Children’s Tip by Janet Shofstall
Sure this is just an advertising slogan yet it’s also helpful when teaching children. Think back to your own school days when there was a substitute teacher … you remember … I thought so; torment time. Kids have an innate sense of vulnerability and insecurity. Setting up the lesson atmosphere with safety, FUN and learning are key to a successful lesson.
We all know that creating a safe and comfortable environment are the beginnings of all great experiences. For now I want to get to the fun part. No surprise.
Think of teaching kids snowsports as an opportunity to be a kid again. Sure, we need to be professional and take the task seriously. The parents/guardians have bestowed upon us the hugest of responsibilities; we’re taking their kids out into a weird and wonderful, maybe new world.
Find a balance in how you interact between the more serious parent/teacher relationship and the more playful student/teacher relationship. With your young students be a leader, a ring leader. Essentially a ring leader is the fun director. A good fun director is also having fun, maybe the MOST fun of everyone. Allow yourself to be and act a little silly and ridiculous.
One of the highest compliments a child can give me is, “You’re funny.” So, get out there and be a little crazy with your next kids’ class. If you’re having fun it’s no sweat.
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