"Gymnastics or the Fear of It" by Gerry Cernicky

Each year about this time, the tumbling mats come out, the apparatus is assembled, and many students cringe and shriek at the word...GYMNASTICS! This doesn't have to be the case if there is creativity, enthusiasm and a positive mental attitude in this unit. We have to take a different approach since tumbling/gymnastics seems to invoke an embarrassing tone in our classes. But, if this unit is to be successful, then there must be a different way of doing things.

From the very beginning stages, the primary students should learn mimics and very basic tumbling skills to get over the fear of being upside down or doing something inappropriate. This can be done through story plays to act out the various lead-up skills. There should be enough tumbling mats to ensure total participation. By adding the balance beam and vaulting horse contributes to a well-rounded program. Lurking in the background is the intermediate grades when their bodies have transformed into various shapes that may prevent them to perform at the level in their primary years. Many students may feel threatened when they are put on display in front of their peers. It doesn't have to be that way if they are given alternatives , which may come in many forms. Give the students an alternative skill according to their ability. Gymnastics is not only tumbling and apparatus. There are many skills that are integrated within Gymnastics. These may include: Jumps , turns , and balances. Another avenue is Rhythmic Gymanstics what includes skills with a rhythm ball, ropes, hoops and ribbons. Literally, there is something for everybody, even exercises that Special needs students can participate.

Those alternatives can take the form of integrated activities shared by other lead-up activities in the following examples:

Track/field - place folded mats to jump or hurdle over; include long jump or triple jump skills while on the mats(this will meet the requirement of jumps and landings.)

Skateboarding -this new type activity has various jump and flexibility skills that meet the requirements of turns in the air and landings by jumping over the folded mat.

Obstacle course - make up stations to participate in these skills: Push a folded tumbling mat 20 feet,, crawl under hula hoops (broken) inserted into traffic cones, jump over ropes attached to traffic cones, jumps into hula hoops (plyometrics), jump on and off a vaulting horse.

Circuit work - have the students perform any skill they can (one at a time), then go to any of the five stations to perform that are placed at the perimeter of the gym for a specified time limit.

Alternatives - when in the tumbling skill progression give the students an opportunity to perform a skill at their level. That is , give them choices to ensure success .

1. Forward roll progression - frog jump , log roll , shoulder roll , forward roll , straddle roll( they chose one)

2. Backward roll - candlestand, egg roll, shoulder roll, backward roll (chose one)

3. Vaulting progression - run , run and jump onto vault board and land on it softly , repeat but land in a crash mat , jump on and off the horse(landings) , turns (half/full , skateboard , etc.)

As previously mentioned, the skills in Rhythmic Gymnastics may be incorporated utilizing jump ropes, balls, hoops and ribbons. This may be accomplished through self-testing skills or a series of skills using the equipment. Routines are printed out and put to music to be performed at all levels from beginner to advanced.

The word, GYMNASTICS, has many meanings but if it is taught in a progressive manner and with concern for all the students abilities, then it will then connote a new meaning - FUN FOR EVERYBODY!