Gymnastics is much more than just a sport. Gymnastics is an art that’s good for your mind, body and soul. It’s a great feeling to perfect a routine after hard work. Gymnastics, especially for children, can help boost their self-esteem, and keep them active. It’s time to create a plan if you want to know how to teach kids gymnastics in your studio or gym. Here are some tips to make it easy for you, and fun for your students.
Why Are Gymnastics Classes For Kids So Important?
Gymnastics is a sport that requires balance, strength and flexibility. These are transferable skills for kids that can be used in any sport. These skills can help kids have better control of their bodies and reduce future injuries.
As we have discussed in an earlier post, the benefits of gymnastics go far beyond their physical advantages. Gymnastics is a sport that requires discipline and patience. It’s not an easy sport. Students need to be persistent in their practice, despite setbacks or disappointments. Gymnastics classes are also good for building character.
Gymnastics is a wonderful way to help kids develop both mentally and physically. Here’s how to offer this service at your gym or studio.
What You’ll Need To Teach Gymnastics For Kids
Gymnastics for children requires a gym that is safe. The right flooring will require a large area. It’s better to use spring flooring for tumbling or extensive routines that provide a gentle bounce back when gymnasts land. You can buy mats in different thicknesses to create a soft floor surface for basic floor moves if you’re not ready to make this kind of investment.
Balance beams and bars, in addition to the flooring, are staples of most gyms. Consider buying a floor beam to help your beginner students, and a lifted beam to help intermediate or advanced students. Gymnastics bars are also available in different levels. They can be adjusted to suit your needs. There are trampolines in many gyms, large and small. They can be useful for practicing jumps.
Consider investing in an excellent webcam for your fitness center. You can record videos or teach online. Students will always benefit from being able to perform simple routines in their own homes. Mount your camera to a wall or stand with a wide, clear view. Start each video or session with a few safety tips.
Develop Your Gymnastics Routine For Beginners
Warming up is important for teaching gymnastics to beginners. Stretching and lengthening are great ways to start your class. Add some jumping jacks and push-ups to your class. You can also jog around the room. Add music to make this part of the class more fun.
These are the basic moves that you can teach beginners after they have warmed up. You should only teach one or two basic moves in a class. Always remember that practice makes perfect, and safety should always be your top priority!
Rolls
A forward roll is one of the basic gymnastics moves. Although it seems simple, perfect form is the key to mastering this move.
Teach them the backward roll after they have done the forward roll.
Cartwheel/roundoff
Cartwheels are a sideways rotation of the body, which is considered a core element of gymnastics.
The roundoff is similar to the roundoff, except that they land with their feet together.
Single Balances
Balance is a key element of gymnastics. Teach the correct form for many single balance moves including a half-stand, plank, ankle hold, and bridge.
Regardless of the level of experience, these moves are used frequently in all gymnastics practices. These are best introduced at the start.
Jumping & Landing
Gymnasts know the importance of landing firmly. Landing on your toes while bending your knees will help you land solidly on the ground.
You can teach your students to safely jump and land by using a mat or a box.
Balance beam/bars
It’s important that your students become familiar with balance beams and bars, even though they may appear more advanced.
Use a beam to encourage simple balance exercises. Keep bars low to the floor and encourage students to hang for a few moments (or try a pull-up).
Get The Word Out
Are you ready to tell the world about your new kids’ gymnastics class? Marketing doesn’t need to be expensive. You can recruit students in many authentic and fun ways.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Use social media
You have one of the most effective marketing tools at your fingertips. Facebook, Instagram and YouTube can be used to keep in touch with students as well as find new ones.
You can also share useful statistics and tips about gymnastics to help new students.
Open house
Show potential students what you can offer! Open houses are a great opportunity to let everyone know what you’re really like.
Your open house will be more enjoyable if you create a theme and include some giveaways.
Post fliers
Look for community boards in local coffee shops and daycares. Post your flyer on these boards for all to see.
Include your address, your phone number and a brief description of the classes you teach.
Partnering with local businesses
Small businesses are great partners. You can work with sports or dance stores to create unique events themed around gymnastics or mutually advertise.
When it’s time to host an open house, you may want to consider partnering with a local food truck or restaurant.
Request online reviews
Your current students are the best advocates for your business. Do not be afraid. Ask your students and their parents to leave online reviews if they are satisfied with your class.
Add a link to the Google Business page or Yelp at the bottom of each email for easy navigation.
Weekly Gymnastics practice routine for kids
This routine can be adapted to the needs of each child and their progress.
Monday – Introduction and Warm up
Goals: Get kids warmed up and familiarized with the gymnastics environment.
Begin with a short discussion about how to teach kids gymnastics (10 minutes).
- Warm-up for the entire body (15 minutes).
- Introduce basic gymnastics equipment to children (15 minutes).
- Allow the children to explore the equipment with supervision (20 minutes).
Tuesday – Flexibility and Balance
Goals: Develop balance and flexibility, which are essential in gymnastics for children.
- Balance beam exercises (20 minutes)
- Stretching and flexibility (20 minutes)
- Watch and correct posture and technique (20 Minutes)
Wednesday – Strength and Coordination
Goals: Develop strength and coordination needed for gymnastics.
- Strengthening exercises using bodyweight (20 minutes)
- Gymnastics Pack Coordination Drills (20 Minutes)
- PE teachers can observe, give feedback and adjust lesson plans as needed (20 minutes).
Thursday Skill Development
Goals: Teach basic gymnastics movements and techniques.
- Demonstrate basic Gymnastic Moves (15 minutes).
- Children can practice their moves with the help of teachers (25 minutes).
- Discussion of the specifics of each movement to ensure quality learning (20 minutes).
Friday – Practice and Review
Goals: Reinforce skills you have learned during the week.
- Review the lessons of the previous week with an emphasis on how to teach gymnastics (15 mins)
- Children practice and demonstrate their learning (25 minutes).
- Teachers can watch, give feedback and look for areas of improvement in 20 minutes.
Saturday – Fun and Games for Saturday
Goals: Make learning gymnastics fun for children to keep them interested.
- Organize gymnastics-themed games (30 minutes)
- Free play is allowed under supervision for 20 minutes
- Finish the session by having a discussion in a small group and getting feedback (10 minutes).
Sunday – Rest and Recovery
Goals: Allow your body to recuperate and prepare for next week.
- Rest and recovery is important for children.
- Teachers plan the lessons for next week
Teaching gymnastics to children requires patience, encouragement and a focus on fun.
