Helping Young Skaters Feel at Home on the Ice
For some kids, the first few times on skates are a bit wobbly. That is part of the fun, and part of learning. For families looking for Chestermere skating lessons, Chestermere Skating School offers a welcoming place for children to learn the basics, develop their skills and become more comfortable on the ice.
One of the highlights for younger skaters is the opportunity to take lessons Tuesday mornings, with both the Skate With Me Tots and Skate With Me Foundations programs offering 30-minute daytime classes. For preschool and kindergarten families, a morning skating lesson can be a great way to build a new routine without adding another evening or weekend commitment to the calendar.
A positive start for little skaters
For young children who are new to skating, Skate With Me Tots is designed to make those first lessons fun and approachable.
Through age-appropriate activities, skaters learn the basics while getting used to moving around on the ice. Children can participate with or without a parent, depending on their comfort level and readiness.
The Tuesday morning, 30-minute format is designed with young attention spans in mind, giving little skaters a chance to practise without asking them to spend too much time on the ice at once.
For preschool and kindergarten-aged children who are already feeling more confident on the ice, Skate With Me Foundations introduces the next level of skating skills. The Tuesday morning program also runs for 30 minutes and focuses on technique and independence while continuing to keep things fun.
These early skills provide a foundation for whatever comes next, whether that is hockey, ringette, figure skating or recreational skating.
Daytime skating lessons for preschoolers
Finding activities that work with a family's schedule can be tricky, especially when the evenings are already packed with school, dinner, homework and other activities.
The Tuesday morning programs offer an alternative for families with preschool and kindergarten-aged children. Rather than waiting for an evening lesson, young skaters can get their skating practice in during the day and still have the rest of the day ahead of them.
The small-group setting also means skaters receive plenty of individual attention as they work on balance, coordination and the skills they need to become more comfortable on the ice.
Getting ready for hockey, ringette or another season on the ice
For older or more experienced skaters, Chestermere Skating School also offers six-class intensives for beginner and developing skaters.
These programs are a good option for kids who are new to skating, as well as those who want to shake off the summer rust before the season gets underway.
Beginner skaters work on things like balance, coordination, stopping and turning. More experienced skaters can focus on edges, stride and overall skating technique.
Whether a child is preparing for hockey or ringette or simply wants to become a stronger recreational skater, these skills can help them feel more confident when they step onto the ice.
Learning at their own pace
Not every child learns to skate in exactly the same way. Some are ready to take off after a couple of lessons. Others need a little more time to get comfortable.
Chestermere Skating School takes that into account, with supportive instruction that allows skaters to work on their skills at a pace that suits them.
And if cost is a concern, the school is a KidSport Calgary partner, meaning eligible families may be able to access financial assistance.
A Skating Story to Read at Home
Coach Caitlin Bowers has also brought her love of skating to the page with her children’s picture book, When I Become an Ice Skater. The story follows Hailey as she discovers the many different ways to skate, from figure skating to hockey and ringette, while learning that falling down is just part of learning to get back up. It is a sweet introduction to the world of skating and a natural companion to lessons on the ice.
