Donn Tobin (Isaid3)
Junior Member
Username: Isaid3
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - 5:25 pm: |       |
My school has a very extensive gymnastics program, and has had one for the past 30 years or so. Since I came into the program 10 years ago, my co-workers and I have modified the then-existing program to what we think is a very effective one. I model my program somewhat on the KidNastics program developed by Dr. Eric Malmberg from SUNY Cortland. My hybrid version of this is safe, age-appropriate, and has very few injuries. And...since the varsity gymnastics team uses our school, and sets up the equipment and leaves it up for roughly around 3 months or so, we had to find a way to make it work within our curriculum.
Our rules are very simple:
1. No running in the gym with the equipment set up.
2. Only do the skills that the teacher has taught you...no going ahead.
3. Only do skills/rolls on or over a gymnastics mat...do not roll onto the hard floor.
4. You only get one chance. If the students lose this chance, they will have to sit out the entire class period.
Also...the children have a "challenge by choice" method. They are not forced to do anything that they are afraid or apprehensive of. They are encouraged to try (with help), and if they are deathly afraid, they must substitute with a skill that they can do. This way each child progresses at his or her own rate.
These rules have been extremely effective, and helps cut down on fooling around and injuries. Obviously injuries can and do occur, however with proper use of progressions, spotting, and safety, injuries can be lessened.
If you are interested in finding out more info on what and how we do it, please feel free to email me by clicking on my name/profile next to the post. |
