A Special Running Lesson with Cody Sports
Preschool
October 22, 2017
Ocean (age 2) and Jungle (age 3) were practicing running, relays and forward rolls for Sports Day in November.
As special guests, Daichi and Shuhei from Cody Sports visited CGK to lead a lesson!
We began with an energetic greeting.
The children quickly learned both coaches’ names, and the lesson started.
Shuhei first introduced an important agreement.
When a coach is speaking:
1. Sit properly in the instructed seated position.
2. Look toward the coach.
3. Face your body toward the coach.
Following these agreements was a condition for taking part. Although the lesson was fun, physical activities can involve injury risks, so we reviewed the rules several times and agreed to follow them.
We began by comparing ways of running. Was it easier to run fast normally, or while holding our heads, stomachs or knees with our hands?
Through trying it, children discovered that swinging their arms helps them run faster.
Instead of being given an answer, they were invited to think, which made them listen with greater interest.
Their running changed immediately. Even across just a few meters, they looked more confident and moved with greater speed.
Next, we used a rope to explore another aspect of running.
Children moved forward while jumping with both feet from side to side, avoiding the stretched-out rope.
Keeping a steady rhythm was challenging. Some stepped on the rope or lost their balance, but with several attempts, more children began to get the hang of it.
We even heard that some practiced with their mothers on the way home!
After running, we practiced forward rolls on mats.
The coaches explained how to look toward the navel and position the back of the head during the movement.
Many children could already roll from school practice, but standing up afterward was harder, and they often remained lying on the mat.
The coaches demonstrated an assisted practice in which children held a teacher’s hands rather than placing their own hands on the mat.
With the teacher helping guide them up, children could finish smoothly and get a feel for the complete movement.
The enjoyable time passed quickly. We thanked Daichi and Shuhei and ended with a cheer and raised fists.
Seeing children listen carefully to unfamiliar coaches and work hard through each activity showed us their growth.
The lesson combined movement, thinking and following rules, making it rich in learning as well as fun.
We hope to bring these ideas into future lessons.
We looked forward to showing families the children’s further progress at Sports Day!
Thank you, Daichi and Shuhei from Cody Sports!
As special guests, Daichi and Shuhei from Cody Sports visited CGK to lead a lesson!
We began with an energetic greeting.
The children quickly learned both coaches’ names, and the lesson started.
Shuhei first introduced an important agreement.
When a coach is speaking:
1. Sit properly in the instructed seated position.
2. Look toward the coach.
3. Face your body toward the coach.
Following these agreements was a condition for taking part. Although the lesson was fun, physical activities can involve injury risks, so we reviewed the rules several times and agreed to follow them.
We began by comparing ways of running. Was it easier to run fast normally, or while holding our heads, stomachs or knees with our hands?
Through trying it, children discovered that swinging their arms helps them run faster.
Instead of being given an answer, they were invited to think, which made them listen with greater interest.
Their running changed immediately. Even across just a few meters, they looked more confident and moved with greater speed.
Next, we used a rope to explore another aspect of running.
Children moved forward while jumping with both feet from side to side, avoiding the stretched-out rope.
Keeping a steady rhythm was challenging. Some stepped on the rope or lost their balance, but with several attempts, more children began to get the hang of it.
We even heard that some practiced with their mothers on the way home!
After running, we practiced forward rolls on mats.
The coaches explained how to look toward the navel and position the back of the head during the movement.
Many children could already roll from school practice, but standing up afterward was harder, and they often remained lying on the mat.
The coaches demonstrated an assisted practice in which children held a teacher’s hands rather than placing their own hands on the mat.
With the teacher helping guide them up, children could finish smoothly and get a feel for the complete movement.
The enjoyable time passed quickly. We thanked Daichi and Shuhei and ended with a cheer and raised fists.
Seeing children listen carefully to unfamiliar coaches and work hard through each activity showed us their growth.
The lesson combined movement, thinking and following rules, making it rich in learning as well as fun.
We hope to bring these ideas into future lessons.
We looked forward to showing families the children’s further progress at Sports Day!
Thank you, Daichi and Shuhei from Cody Sports!
Author Profile
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Saeda Sueki-Au-Yeung - Head of Operations / Parent Support Coordinator (Japan)
Saeda studied education and disability sciences in Japan and experienced winning a US collegiate national championship while studying and playing football in America. She values each child's individuality and the opportunities that come from trying new things. Through school operations and parent support, she helps families and staff work as one team to support children's growth.