Many inline skating instructors prefer older, school-aged children, but teaching new young inline skaters between the ages of three and six is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves to laugh and likes a good challenge.
As with any level of inline skating instruction, teaching little ones is a big responsibility, because foundation and habits are being built that may remain with each skater for their entire skating career.
What are the benefits of teaching young children to inline skate?- The youngest skaters learn a lot faster because their little minds are clear of any previous ideas of what to do to make the skates roll. As an instructor, you will have a clean canvas to develop.
- Little skaters are very close to the ground and have just finished the walking and running balance challenge, so they usually fall very safely without a lot of training.
- Young skaters who actually want to skate have absolutely no fear (unless learned at home), which can be a good thing. Although, there are some times when a little bit of fear will help make a small skater listen to your instructions and safety rules.
- Many pre-school aged skaters are still a bit in awe of adults and easily impressed. Any little accomplishments or compliments are greatly appreciated and young skaters will often reward you with hugs, drawings, crafts and more.
- The youngest skaters will need to be trained in small digestible lessons, because few have a long attention span.
- You must remember that although their attention span may be short, their brains are very fertile. Be prepared to answer some pretty well thought-out questions about each lesson. Once the little ones stump you a few times, you have lost them and sometimes you'll lose the parents, too.
- There will be a fine line between baby-talk and talking over their heads that must be found for each individual private lesson or class group. Give small children a real skating lesson, with real skating language, but make it fun. Most three-to-six year old children will let you know if they don't understand.
- Whether you are teaching an individual or a flock of little skaters, you will need to learn how to herd them individually or as a group. Once a few are allowed to wander off, the lesson or class situation will deteriorate quickly.
- Whenever very young skaters are taking lessons, be prepared to direct part of the lesson to the parents and guardians. Once they understand what is being taught and why, they will be a great help with any of the issues above.
- Encourage the parents, older siblings and guardians to be the cheerleaders for the entire tiny-tot class, so that each child knows they are the center of attention - a favorite place for any preschooler to be.
- Make sure to have a use for every important skating technique taught in the form of a game or activity during or at the end of class. Skating information that has an immediate purpose will be retained longer.
- A small, simple reward (like a certificate, ribbon or badge) for each child's long-term skating accomplishments will make the whole family happy and provide a memento of the sport that may help keep a family involved in roller sports.
Remember that no instructor should have a favorite skater, and each lesson brings a different kind of joy and sense of accomplishment to all involved. But, my favorite type of skating lesson or classes are those that involve training young skaters. Once you decide to give in and enjoy the whimsical world of teaching tiny-tot skating lessons, it will be fun for the children and the families as well as for you - the instructor.
You can add your own teaching tips, adventures and suggestions right now. Share Teaching Adventures and Tips!
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