Using a square hoop, Sensei moves the "target" around. When it stops the child has to do either a kick or a punch. You can easily use a target pad instead of a hoop.

At the very end of class Sensei has the kids quickly line-up and bow out. Then they give themselves a hand! If your style has a creed or meditation before or after the class, leave that out of your Little Eagles® classes. Close the class in 30 seconds or less.

Using a bubble wand to blow bubbles thrills kids! Use bubbles as punching or kicking targets. Then without warning or a countdown, tell them to go back to their spots. TIP: It's hard for kids to stop when they are having fun. Using bubbles means the fun stops when the teacher stops!

Sensei has this little guy demonstrate his "jump kick" on a pad that she rigged up herself. No matter the kick, doing it a different way than usual is always fun. TIP: Use your creative side and put together your own "equipment" for toddlers.

The group stands at attention and focuses on Sensei. Then they wiggle and go back to attention! With toddlers you have to switch up every few seconds, not minutes! TIP: If the tot who doesn't pay attention isn't affecting the rest of the class, ignore him!

Using brightly colored foam alphabet blocks and moving through letters every few seconds will hold their attention. When you get to a letter that is the start of a technique, like "p" for punch, use the letter and technique to reenforce the skill.

Starting with one technique and adding up to two more develops focus as they need to remember which technique they are supposed to do.

Kids do kicks while reciting the alphabet ( with a little help from teachers!) That's 26 kicks and their A,B,C's! TIP: Be sure to tell them where their hands should be. By their face, on their waist, etc.

Having the kids sit in a karate seiza position (see video #24) gives the kids clear directions how to be seated so they can focus on the teacher. A simple counting chart can be used over and over again.

A creative way to teach kids to work together! They are all "contained" in a hoola hoop that each is holding. They move together to the next hoop and have to work together to switch hoops, and move onto the next one. We'll keep working with them on this!

Kids love balloons!! Focusing on kicking then catching the balloon, tots learn self-control: if they kick too hard they can't catch it!

Whether you're teaching martial arts or arts & crafts, it's important for the kids to know how to sit still and listen.

Practicing the basic strikes that are learned in our next program of classes (the "bigger" kids) gives the little ones the ability to easily move in to your next program. When one student loses focus the instructor reminds her exactly what to do. No long discussions!

The instructor tells the kids to pick up a certain foam letter and hand it to over to be punched out