Skiing is a sport that allows children develop self-confidence and to experience a sense of freedom that can be found nowhere else other then on a ski hill.
Five days a week children are held with in the confines of a classroom. They are constantly being reminded not run, to keep their voices down, and to stay in their seat.
Within the classroom children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are kept on an even shorter leash. But skiing gives these children the opportunity to be independent and responsible for themselves with the freedom of a 100-acre play ground.
As an instructor there are obstacles when it comes to teaching an organized lesson to athletes with learning disabilities. Here are some tips for giving instructions that will help set your athletes up for success.
- Use clear, precise, short instructions
- Have simple rules
- Show lots of enthusiasm and always give them positive feedback
- Be flexible and allow for variations with in your lesson
- Be more open, use fewer exercises, practice one exercise lots, or even better have them follow right behind you
- Make sure the child knows that s/he has your individual attention at times, more so than other children
- Don’t ever single them out in front of the other kids
When organizing your group on the hill it is very important to keep your group involved and active. The children that can’t sit still in a classroom will be hungry to work hard on the ski hill and release that additional energy. Again keep instruction short because the more time these children spend skiing the happier they will be.
Some simple tips to follow when leading a lesson with children with ADD/ADHD
- Tell them what you would like them to do
- Tell them where to ski
- Tell them when to go down the hill
- Give a good, copyable demonstration
The most important thing is to keep your lesson fun. There a lot of benefits that skiing has to offer, especially to children that are challenged by ADD and ADHD. For children with ADD/ADHD ski lessons help to enhance their concentration, increase their independence and increase their self-confidence.
Skiing to these children is a life enhancing experience. Teaching a fun, positive and active lesson will keep them coming back for more.
Melody McCague
CSIA 3, CSCF 3
Melody holds a Masters of Education that focused on teaching children with ADD and ADHD.
