Educational Gymnastics
Educational gymnastics also known as exploratory or developmental gymnastics is an approach that allows the gymnast to explore different aspects of gymnastics such as:
Educational gymnastics differs greatly from formal gymnastics in that it allows the students to challenge themselves to carry out a given task in a number of ways. With this style of teaching gymnastics there is no one correct way to take on the challenge. For example if we were to ask the students to travel from one end of the hall to the other, they could do this in any way they want, they could front roll, egg roll or pencil roll etc. there is no wrong way to do it. This allows the student to explore the range of movements that the body can carry out. Everyone no matter what their ability level is able to complete this challenge, therefore everyone feels involved and successful.
The focus of the lesson when using this teaching method is on problem solving. When given a challenge the student will do their best to complete the task appropriate to their ability level, if they feel that they can front roll all the way across a mat they will. More physically developed students will solve a problem in ways that are more difficult that require more balance and coordination while less physically developed students will play it safe and use a simpler method.
Sometimes a student will surprise themselves with what they can do and how far their own body can take them, and this is what we are aiming for here- The discovery of the range of movements our bodies can perform.
- Body Awareness
- Body Position
- Balance
- Support
- Locomotor Skills
Educational gymnastics differs greatly from formal gymnastics in that it allows the students to challenge themselves to carry out a given task in a number of ways. With this style of teaching gymnastics there is no one correct way to take on the challenge. For example if we were to ask the students to travel from one end of the hall to the other, they could do this in any way they want, they could front roll, egg roll or pencil roll etc. there is no wrong way to do it. This allows the student to explore the range of movements that the body can carry out. Everyone no matter what their ability level is able to complete this challenge, therefore everyone feels involved and successful.
The focus of the lesson when using this teaching method is on problem solving. When given a challenge the student will do their best to complete the task appropriate to their ability level, if they feel that they can front roll all the way across a mat they will. More physically developed students will solve a problem in ways that are more difficult that require more balance and coordination while less physically developed students will play it safe and use a simpler method.
Sometimes a student will surprise themselves with what they can do and how far their own body can take them, and this is what we are aiming for here- The discovery of the range of movements our bodies can perform.