Creating a Single Station Obstacle Course | Dancing in Preschools

Описание: Single-Station vs. Multi-Station Obstacle Courses in Preschool Setting

In this video, I’m sharing a real-life example of how I adapt obstacle courses to different teaching environments, specifically comparing a single-station obstacle course with a multi-station format. Whether you're teaching in a large dance studio or a small preschool classroom, space plays a major role in how we deliver dance concepts.

I walk you through a simple scarecrow-themed single-station obstacle course, designed using just a few key props: balance beams, balance domes, and hula hoops. This setup focuses on the dance concept of Body Shapes, with dancers practicing straight arm and leg positions as they walk, balance, and pose across the course.

You’ll see how a single station can be just as effective as a multi-station course especially in smaller classrooms (like a preschool). For example, I combined jumping and twirling into a single activity by having dancers jump and spin inside a hula hoop. In larger classrooms, those same skills might be spread out, with jumps performed over rows of cones and dots and twirls taking place on a separate spinner or open space. Combining movements like this allows teachers to preserve conceptual integrity while staying within spatial limitations.

I also reflect on how multi-station courses, like the one used in our Johnny Appleseed Dance EdVenture™ can include multiple types of balance beams (straight, curvy, zig-zag) and take up the entire classroom. But that’s not always realistic in a preschool setting. When space is limited, we can break down concepts into smaller pieces. For example, when teaching Body Shapes, we can devote one week each to straight, curvy, angular, and twisted shapes. This keeps the focus clear, the classroom manageable, and the learning deep.

This video is a helpful resource for teachers working in school or mobile settings, where flexibility and creativity are key to delivering high-quality, concept-based dance education.

If you're looking for ideas on how to scale your obstacle courses up or down based on space, or how to design classes that are adaptable and developmentally appropriate, this behind-the-scenes breakdown will be a great tool.

Learn more about our Dance EdVentures™ and explore ready-to-teach lessons inside the Dance to Learn® membership at:
👉 https://library.dancetolearn.co/pages...

Seen in this Video:
Balance Beams: https://gophersport.com/create-a-beam...
Balance Domes: https://shorturl.at/13I45
Balance Domes (Amazon): https://amzn.to/4pY6TC7
Little Pumpkins: https://amzn.to/4oaaFGV
Big Pumpkins: https://amzn.to/4nFl3GE
Scarecrow: https://amzn.to/3INHbQ8

I grow my YouTube Channel with TubeBuddy:
https://www.tubebuddy.com/dancetolearn
​
AFFILIATE LINK NOTICE:
Some Links above are affiliate links. This means that you are offered the same great prices, but Dance to Learn may receive a small commission.

Scarecrow Themed Dance EdVentures™ from Dance to Learn®
Fall in Love with Scarecrows (Creative Dance) EdVenture™ (Ages 3-5) https://library.dancetolearn.co/cours...
Fall in Love with Scarecrows (Hip Hop) EdVenture™ (Ages 3-5)
https://library.dancetolearn.co/cours...
Bundle them Together: https://library.dancetolearn.co/bundl...

About Us: Jessica Strong is the founder and Creative Director of Dance to Learn, LLC. Dance to Learn offers the Dance to Learn Curriculum, an educational dance curriculum. Our Preschool Dance Curriculum is focused on teaching the dance concepts in a fun and creative way. The Dance to Learn University offers resources for Dance Teachers, Preschool Dance Teachers, Early Childhood Education Teachers, Dance Studio Owners and anyone looking to teach educational dance classes designed to reach the whole child.

Follow Us on Social Media:
Facebook: / dancetolearn​​
​Instagram: / dancetolearn​​
​Twitter: / dancetolearn​​
​Pinterest: / dancetolearn​​
​Tik Tok: / dancetolearn1​

#tipsforpreschooldanceteachers #teachingpreschooldance #mobiledance