of time because all 4 of them had trouble understanding basic directions.  Once I knew what was up it was easy to adjust appropriately.  If your daughter is understanding fine, she should have no problems.  Many children at that age don't answer even if they are motor mouths at home, just because they are shy in a group setting.  In my classes I often ask questions to get the kids engaged "what colour is your unicorn" etc, but over all it is mostly dancing and only a little talking.  So I would go ahead and sign her up and just give the teacher a heads up that her speech is delayed.

[heket]

Dd is at a ballet school.  In her level is a down syndrome child who is not treated any differently nor held back due to disability.  Based on that, I don't see why your dd can't participate with other children at her age level.

[mamalisa]

In dd's dance class there's very little interaction with the other girls.  I wouldn't worry a second about it.

[tbone_kneegrabber]

ds took dance classes last year, it was a "creative movement" class, which was more contemporary/modern, not ballet/tap/jazz style.  He rarely spoke to the teacher or other kids, even though he knew the teacher outside of class and some of the other kids as well.  There was one student in a wheel chair who used a communication device and many other kids who didn't really talk to each other/ the teacher etc.  I think it will depend a lot on the teacher and the class structure, but i don't think it *should* be an issue.

[Shaki]

I agree it should not be an issue. Just let the teacher know ahead of time so she/he is aware of the speech delay.

My DD doesn't do much talking in dance but lots of moving and laughing!!! I hope your DD has a great time!

:)

[Aufilia]

Yup, I agree it won't be a problem.  Mention it to your teacher ahead of time so she knows.  My DD has gross motor delays and started ballet at 3.5, and we've had a great experience.  Sometimes the teachers will ask a question but mostly she just directs them and shows them what to do.  There are a couple kids in DD's class this year who seem very shy and never speak at all (at least not on parent observation days).