|
MARCH SKILLS - Theme Transportation |
|
Running Drills: Giving children ample opportunity to run helps them develop good technique. We practice parts of correct running by different
drills that include running, jumping, hopping, hopscotch and arm swing.
These activities will help us with the Vaulting event and tumbling later on. |
|
Strength Games: Each week our students are working on different
ways to build arm, core, and leg strength. These fitness activities help our
gymnastic skills as well. Supporting our body weight on our arms helps
our handstands and cartwheels. Working on our stomach strength allows
us to be successful tumbling and on the bars. Leg strength games help
us on the playground with other sports as well as tumbling and vaulting in
gymnastics.
|
|
Build a Headstand: Teaching children to balance upside down starts
with the headstand. Proper head and hand placement is important for
proper balancing. Children should not stay in this position for a long time.
We usually build our headstands against the wall first, then try them on
the floor. It takes core strength to maintain a headstand. The headstand
allows children to experience early inverted positions which lead to
handstands and other skills down the road! |
|
Beam Balancing:Success on balance beam starts with focus. We
teach the children to balance different ways while looking at the end of the
beam or an object straight ahead. Since their heads are the heaviest part
of their bodies, balancing is most successful while keeping the head
looking straight ahead. Having a spot to look at also keeps their attention
somewhere so balance is better. Good balance leads to good posture
and core stability. Appropriate balances are held for short periods of time.
Example: Stand on one foot, count to 3 if you are 3! Keep looking at the
end of the beam! |
