At Home Confidence Kit: 18mo – 3yr

At Home Confidence Kit: 18mo – 3yr

Confidence Kit:
18mo–3 Year Olds

At this age, “doing well” in class doesn’t mean doing every step. It means getting used to the room, the music, and moving with you. They’re learning by you moving their body. Here’s what our 18mo–3year‑olds are practicing all year:


Coordination & Movement
Assisted little hops
Swaying side‑to‑side
Lifting arms and legs with your help
Holding and moving with props
Beginning ballet, tap, and jazz ideas like:
Toe Taps, Twists, Little twists and Knee bends
What you might notice at home:
More bouncing when music comes on, lifting their feet, trying to copy your “dance.”


Listening & Thinking Skills
Responding to single words like “clap,” “freeze,” “jump”
Watching you and imitating your movements
Stopping/starting with the music
Copying short, repetitive actions (clap–clap, stomp–stomp)
What you might notice at home:
They clap when you clap, freeze when you say “stop,” or copy a move from class.


Social & Emotional Skills
Staying close to you in a new space
Watching other children (parallel play)
Smiling, giggling, or reaching toward other kids
Slowly getting used to routine (hello/goodbye, warm‑up, etc.)
What you might notice at home:
They say “dance,” talk about “teacher,” or seem more comfortable in other group settings.


Music & Creativity
Swaying to slow songs
Clapping along to the beat (with help)
Moving faster or slower with the music
Pretending to be animals or fun characters while you move together

What you might notice at home:
More dancing when music comes on, making up stories with movement, “putting on shows.”

My 30-Day Confidence Chart

Each time your child has one of these little ‘wins,’ add a sticker or checkmark. At the end of 30 days, celebrate how far they’ve come!

         Stayed in the room for a little longer than last time
         Watched the teacher or other kids for a few seconds
         Clapped, bounced, or swayed to music
         Tried one movement with your help (arms, feet, tip toes, etc.)
         Imitated you (copied your clap, stomp, or wave)
         Smiled, giggled, or relaxed during class
        “Danced” or moved when you put music on at home

At the end of 30 days, point out 2–3 things they do now that they couldn’t or wouldn’t do on day 1. That’s what confidence looks like at this age.

Home Games

1. Lap Bounce Beat

Sit them on your lap facing you.
Put on a song and gently bounce them to the beat.
Say “FREEZE!” and both of you freeze when you pause the music.
Builds: rhythm, start/stop control, fun with simple rules.

2. Mirror Mommy

Stand facing each other, holding hands.
You sway side‑to‑side, raise arms, tip toes, or do little knee bends.
Ask them to “do it with me!”
Then switch and copy anything they do.
Builds: copying movements, body awareness, “I can teach too.”

3. Animal Walks (Holding Hands)

Hold their hands and say: “Walk like a tiny mouse… now stomp like a big elephant… now hop like a bunny.”
Add sounds if they like (squeak, stomp, hop).
Builds: imagination, gross motor skills, comfort being playful.

Parents Tips

  • Expect wandering and watching.
    At this age, observing IS participation. It’s okay if they cling or just watch for a while.
  • Plan to move WITH your child.
    Think of class like teaching them to walk again – you’ll be moving their hands, feet, and body with the teacher’s guidance. The teacher teaches you what to do with them.
  • Practice one‑step directions at home.
    Simple cues like “clap,” “freeze,” “jump,” and “stop” are exactly what we use in class.
  • Help them wait their turn (a little bit).
    When other kids are going, have them sit in your lap and “watch their friends.” If they wander, gently guide them back – that’s how they learn.
  • It’s okay to take a break.
    If they’re very upset, step into the hallway, watch through the window, and come back in when they’re calmer. Little ones sometimes need more than one try before they’re ready to join all the way in.