FIRST STEPS - SAFE PHYSICAL FUN AND LEARNING THROUGH LACROSSE LESSONS
Physical and Social Development for Children
We Make it Fun!
Mr Gord's "Covid Corner"
Are you running out of meaningful activity for your children? Let us help you develop Physical Literacy through lacrosse.
Equipment: 30" mini goalie stick; a gamma revolution ball; a half swim pool noodle; balloons; a goal; cones .
I'll add a new activity every week. Try to get to my Facebook Page. First Steps Lacrosse/MrGord39
New Activity: look for Whacking and Balloons
What is First Steps Lacrosse?
- First Steps Lacrosse is an early childhood physical literacy program for 2 to 6 year-olds that teaches fundamental movements from the game of lacrosse utilizing dramatic play and a child centered approach.
Some History
First Steps Lacrosse was developed for ABLA by Gord Watt. After years of development in Montessori School and recreational settings we have partnered our program with US Lacrosse. First Steps will be part of their U-6 Try Lax program this coming season.
Gord made a large group floor presentation at this year's US Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia.
Whacking and Balloons
Before you get a stick and a ball you can do some whacking using a half pool noodle. Always hold the noodle with both hands. Lift it up over your head. Take a giant step forward and, "Whack" the noodle down as hard as you can. Two hands and the big step in very important for developing a throwing movement. It you have a yard run to different targets such as trees, the fence, the deck and whack them. Whack high and whack low. To get some control limit one whack per target then run to the next.
Balloons are great fun and they serve to develop some of the most difficult movements of catching. Children learn to anticipate, predict direction and intercept by following a balloon and catching it. To develop a stick movement get children to keep the balloon afloat using the noodle.
Remember to thank a soldier on Memorial Day.
What is Physical Literacy?
- Physical Literacy is the development of fundamental movement and sport skills that will permit a child to move with confidence and control in a wide variety of sport situations.
- Adult confidence and the willingness to participate comes from having learned fundamental movements as a child.
- Not having the skills is a major reason for children and adults to withdraw from physical activity and sport.
Don't Drop the Baby!
Don't drop the baby!
Children pick up the stick and put a ball in the pocket. We call holding the ball, "cradling" because we rock the ball back and forth.
Who do you know who gets cradled? . . . the baby!
Rock your baby gently back and forth and take it for a walk; then we'll jog: then we'll run. But remember: DON"T DROP THE BABY!
Why so young?
From birth to the age of 5 we learn 90% of all we will ever know. Children learning sponges for knowledge and values that will shape their future. First Steps Lacrosse let's every child know that physical activity is fun and they can do it. We develop a long term joy for activity based on self esteem and positive learning experience.
The First Game
Young children love stories and fantasy so we start our classes with the story of the first game. Lacrosse is an ancient game. It is so old no one remembers when it began, but we do know something about the "First Game". The First Game was a contest between the animals with teeth and the animals without teeth. What animal has teeth? ( Bear, wolf, an alligator . . .) What animals do not have teeth? ( Birds) Animals with teeth are strong. They can run and they play the game on the ground. But, they can't do what animals without teeth can do: fly! The game is played on the ground and in the air. We are going to learn to play both ways, on the ground and in the air. Who do you think won the First Game? There is one animal that has both teeth and wings and he made all the difference.
Dodge the Giant Boulder
Coach is a Giant holding a huge boulder over her head. ( The boulder is an inflated gym ball) The child must dodge the rolled or bounced ball. I start with a gruff " Fee, Fye, Fo, Fum!" chant. That's from Jack in the Beanstalk.
Roll then bounce the ball as children build confidence. Add a ball and stick. Ask the child to cradle the ball while dodging, but "Don't drop the Baby!"
This works very well with children under 2 to 5. Older children are more agile, so move closer and roll the boulder quicker. Remember, the child must be successful, not a victim.