I've been teaching gymnastics for about four to five years now and oh man have I learned a whole bunch personally and professionally. So here I am yet again on the internet machine, sharing what I have learned with all of you lovelies. Teaching has taught me many lessons and shown me what it means to be a role model. I realized very quickly I was now a figure in these kids lives and I wanted it to be a positive experience. Plus I wanted them to be able to do a handstand. So pull up your leos, grab your grips and lets go;
Patience Is Not A Virtue It Is a Necessity: Sometimes I will explain a skill ten times to my students, and they still don't understand or rather aren't listening. I will give directions and then 5 seconds later will get a "wait, what are we supposed to do?" Learning to be patient with my students has translated over into life. Yes I might still get frustrated sometimes when I have to wait, but I know things will eventually happen, because after fifteen weeks I taught that girl how to do a goddamn forward roll against all odds.
Think Before You Speak: Although the kids might not remember directions they WILL remember if you tell them they are going to play a game later. Don't make promises you can't keep, because kids will remember and they will begin to think of you as the one who never does what they say they will do. This is the same in the professional world - don't make promises you can't keep. Be reliable, be realistic, because people will remember.
Don't Take Things Personally: You know that saying kids say the darndest things? They can be raw, honest and unaware of the affects. Remember that they are unaware. These kids you are teaching have no idea what is going on in your life or the struggles of being an adult. They see you in a 1-D perspective, as their teacher. So when they ask you "what's wrong with your face" when you have acne or how they hate your new hair color. Do not take it as a personal attack. This also applies to adults, who should understand you have other things going on in your life but often forget. Don't take peoples comments to personally. Many people don't understand the scope or affect of their comments, so just take a breath, smile and don't dwell on it. If their comment really upsets you, then talk to them about it.
Leave Your Baggage At Home: When you teach a class, especially gymnastics, you need to be focused on your kids. Leave your problems and baggage at home, because work is no place for it. It will only make your problems worse to dwell and then your performance will be subpar. Kids notice if you are off and you need to be there for them. They look up to you, admire you even and you need to be a positive reinforcement in their life.
Practice What You Preach: This is one I have fallen in and out of. So lately I am trying to get back into being able to demonstrate. Many kids are visual learners, so it is best for them to see their teacher show a skill. It also builds respect and even an awe. You should be able to show basic skills you are trying to teach. You want to inspire your kids to work hard, show them that it pays off. This applies to ANY work. Do your research, know what you are talking about. If you want to do well in your profession, be knowledgable. It will foster respect and you will be better off in the long run.
Patience Is Not A Virtue It Is a Necessity: Sometimes I will explain a skill ten times to my students, and they still don't understand or rather aren't listening. I will give directions and then 5 seconds later will get a "wait, what are we supposed to do?" Learning to be patient with my students has translated over into life. Yes I might still get frustrated sometimes when I have to wait, but I know things will eventually happen, because after fifteen weeks I taught that girl how to do a goddamn forward roll against all odds.
Think Before You Speak: Although the kids might not remember directions they WILL remember if you tell them they are going to play a game later. Don't make promises you can't keep, because kids will remember and they will begin to think of you as the one who never does what they say they will do. This is the same in the professional world - don't make promises you can't keep. Be reliable, be realistic, because people will remember.
Don't Take Things Personally: You know that saying kids say the darndest things? They can be raw, honest and unaware of the affects. Remember that they are unaware. These kids you are teaching have no idea what is going on in your life or the struggles of being an adult. They see you in a 1-D perspective, as their teacher. So when they ask you "what's wrong with your face" when you have acne or how they hate your new hair color. Do not take it as a personal attack. This also applies to adults, who should understand you have other things going on in your life but often forget. Don't take peoples comments to personally. Many people don't understand the scope or affect of their comments, so just take a breath, smile and don't dwell on it. If their comment really upsets you, then talk to them about it.
Leave Your Baggage At Home: When you teach a class, especially gymnastics, you need to be focused on your kids. Leave your problems and baggage at home, because work is no place for it. It will only make your problems worse to dwell and then your performance will be subpar. Kids notice if you are off and you need to be there for them. They look up to you, admire you even and you need to be a positive reinforcement in their life.
Practice What You Preach: This is one I have fallen in and out of. So lately I am trying to get back into being able to demonstrate. Many kids are visual learners, so it is best for them to see their teacher show a skill. It also builds respect and even an awe. You should be able to show basic skills you are trying to teach. You want to inspire your kids to work hard, show them that it pays off. This applies to ANY work. Do your research, know what you are talking about. If you want to do well in your profession, be knowledgable. It will foster respect and you will be better off in the long run.