Set the Tone

Tom Winiecki

Getting the year off to a good start is always important. This way, all of your students understand exactly what is expected of them. They know exactly how you will act toward them. everyone is on "the same page" right from the start.

Here are some ideas:

1. "I Can't" vs. "I Can't Yet."

Probably the worst thing that your students could say in your class is "I can't." When they say that, they have already given up. The solution; don't allow it to be said at all! Rather give them an alternative.

Posting signs like this in your gym makes it clear to them that while they cannot EVER say those dreaded words "I can't," they can say "I can't yet" as often as they need to! Once they all understand that you are not interested in perfection each and every time that they try something, but are interested in them learning to pursue perfection, they will be more willing to try new things and be willing to make mistakes. They now understand that you are there to help them get better. You are not there to find their faults alone.

If they still do say "I can't," simply tell them that they are right, that they can't do that and you cannot help them if they know that they can't do something.

When they say "I can't yet," they are letting you help them. Now when you ask them to show them what they have so far, they will be more receptive to your help.

2. Give them a "sneak preview"

Go over exactly what you will be teaching throughout the year. Tell them that there will be things that are easy and things that will be challenging. Get them excitied about what they are about to do. Get them read to have them offer their own "expertise." Many of your students have participated in some of the "units" that you will offer. Invite them to be your "resident experts" when you go over that particular skill. Just watch their enthusiasm soar!

3. Spice it up a bit with your primary aged students.

• Tell them at the beginning of the school year that there will be days this year that some of you will touch the ceiling. (They don't have to know that you are talking about climbing a rope, or cargo net.)
• Tell them that one day, someone will fly right over your head (That really work well with the young ones if you are tall. I'm 6'4" and they get really excited at that thought). You don't have to tell them right away that you are talking about something to do with gymnastics.
• Tell them that one day they will come into the gym and it will be "raining a rainbow of nerf balls." You don't have to let them know that you are simply planning some classes to cover throwing and catching!

Tie all of these ideas to the "I Can't" and "I Can't Yet" signs. Remind them that if they don't think that they can do those things that you mentioned, then they may not be the ones to do them. If they look around and think "Gee, there has to be a way to figure that out and do it," then they may be the ones to actually do it. There is nothing like them getting pumped up right on the first day!