Teaching Children Gymnastics

Teaching Children Gymnastics, Second Edition, shows teachers how to use an innovative and individualized approach to teaching gymnastics skills and how to link those skills into sequences. This text has been expanded to present 30 child-tested examples of gymnastics activities (called learning experiences) that are ideal for children in kindergarten through grade 6.

The learning experiences are divided into three skill themes: traveling, statics, and rotation. Each learning experience may be explored for three or more lessons to provide up to a full unit of instruction.

This book explains the why and how of teaching children gymnastics. It describes how learning experiences allow teachers to focus each lesson on one skill theme while at the same time drawing on other themes to support the development of sequences. This approach helps children advance more quickly from performing isolated skills to performing movement sequences.

This new edition includes many additions and updates:
- Real-life scenarios in part I that bring key points to life
- More standards-based learning experiences for each skill theme
- Ideas for creating additional gymnastics learning experiences
- Sections on behavior management, inclusion, fitness, and advocacy
- Assessment of children in gymnastics using both process and product variables
- Objectives and questions for reflection for each chapter

Part I contains the necessary background information on the national standards for physical education, the importance of using a developmentally appropriate approach, advice on tailoring gymnastics instruction to fit each teaching situation, ideas for task development in gymnastics, effective management strategies and safety concerns, and ways to assess student progress across three domains: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. The chapter objectives, scenarios, and questions for reflection help teachers think about and apply the material in meaningful ways.

Part II is organized around three skill themes: traveling, statics, and rotation. There are 10 detailed learning experiences for each theme. Additional ideas are provided for those who want to create their own learning experiences.

The appendix handouts are ready-to-copy forms, such as student certificates and gymnastics report cards, and can be used as they are or they can be customized. Sample forms include task cards, lesson design worksheets, and sample lesson plans.

An annotated suggested readings list provides teachers in training as well as experienced teachers and recreation leaders a ready resource for expanding their understanding and skills related to developmentally appropriate gymnastics.