Ski Drifting Outdoor Lesson Plan: Big Kids Edition205

This lesson plan is designed for a group of big kids (preschool age, approximately 4-5 years old) who are interested in exploring the basics of ski drifting. Safety is paramount, and this plan prioritizes fun, controlled movement, and a gradual introduction to the skill. The lesson assumes access to a safe, controlled snowy area suitable for young children, ideally with a gentle slope and minimal obstacles. Adult supervision is crucial at all times. The duration of the lesson is approximately 1-1.5 hours, adaptable based on the children's engagement and energy levels.

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

A. Safety Briefing (5 minutes):
Gather the children in a circle. Explain the importance of listening carefully and following instructions.
Discuss the concept of "buddy system" – always staying close to a friend and an adult.
Explain the rules of the snowy area: no running, no pushing, and always looking where they are going.
Demonstrate proper falling techniques (rolling to absorb impact).
Briefly discuss the meaning of "drifting" in a simple way: "Making controlled turns like a car on ice!"

B. Equipment Check (10 minutes):
Ensure all children have appropriately sized skis and boots, fitted correctly by an adult. Boots should be snug but not too tight.
Inspect poles (if used) for any damage or loose parts. Shorten poles if necessary for smaller children.
Verify that everyone has warm, waterproof clothing, including gloves, hats, and scarves.
Optional: apply sunscreen and lip balm.

II. Warm-up Activities (15 minutes)

A. Movement Games (10 minutes):
Snowball Toss: Gentle snowball throwing and catching to improve hand-eye coordination.
Ski Shuffle: Children practice walking in their skis in a controlled manner, focusing on balance.
Snow Angel Making: A fun activity to loosen up and improve body awareness.

B. Introduction to Skis (5 minutes):
Children practice putting on and taking off their skis with assistance. Emphasize the importance of keeping skis parallel.
Guided practice in controlled walking and slow sliding on a flat surface.

III. Ski Drifting Basics (45 minutes)

A. Controlled Sliding (15 minutes):
Start on a very gentle slope. Children practice sliding down with skis parallel, focusing on balance and control.
Instructors provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Emphasis on controlled braking by using the edges of the skis.

B. Introducing the Drift (15 minutes):
Demonstrate a simple drift using exaggerated movements. Explain the concept of shifting weight to initiate the turn.
Start with small, controlled drifts on a gentle incline. Instructors assist children in finding their balance and guiding them through the process.
Focus on gradual weight transfer, avoiding jerky movements.

C. Practice and Refinement (15 minutes):
Allow children to practice drifting independently, with close supervision.
Provide individual feedback and correction, focusing on balance, weight transfer, and controlled turns.
Introduce simple games like racing to a designated point, encouraging controlled drifting instead of speed.

IV. Cool-down and Wrap-up (15 minutes)

A. Quiet Activity (5 minutes):
Engage children in a calm activity, such as building a small snowman or looking for animal tracks in the snow.

B. Review and Reflection (10 minutes):
Gather the children in a circle to discuss their experience.
Ask them what they learned and what they enjoyed most.
Reiterate safety guidelines.
Assist children in removing their skis and boots.

V. Assessment

Observe each child's ability to:

Maintain balance while sliding.
Initiate and control simple drifts.
Follow safety instructions.
Show improvement in coordination and control over time.

Note: This lesson plan is a guideline and should be adjusted based on the children’s abilities and the specific conditions of the snowy area. Prioritize safety and fun. Remember to adapt the complexity of the activities to the children's skill levels and keep the sessions short and engaging.

2025-03-11

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