… with the use of warm and fuzzy objects to fit their comfort level, in addition to creating an environment where the young kids can safely learn to overcome fears of running into something hard.
Mr. Wally does a great job of keeping his preschool boys active and busy by getting them to run and jump over mats. They have to figure out how fast to run and how far to jump—from one foam block to another. It’s safe, it’s fun, and it’s challenging. Sometimes they crash and burn, but it’s soft enough they don’t get hurt. Which means they’re more likely to try it again and again. To me, this is where vaulting starts for beginners.The depth and distance perception exercise trained in this fun manner is invaluable later as the gymnasts learn to gauge their run toward the vaulting table.