Gymnastic Olympic Practice
[20 Minutes]
You’ll be all prepared for your gymnastic floor routine at the summer Olympics after practicing in your own back yard. Cartwheels, somersaults, floor rolls will be done with grace and style for all who’ll watch as you perform to your own music! Athens – get ready!
You'll need:
• a large blanket or sheet to act as your performance mat • CD or tape player and your favorite music • a large grassy open area free from obstacles and holes • comfortable clothes to move in
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child.
- Together with your child gather everything you’ll need.
- Explain to your child that she will be choreographing and performing her own gymnastic floor routine in pretend preparation for the upcoming summer Olympics in Athens Greece! Also explain that you will help out as her coach – coaxing her to smile, helping her with her cartwheels or somersaults and playing the music.
How to play:
- Pick your area and really check it out for dips or irregularities in the levelness of the ground.
- Spread out your “performance mat”.
- Set up the music.
- Tell your child to think of and practice different gymnastic or dance type movements she would like to incorporate into her routine.
- Play the music so that she can “feel” where and how the movements should be performed in regard to the music’s rhythm and beat.
- Coach her by suggesting that she string her moves so that they flow. Practice the movements with her so that you can feel it too!
- Create your own special movements and practice them together.
- When she feels ready – start the music from the beginning so she can perform for you!
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- What movements did you like to perform the best?
- Did the music inspire you to move? Why?
- Could you feel the beat of the music?
- What other creative movements could you perform in your routine?
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