Here is a video submitted from my friend Steve. The Gymnast on High Bar is in the beginning stages of learning a Gienger. I think he should probably go back and work on some drills.
Humor as a Teaching Tool
The proper use of humor, analogy, and metaphor appropriate to the topic can provide benefits in the gym. Better comprehension, increased retention, and a more comfortable learning environment have all been attributed to the effective use of these strategies. Humor is valued by teachers, coaches and students and has been shown to enhance learning and reduce anxiety. Analogies and metaphors aid gymnasts’ in relating an unfamiliar concept to one that may be more recognizable, improving their understanding and increasing retention.
As educators, we frequently search for more effective methods of communicating information and helping our gymnasts to learn. . Several studies (see Garner, in press) have found that a number of strategies can be used to help students better assimilate and retain information. Among those strategies are the effective use of humor, analogy, and metaphor.
Use of humor, analogy, and metaphor can be valuable in the learning process. From a psychological perspective, humor, analogy and metaphor can be viewed as nonthreatening to ones self-esteem; thus, bypassing the natural resistance to change (Earle, 1995).
Glenn (2002) has suggested that there is frequently a link between humor and the use of metaphors in learning. He reported that the use of metaphors and other strategies can “increase retention by as much as 40%” (p.1). Similarly, Hill (1988) found humor coupled with the use of analogy and metaphor provided students with added positive associations and they were more likely to remember information.
In using humor, analogy, and metaphor in teaching, however, one must recognize that differences in culture, age, belief, gender, and other distinctions can influence how the information is perceived.
The effective use of humor, analogy, and metaphor by coaches and teachers can increase student attention, reduce anxiety, improve critical thinking, enhance concept learning, and create a positive environment (e.g., Bryant and Zillman, 1988; Bryant, Comisky, Crane, & Zillman, 1980; Garner, 2003, in press).
Students report that teachers who help them learn by using such strategies create a less intimidating environment that is more relaxed and allows the students to become better listeners. As a result, there is an increased level of comprehension and cognitive retention—and of equal importance—a more enjoyable class for the students and the instructor.
I frequently use humor, metaphorical examples, and analogies when coaching team; however, I must remain cognizant that some gymnasts are not attuned with my “personal sense of funny.” As a result, my choices in technique and examples are carefully selected to provide the greatest appeal for the widest audience. I always remind myself to “Coach the Age” not the level. A 10 year old is a 10 year old. Regardless if they are a Recreational class student or a Level 10.
Please remember that SARCASM is NOT funny for most of your students because it tends to single out a student for ridicule. Sarcasm should be avoided in the gym.
Things I Have Learned from My Son
16 years ago today, the best son in the entire world was born.
I have learned so much from him in the last 16 years.
1. Life is funny. Anything and everything is funny to a child. The simplest of things make them giggle with glee. Your child’s laughter is a wonderful sound.
2. How to pretend. Your child’s imagination is a wonderful asset. In their minds, anything is possible! Moon walking and digging for treasure is nothing out of the ordinary. It really brings out your inner child.
3. How to be messy. Before kids, your house was spotless and your clothes were clean. After kids, that’s pretty much impossible! Kids love getting dirty and will take you along for the ride. Mud pies anyone?
4. How to be active. Kids are constantly on the go. They’re like little ‘Energizer Bunnies’! From running and dancing to playing tag, your kids will keep you on your toes! Who needs the gym?
5. How to be impulsive. It’s hard to plan life with a baby around. Plans are no longer set in stone. From diaper blowouts to teething pains, you just have to learn to go with the flow. A child changes your whole routine.
6. How to not be self-conscious. Kids don’t care what they look like or what anybody else thinks. That’s the wonderful thing about them. They will wear rain boots with their swimsuit and go to the mall. When you join them, you’re well on your way!
7. How to find joy in the simplest of things. Giving a child a sticker can make them jump for joy. Turning over a rock and finding a worm is an event to be remembered. Children make you appreciate everything life has to offer. “Look Dad, another worm!”
8. How to love learning. Kids ask questions and want to know everything. What is a planet? How do I grow? Their excitement for knowledge is infectious!
9. How to love unconditionally. There’s no feeling in the world like becoming a parent. Until you try it, you’ll never know. Loving your baby more than life itself just happens. It’s breathtaking.
10. How precious life is. Bringing a life into this world makes you realize how quickly it can be taken away. Being a parent makes you terrified for the safety of your child. It also makes you appreciate the little things and live life to the fullest.
I can only hope that I have passed onto him some knowledge as well. I have always told him- I am not raising a boy. I am raising a Man.
He recently handed my wife and I a 2 page letter detailing the reasons why he should have his weekday curfew (when he doesn’t have home work) extended. He then proceeded to verbally state his case. When we were through listening, my wife and I decided to extend his curfew and I could not have been more proud of him.
Happy Birthday Chase.
Back Handspring At A Red Sox Game
What Happens when the Grounds Crew At Fenway Park let a Level 4 gymnast onto the field after the game.
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17 Holidays you can celebrate in May
May 3: Hug Your Cat Day
Not to be confused with Hug Somebody Else’s Cat Day. (Some celebrate Hug Your Cat Day on June 4th. Feel free to celebrate both.)
May 4: Star Wars Day
May the fourth be with you.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo (also my son’s birthday)
The 5th of May in Spanish means a 5th bottle of Corona in the United States. It actually holds its roots in the Mexican state of Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated the better-equipped French army currently occupying their land. As far as the addition of excessive drinking as part of the holiday, all signs point to America as the culprit.
May 6: National Nurse’s Day
National Nurse’s Day kicks off National Nurse’s week which concludes on the O.G. nurse Florence Nightingale’s birthday. According to the reliable sources at Hallmark, there are currently 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States. Hallmark also alleges to be the first card company to invent, errr publish, National Nurse’s Day cards (in 1992). They now offer more than 20 different options, for males and females. At least they practice equality with their fake holidays.
May 9: National Lost Sock Memorial Day
Today we honor the past, and we let go. It’s time to admit that one red argyle sock has gone to washing machine heaven, turn the partner it left behind into a rag or a sock puppet, and buy a new pair. It’s what it would have wanted.
May 10: Clean Up Your Room Day
Also known as one of every child in America’s least favorite day of the year, right behind Eat Your Brussels Sprouts Day and Do Your Homework Week. For the adults, this is just in seasonal time to finally tackle that whole spring-cleaning thing.
May 11: National Twilight Zone Day
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and on the fourteenth of May, plan on confronting the pit of your fears and the summit of your knowledge. Today is the day to celebrate the dimension of imagination, known as the Twilight Zone.
May 13: Frog Jumping Day
One of Mark Twain’s first short stories introduced the image of the “jumping frog” into the collective consciousness of America. How this ties to this specific date is unclear, but do you really need a clear reason to jump around like a frog?
May 14: National Dance Like a Chicken Day
Call up your local oom pah band, because today we Vogeltanz until we drop. Or, gather all the Arrested Development fanatics you know and start a round of your worst chicken dance impersonations. Or introduce your own interpretation of how a chicken might dance. All of the above apply, as long as your moves are fowl.
May 17: National Pack Rat Day
There’s a fine line between holding on to nostalgia, and being a candidate-in-waiting for an episode of Hoarders. But just for a day, you can openly cherish the growing stack of Signals catalogs piling up in your basement sans any judgment of concerned family and friends. Who knows? Maybe your Beanie Babies will become collectibles again, and the joke will be on us.
May 20: Be a Millionaire Day
The holiday powers that be may want to consider changing this holiday to the day of Facebook’s IPO.
May 22: National Buy a Musical Instrument Day
Treat yourself to that baby grand you’ve always wanted. Don’t know how to play guitar? No problem! On this particular day in May buy now, learn later!
May 23: Lucky Penny Day
Keep your eyes glued to the ground, because what better day than today to be your lucky one! Just make sure you see the face of Abraham Lincoln staring back at you, before you pick the penny up!
May 24: MY BIRTHDAY
May 26: Sally Ride Day
As the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride rightfully earned a full day dedicated to her honor. Remember when space was a thing?
May 29: End of Middle Ages Day
Barkeep, we’ll have a pint of your finest grog! Because today in 1453, the official Middle Ages allegedly ended, ushering in the Renaissance and other subsequent influential periods in European history. You gave us Arthurian lore, you gave us a plague of Bubonic proportions, and you gave us Game of Thrones. For that — mostly the last part — we thank you.
May 30: My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It Day
Somewhat inspired by a folk song of the same name, My Bucket’s Got a Hole in it Day, or MBGHD, does not dictate any formal observational traditions. We suggest putting a positive spin on the crisis, and taking the day to reflect on how things could be worse. Unless of course you’re a bucket.
May 2: Scurvy Awareness Day
We just missed this one this year, but get it on your May 2013 calendar. The preferred disease of pirates has its own international holiday, and an entire website to boot! Limestrong with citrusy cocktails, curvy-not-scurvy pin-ups, and drop some (citric) acid into your bloodstream.
Crazy- Triple Back with a Twist of swinging rings
National Humor Month?
I just found out that April was National Humor Month. I feel bad that I missed it so I will do a little catching up (and wait for April Next Year to really get in the spirit).
Are you stressed out? Unable to relax? Just finished your last Regional Championship and now you are getting ready for Nationals? When was the last time you didn’t have a meet filled weekend? Well, you might consider going for a long and exhausting jog, or engaging in a frantic game of paddle ball to work out those frustrations. Or, if you want more immediate results, you can just laugh it off!
April was National Humor Month, so this is the perfect time to add a little humor into your daily routine. Founded in 1976 by author and humorist Larry Wilde, the original idea was to heighten public awareness of the therapeutic and restorative values of joy and laughter. After all, many studies have shown that laughter can actually improve our health. And laughter is fun! After all, you can’t feel sad or angry when you’re laughing, right?
The fact is that laughter itself changes us physiologically. Like exercise or waving your arms around, it boosts the heart rate and increases blood flow, so we breathe faster and more oxygen is delivered to the body’s tissues. Our facial muscles stretch and we actually burn calories when we’re laughing. In fact, the mere act of smiling can alter your mood almost immediately.
Of course, there are always skeptics out there, like that cranky parent, the grumpy teenage gymnast or the coach you see at a meet that is just a downer. You can try to avoid them or you can mention these fun facts to them (which will probably just piss them off but that is OK too!)
Laughter Reduces Stress: When stressed, we produce a hormone called cortisol. Laughter can significantly reduce cortisol levels.
Laughter Can Reduce Pain: Laughter causes us to produce endorphins, which are natural, pain-killing hormones.
Laughter Strengthens the Immune System: A hearty laugh decreases stress hormones and increases production of T-cells, immune proteins and infection-fighting antibodies.
Laughter Helps the Heart: When we laugh we increase blood flow and the function of blood vessels, which can help prevent cardiovascular problems.
Laughter Relaxes the Whole Body: One good belly laugh can relieve physical tension and relax your muscles for up to 45 minutes.
Laughter Helps You Recharge: By reducing stress levels and increasing your energy, laughter can help you focus and achieve more.
So, not only is a great giggle a lot of fun, it’s good for you! And like yawning, laughter can also be contagious. So by opening yourself up to more humor in your daily life, you may also have a positive effect on those around you. And the great thing about humor is that there is a bottomless supply out there. You don’t need to sign up for anything. It doesn’t cost a thing. It’s fat-free and you can have as much of it as you like.
Remember to use humor as a teaching tool as well!
Handstand Pirouettes for Bars
TAP SWING PROGRESSION PART 2
Here is the second part of the TAP SWING PROGRESSIONS from Jason Mortimer.
Click here to see PART ONE [Read more…]
Crash of The Week.
2 Guys- 1 Bar. It is no surprise that this doesn’t end well.
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