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Tips for teaching young children how to skate
Teaching children how to skate is a Canadian rite of passage, with long winters making it almost necessary that little ones learn how to have fun on the ice. But helping a child become proficient on skates is another matter. It can be backbreaking work, which is why parents might want to enroll their kids in skating lessons.
But as Montreal mom Annie Béland discovered, even with professional assistance, it can take some time before a youngster is gliding around the rink or pond. When Béland enrolled her 3-year-old son Matthew for lessons, she imagined herself sipping coffee in the stands while her son zoomed effortlessly around the ice rink. It didn’t happen like that.
“He got on the ice and didn’t move,” Béland says. It took two more lessons before Matthew actually placed one foot in front of the other and moved on his own without an adult holding onto him. Breathing a sigh of relief, the family then began taking the boy to local rinks for practice sessions — and soon skating truly did become a pleasure.
Kids grouped by skill level
Béland credits the instructors in the Learn to Skate classes for Matthew’s success on ice. The program is part of Skate Canada’s program called CanSkate, which helps children and adults learn the fundamentals of skating. Béland appreciated the fact that children were grouped according to skill level and were encouraged to learn through music and games. There were bars to hold onto as kids learned to glide on their skates.
Kevin Gallagher, a professional skater who has also coached for the CanSkate program in Ontario, says skating is not an activity that comes naturally. But it offers many benefits.
“Skating is the foundation of so many other Canadian winter sports,” he notes. Knowing how to skate can allow your child to pursue sports like hockey, ringuette, speed skating or figure skating. Or they can simply go out and enjoy zipping around the many outdoor rinks set up in Montreal’s parks during the winter.
Gallagher adds that skating encourages balance, flexibility and strength. As well, it is a good aerobic activity and a way to make new friends.
Gallagher says children benefit from being taught by professional instructors, not just a parent crouched over, holding up an unstable kid on skates. A well-stuctured program keeps the kids moving so they do not get cold, as otherwise they will not want to go back the following lesson. Also, if you have professional trainer, the child will learn more quickly.
“Skating to me is one of those activities that is a Canadian cultural experience,” Gallagher says. And it’s an experience that Matthew doesn’t want to miss. He’s so excited about getting back on the ice that Béland isn’t waiting until the winter session starts in January. Instead, Matthew will be registered for the fall session as well.
Five tips for beginner skaters:
1. Bundle up! Get your child properly dressed. Sometimes parents forget that the arena is cold or that their child will fall on the ice. Get a good pair of mittens and snow pants or you are going to have one cold cranky child on your hands.
2. Get a helmet with a caged mask. It’s important to protect a new skater’s head if he or she should fall. The first lesson is all about falling and how to properly get up from the ice.
3. Search for the right type of laced skates. Make sure the skates have a good ankle support. You do not want your skates too loose or too snug. Ask for help at a local sport equipment store.
4. Practice. Make it a family event and go to the local outdoor rinks.
5. Persist. The first lesson is a challenge for children who have never skated, but the majority of them learn quickly.
6. Consider purchasing protective underclothing called Dynowear that has built in foam padding on the elbows, hip, tailbone and knees. This will make it less painful when the kids do inevitably take a tumble. A Montreal entrepreneur and mom started this company and sells the clothing at Play it Again Sports, Canadian Tire or online at www.dynowear.com.
Places where children can learn to skate
Many boroughs around the city offer skating programs for preschoolers and children. Some focus on learning skills while others teach figure or speed skating. Call your local recreation centre or consult your borough’s list of activities to find out more. Lessons are also offered through these organizations:
Excellent Ice, 2950 Edmond, Kirkland • (514) 695-4368
Atrium le 1000
1000 De La Gauchetière St. W., Montreal • (514) 395-4846
Lessons for adults too!
It’s never too late to take to the ice. Adults can follow the Learn To Skate at the Montreal Silver Blades club, open to those 18 and up. Lessons are held at:
Maurice Richard Arena, 2800 Viau St. (near the Viau Metro station)
St. Louis Arena, 5633 St. Dominique (near the Rosemont Metro station)
For more information, go to www.lamesargentees.com
