V.I.P. Bloggers
Multi-Use Mats
BY LINDA THORBERG & BRANT LUTSKA
Do you ever get stale in your choice of activities with a certain type of mat? In 2009, we did a lecture called “Mat Magic” which gave many different ways to use all our basic mats. (This and other 2009 lectures are available at www.flippingeducation.com) Here are some ideas for using Octagons which are available at Mancino. Of course some of these will require a spot depending on the readiness of the child.
- Tummy on top, roll over
- Roll over on tummy, pick up a shape and come back.
- Wheelbarrow, walk over
- Push it with hands or feet across the floor.
- Roll it back and forth between partners.
- Reach over a small barrel to handstand, cartwheel or round-off.
- Add in obstacle course.
- Put it by a wall, bridge up on it
- Jump over a small one.
- Stand in a pattern, go around them.
- Toss hoops over them.
- Sit on it underneath a bar for a glide swing.
- Lie backwards and kick over.
- Front Handsprings over.
- Back Handsprings over.
- Leap over a small barrel.
- Support a beginner’s bridge position on a small one.
- Tie a rope between two standing barrels to cartwheel over.
Have a staff meeting and see how many other ideas you can come up with! Do you have any ideas? Post a comment and share your out-of-the-box uses for an Octagon.
Children Learn Best Through Play
By LINDA THORBERG and BRANT LUTSKA – FLIPPING EDUCATION
Have you heard the question, at preschool gymnastics “Are they just playing in there?” It’s our job to help parents understand the importance of teaching children the way they learn best, through play.
In order to teach gymnastics skills to young children they must first be able to do fundamental movement skills and be comfortable with their body in space. When they know how to put their bodies into shapes and can move in different positions, we can teach basic gymnastics skills. The plus side of gymnastics programs is that when children are allowed to physically move to learn concepts they are also learning skills that help them read, write, and understand the meaning of words and sequences. Here are just a few examples of things we can do in class and reasons to share with parents.
Movement concepts when acted out physically such as; over under, around, through, beside, and near, help children understand the words through active involvement.
When children create shapes with their bodies to make letters, they are reinforcing letter identification for reading.
Clapping or making a movement rhythm (stomp, jump, slide, etc.) to a word or song helps children with the rhythm of reading.
Using action words in class, (jump, quick, slow) helps them understand the meaning of words with their bodies and their minds.
When children combine two or three skills together, they have to remember what comes next. This is like linking words together to make a sentence.
When children are learning by doing, they are more likely to retain what they have done.
Help parents realize that coming to gymnastics class helps children learn with their bodies and their minds for “Life Skills” beyond the gym!
Holiday Shopping at Alpha Factor
WOW!!!
How fast did October come and go? It’s Cory Fritzinger again and I just want to remind everyone that the holidays are just around the corner. Alpha Factor offers lots of fun leotards for that aspiring gymnast in your life. Ordering is simple:
- Go to www.alphafactoraerials.com
- Choose your state from the drop down menu
- Choose your Gym Code
Again, if your gym is not listed, log in as a guest. Right now, with every purchase of $35.00 you will receive an ornament for only $3.00!!!
For information please contact our Alpha Team at 1.800.8ALPHA8.
Hope everyone has a great November and a wonderful Thanksgiving 
Sincerely,
Alpha Factor
“The Company That Cares”
Alpha Factor Pro Shop
I would like to begin by introducing myself. My name is Cory Fritzinger and I will be bringing you new and exciting news from Alpha Factor periodically.
This month’s topic is the Alpha Factor Virtual Pro Shop, also known as the “Aerials” line. Our Aerials website (www.alphafactoraerials.com), offers a variety of items ranging from: leotards to biker shorts, scrunchies to water bottles and all sorts of fantastic accessories in between. With everyone’s busy fall schedules, we at Alpha Factor make it quick and convenient to purchase those much needed practice leotards online. In 3 easy steps you can have access to the Aerials site:
1. Go to www.alphafactoraerials.com
2. Choose your state from the drop down menu.
3. Choose your Gym Code.
If your gym is not listed, log in as a GUEST! We will then make sure that your gym is assigned a Gym Code in the near future. Look for our “Back to School” and “Holiday” editions of our Aerials catalogs coming to you soon!
COACHES: For more information on how you can benefit from Alpha Factor’s Virtual Pro Shop, please contact us at 1-800-8ALPHA8.
I hope everyone has a wonderful month. Stay tuned for next month’s blog.
Sincerely,
Alpha Factor
“The Company That Cares”
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