These are some notes I took over the weekend to help me with my teaching; give me your perspective or add on to what I've got!
-Warmups: Use judgement; younger kids are flexible and don't need a lot of stretching. Always do jumping jacks, crunches, pushups, and basic floor stretches.
-Speak LOUDLY!!!
-Always go over basic commands and stretches when new students are in class.
- Try not to unintentionally degrade students. Tell them its alright if they need to review a form. Be gracious, but remember that higher belts are expected to remember their old forms.
- Don't tolerate disrespect; assign a pushup if someone doesn't answer "yes ma'am" or if someone is goofing off and not listening.
- Try to learn most of the student's names in order to make class a more personal experience for them.
-When correcting someone, always give an explanation.
-When correcting someone, try to address the entire class so as not to humiliate the student.
-Learn what kicks each belt level is expected to know.
-Variety; don't do one thing the entire class (i.e. forms). Mix it up so students don't get bored.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
The Weekend
I practically lived in my tkd uniform this weekend! On Friday, there were only two people in class (Brian taught), so I led warmups and helped the other student (Thomas), with his form. We did tumbling on the mats next, which is always a lot of fun. Then Brian set up an obstacle course for us: We had to run and jump over a rope, tumble, then kick the bag. It was a great workout and it really improves your balance and coordination. We worked on falling and throws next, which is also something I enjoy (Although I must say that after being repeatedly slammed on the floor first by Thomas, then Brian who was using me to demonstrate, I started to get sore)! After class I told Brian that Mr. Coleman wanted me to start teaching. He was really supportive and told me I'd be great at it. I still have some hesitation, but I think I'm getting used to the idea of teaching.
Mr. Coleman taught class on Saturday, and he had me teach the first 20 minutes of all-belts class. We had fairly large attendance that day, so I was a little intimidated. I started out with my usual warmup routine, then went over the basic Korean commands (we had new students in class). We did some basic kicking, and then Mr. Coleman took over. The next class was weapons, and only me and Nick (a black belt, maybe 12 or 13) stayed. Mr. Coleman had me teach the entire class!! We basically just went over the katas and concentrated on anything Nick needed help with. Mr. Coleman stood by and gave me advice and pointers every so often. I took some notes after class and will post them sometime tomorrow. Anyway, it was a really great experience, and a good way to start out with just one person in class. I think what really intimidates me about teaching is the size of the class. I was completely at ease teaching Nick, but when I get in front of 20 people, I freeze up. I guess it just comes with experience.
Sunday we had a demo (demonstration) at a church youth group. We have a demo team which I've been on since I was about 7, and we perform at the mall, at special events, in parades, and in competitions. I love it because it combines both of my passions: Tkd and acting. We choreograph little scenarios where a "good guy" gets attacked by several "bad guys", and the "good guy" kicks tail. I mostly play the "good guys", but I think the "bad guys" are more fun because you get to exaggerate how hurt you are (doubling over when you're kicked, limping, etc.) Anyway, we put together a little demo for this youth group. I was a "good guy" in one of the scenarios, I performed a sai kata (Shihoto Kyano Sai), and I broke a board with a 360 back hook kick. It was fun, and I have another one coming up in a couple of weeks, which is mostly going to be self-defense. Its nothing big (just me, Brian, and Paulette), but it'll still be fun! Wow, this has been a long entry; I'd better go to bed!
Mr. Coleman taught class on Saturday, and he had me teach the first 20 minutes of all-belts class. We had fairly large attendance that day, so I was a little intimidated. I started out with my usual warmup routine, then went over the basic Korean commands (we had new students in class). We did some basic kicking, and then Mr. Coleman took over. The next class was weapons, and only me and Nick (a black belt, maybe 12 or 13) stayed. Mr. Coleman had me teach the entire class!! We basically just went over the katas and concentrated on anything Nick needed help with. Mr. Coleman stood by and gave me advice and pointers every so often. I took some notes after class and will post them sometime tomorrow. Anyway, it was a really great experience, and a good way to start out with just one person in class. I think what really intimidates me about teaching is the size of the class. I was completely at ease teaching Nick, but when I get in front of 20 people, I freeze up. I guess it just comes with experience.
Sunday we had a demo (demonstration) at a church youth group. We have a demo team which I've been on since I was about 7, and we perform at the mall, at special events, in parades, and in competitions. I love it because it combines both of my passions: Tkd and acting. We choreograph little scenarios where a "good guy" gets attacked by several "bad guys", and the "good guy" kicks tail. I mostly play the "good guys", but I think the "bad guys" are more fun because you get to exaggerate how hurt you are (doubling over when you're kicked, limping, etc.) Anyway, we put together a little demo for this youth group. I was a "good guy" in one of the scenarios, I performed a sai kata (Shihoto Kyano Sai), and I broke a board with a 360 back hook kick. It was fun, and I have another one coming up in a couple of weeks, which is mostly going to be self-defense. Its nothing big (just me, Brian, and Paulette), but it'll still be fun! Wow, this has been a long entry; I'd better go to bed!
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