All Progress is Good Progress

GymMomGuru:

My oldest daughter Sam did two seasons of Level 4 AND two seasons of Level 5. Jessie did one season of Level 4 and two seasons of Level 5. Some of their teammates moved up more quickly.  At the time, I was frustrated they were not “staying with the group” and moving up to the next level. However, what I learned after looking back on the situation, is repeating a level was the best thing that could have happened to each of them. They developed confidence, got a taste of success and mastered the basics. They were able to quickly progress through the levels after their slow start. Oh yeah, and they caught up with their group, so that was not a big deal. 

I know it is stressful when the coach tells you that your daughter could benefit from another season at their current level. However, the coach is working with your daughter in the gym at every practice and knows her struggles, fears and maturity in the sport. The coach is usually the best judge as to which level she should compete. My advice is to trust the coach. 

My daughters are perfect examples of gymnasts who benefitted from staying at the levels a little longer and mastering the basics before moving up. They zoomed quickly through Levels 6-10 (although some gymnasts will zoom through compulsories and then get struck at a higher level a little longer). They all progress at their own rate and speed.

Transformation mechanisms & teaching through entertainment

 I picked up a couple of quick props from the Magic Apple store in Studio City Saturday, after work, for a gymnastics clinic last Sunday.

 I didn't really have time to think through a clever story on how to relate the props (classic breakaway wand and stiff rope) to gymnastics; but knew I wanted to make it a theme about being loose or tight.

 I also used a partially inflated ball and a fully inflated physioball to compare the difference between the two (one being tight and bouncy and the other one not).

 What are some of your favorite props to use, to illustrate a point? Analogies, metaphors, transformation mechanisms....

Sometimes being able to draw the relationship provides for a fun "Aaah! I get it!" moment. Sam Marsh's stick vault:


 


 George Hery tossing a hammer:


 


 Tom Forster with a Judy Kline demonstration of physics:

 


 Wade Petersen demonstrating the restitution and elasticity of the bar:

 


 I heard my kids describe (I wasn't there that day) the same coach stacking a pyramid of parallettes to illustrate the importance of building a strong foundation of basics and what happens if you don't (the pyramid collapsed). Another favorite is bouncing two different balls- one filled to the max with air (tight and bouncy) and one partially deflated (not tight and not bouncy).

Visual aids and the power of imagination:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/653391321411900/permalink/2020707588013593/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/653391321411900/permalink/2321915034559512/

9-20-2019 Gymnastics World, Chatsworth, CA

9-23-2019 Gymnastics World, Chatsworth, CA

I picked up some dog poo prop at the magic store. I've been using the hand placement mat on vault for a hurdle line and tell the kids the mat is dog poo- don't step on it.

 Please share some of your favorites and how you might capture the attention of an audience through entertainment tricks, gimmicks, and physical props.

Sunday Funnies

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