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Over the past three weeks, we’ve had the privilege of coaching Grade 1 and Grade 2 learners in our Kiddies Athletics programme. It’s been energetic, fun, sometimes chaotic, but above all, deeply rewarding. And in just a short time, we’ve already learned some valuable lessons about how young children learn, play, and grow through sport.
Over the past three weeks, we’ve had the privilege of coaching Grade 1 and Grade 2 learners in our Kiddies Athletics programme. It’s been energetic, fun, sometimes chaotic, but above all, deeply rewarding. And in just a short time, we’ve already learned some valuable lessons about how young children learn, play, and grow through sport.
1. Repetition Builds Confidence
1. Repetition Builds Confidence
One thing stood out very clearly: kids get better with repetition. The more they repeat a movement, whether it’s sprinting, jumping, or throwing, the more comfortable and confident they become. Research in child development shows that repetition strengthens neural pathways, making skills more automatic over time. For children, repeating activities is not boring but rather reassuring and empowering.
One thing stood out very clearly: kids get better with repetition. The more they repeat a movement, whether it’s sprinting, jumping, or throwing, the more comfortable and confident they become. Research in child development shows that repetition strengthens neural pathways, making skills more automatic over time. For children, repeating activities is not boring but rather reassuring and empowering.
2. Every Child is Different
2. Every Child is Different
Not all children are the same, and that’s okay. Some sprint naturally, others excel in throwing, and some are still figuring out coordination. Meeting children where they are and celebrating small improvements keeps them motivated. Studies in education remind us that children progress at different rates, but most learn quickly when given encouragement and practice.
Not all children are the same, and that’s okay. Some sprint naturally, others excel in throwing, and some are still figuring out coordination. Meeting children where they are and celebrating small improvements keeps them motivated. Studies in education remind us that children progress at different rates, but most learn quickly when given encouragement and practice.
3. Practice Makes Progress (Not Perfection)
3. Practice Makes Progress (Not Perfection)
The old saying “practice makes perfect” doesn’t quite fit here. For kids, it’s about progress, not perfection. Each session brings growth and betters technique, more stamina, or simply more enjoyment. Watching their faces light up when they improve or achieve is the real victory.
The old saying “practice makes perfect” doesn’t quite fit here. For kids, it’s about progress, not perfection. Each session brings growth and betters technique, more stamina, or simply more enjoyment. Watching their faces light up when they improve or achieve is the real victory.
Place your hydration order
Place your hydration order
4. Energy and Enthusiasm are Contagious
4. Energy and Enthusiasm are Contagious
Children love competing, they thrive on encouragement, and their enthusiasm lifts the entire group. They are naturally curious and eager to try again, even if they stumble. As coaches, we can harness this by creating mini-competitions, relays, and fun challenges that make them feel like champions.
Children love competing, they thrive on encouragement, and their enthusiasm lifts the entire group. They are naturally curious and eager to try again, even if they stumble. As coaches, we can harness this by creating mini-competitions, relays, and fun challenges that make them feel like champions.
5. Keep Them Hydrated and Engaged
5. Keep Them Hydrated and Engaged
A practical but vital lesson: kids need lots of water! Short breaks for hydration keep them focused and safe, especially under the sun. And when it comes to attention spans, the rule is simple: if they’re not engaged, they’ll talk. Keeping activities short, varied, and lively helps maintain focus.
A practical but vital lesson: kids need lots of water! Short breaks for hydration keep them focused and safe, especially under the sun. And when it comes to attention spans, the rule is simple: if they’re not engaged, they’ll talk. Keeping activities short, varied, and lively helps maintain focus.
6. Rhythm Works Wonders
6. Rhythm Works Wonders
One surprising trick I’ve found is that singing a song, chanting, or even counting in a fun rhythm keeps kids engaged. It turns instructions into play. For example, “1-2-3-JUMP!” said in a chant gets everyone moving together. Research backs this up: rhythm and music improve motor skills, attention, and group coordination in young children.
One surprising trick I’ve found is that singing a song, chanting, or even counting in a fun rhythm keeps kids engaged. It turns instructions into play. For example, “1-2-3-JUMP!” said in a chant gets everyone moving together. Research backs this up: rhythm and music improve motor skills, attention, and group coordination in young children.
7. Music Might Be the Next Step
7. Music Might Be the Next Step
I’m considering adding music to future sessions, not just for fun, but to observe how it impacts focus, rhythm, and enjoyment. Music has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and even help with movement patterns in children’s physical activities. It could be a great way to lift energy while keeping structure.
I’m considering adding music to future sessions, not just for fun, but to observe how it impacts focus, rhythm, and enjoyment. Music has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and even help with movement patterns in children’s physical activities. It could be a great way to lift energy while keeping structure.
BOS Loves Kiddies Athletics
BOS Loves Kiddies Athletics
Our Kiddies Athletics families can now enjoy the goodness of BOS Organic Rooibos Iced Tea through our programme. Every bottle sold helps us keep growing and reaching more young athletes, making playtime healthier, happier, and more refreshing.
Final Thought
Final Thought
In just three weeks, we’ve seen how quickly kids grow when sport is taught with patience, energy, and creativity. They don’t need perfection; they need repetition, encouragement, water, fun, and rhythm. Coaching young athletes is about building physical skills, sparking joy, confidence, and a love for movement that will last a lifetime.
In just three weeks, we’ve seen how quickly kids grow when sport is taught with patience, energy, and creativity. They don’t need perfection; they need repetition, encouragement, water, fun, and rhythm. Coaching young athletes is about building physical skills, sparking joy, confidence, and a love for movement that will last a lifetime.
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