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Kids class 4-8
2 year(s) ago • 865 views • 21 replies
FPurple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Hey guys I was asked to head up the kids class ages 4-8 it’ll be a 45m class MWF open to ideas on how to keep the kids engaged with short attention spans.
I’m looking for easy moves and games that are applicable to BJJ
Update-
Had first class today went solid did some animal warm ups and mount escapes
I’m looking for easy moves and games that are applicable to BJJ
Update-
Had first class today went solid did some animal warm ups and mount escapes
Edited 2 year(s) ago
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Hey guys I was asked to head up the kids class ages 4-8 it’ll be a 45m class MWF open to ideas on how to keep the kids engaged with short attention spans. I’m looking for easy moves and games that are applicable to BJJ
Lol they asked you to head up the kids class with no plan.
To answer your question though: the younger kids are tough. Adorable, but tough. For our class we start with a standard movement drills, then we either play a game that uses bjj, and/or we give them a task and have them spar.
I'd recommend against trying to get them to drill moves on each other, especially the super young kids. Just my experience.
Good luck!
To answer your question though: the younger kids are tough. Adorable, but tough. For our class we start with a standard movement drills, then we either play a game that uses bjj, and/or we give them a task and have them spar.
I'd recommend against trying to get them to drill moves on each other, especially the super young kids. Just my experience.
Good luck!
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Lol they asked you to head up the kids class with no plan. To answer your question though: the younger kids are tough. Adorable, but tough. For our class we start with a standard movement drills, then we either play a game that uses bjj, and/or we give them a task and have them spar. I'd recommend against trying to get them to drill moves on each other, especially the super young kids. Just my experience. Good luck!
Care to elaborate a bit on what games and drills?
I mean it’s not that there isn’t a plan but the young ones I have a feeling it’s going to be a rough go
I mean it’s not that there isn’t a plan but the young ones I have a feeling it’s going to be a rough go
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Care to elaborate a bit on what games and drills?
Belt wars: a free-for-all where the kids try and take each other's belts off while defending their own belt.
Sharks and minnows: this is the best one since you can tweek the parameters to fit your goal (i.e. guard passing, sweeping etc). All the kids (minnows) start on one side of the mat, and try to reach the other side without getting "eaten" (i.e. guard passed) by the sharks (other kids).
For the little ones: duck-duck-backtake... it's just what it sounds like- duck duck goose but you have like 20 seconds to take your opponent's back.
These 3 are gold for when I have to substitute for kids class.
Sharks and minnows: this is the best one since you can tweek the parameters to fit your goal (i.e. guard passing, sweeping etc). All the kids (minnows) start on one side of the mat, and try to reach the other side without getting "eaten" (i.e. guard passed) by the sharks (other kids).
For the little ones: duck-duck-backtake... it's just what it sounds like- duck duck goose but you have like 20 seconds to take your opponent's back.
These 3 are gold for when I have to substitute for kids class.
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
The class I run for 4-6 year olds is based around Gracie Games. Everything has to be a fun game, that can be taught quickly. You need an assistant, and I hope you've taught before, since tiny kids are waaay harder then bigger kids. Also, it helps to have a big personality and be loud as well, you'll need that lol
I'm pretty energetic anyways but I'll usually have an energy drink before I teach those classes :D
I'm more then happy to give you more ideas or answer questions so feel free to hit me up Fitz.
I'm pretty energetic anyways but I'll usually have an energy drink before I teach those classes :D
I'm more then happy to give you more ideas or answer questions so feel free to hit me up Fitz.
BVBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
We have a kids class 5 - 7, its 45 minutes. The teachers have build a solid warm up routine, have a good feeling for the room. Sometimes you need to energize the kids, sometimes calm them down. All very playful. Its also important to have some kind of a plan, like general direction in your techniques. Make the classes fun and engaging, but also spend your time and effort into building good routines. Like sit up straight and look towards the instructors when youre explaining something. Be very strict with this, you will benefit from this lateron. And kids really appreciate structure.
We have at least 2 teachers instructing, and sometimes we ask one of the parents (who do BJJ) to assist if the group is really big.
Also you have to think about what to do with the parents. We alllow them to watch, but they cannot coach in any way. Some parents will do this and it disrupts the class.
We have at least 2 teachers instructing, and sometimes we ask one of the parents (who do BJJ) to assist if the group is really big.
Also you have to think about what to do with the parents. We alllow them to watch, but they cannot coach in any way. Some parents will do this and it disrupts the class.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
4-8 is a really difficult group in some regards.
I would try to definitely involve the more reasonable older kids into instructing and teaching the younger ones. However, if they do get larger responsibilites, they should also have some larger privileges - bet it 10 more minutes of some cool play time in the end while the "little ones" already wrap up the class and are taken by the parents or something else... But there needs to be something...
So get creative regarding how you get them doing different things. Trying to get them do the same thing will be a disaster - they're too different.
I would try to definitely involve the more reasonable older kids into instructing and teaching the younger ones. However, if they do get larger responsibilites, they should also have some larger privileges - bet it 10 more minutes of some cool play time in the end while the "little ones" already wrap up the class and are taken by the parents or something else... But there needs to be something...
So get creative regarding how you get them doing different things. Trying to get them do the same thing will be a disaster - they're too different.
DUBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Play games, lots of games. Setup mini assult courses with matts and dummies \ punch bags.
Each week have a differnt focus for example have a blance week, or consentration week.
At the end of each class we get them all in the octagon and the audlt takes a big sponge ball and spins slowly and throws it at each child semi random. The childs only job is to block \ deflect it, they love it.
If the only thing they do is exercise and have fun, your job is done.
Each week have a differnt focus for example have a blance week, or consentration week.
At the end of each class we get them all in the octagon and the audlt takes a big sponge ball and spins slowly and throws it at each child semi random. The childs only job is to block \ deflect it, they love it.
If the only thing they do is exercise and have fun, your job is done.
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
The class I run for 4-6 year olds is based around Gracie Games. Everything has to be a fun game, that can be taught quickly. You need an assistant, and I hope you've taught before, since tiny kids are waaay harder then bigger kids. Also, it helps to have a big personality and be loud as well, you'll need that lol I'm pretty energetic anyways but I'll usually have an energy drink before I teach those classes :D I'm more then happy to give you more ideas or answer questions so feel free to hit me up Fitz.
I have some exp teaching I have my edu license from-adult 2yr and I’m an SRO with 4 kids of my own so that part shouldn’t be an issue. I have my 12yo son helping me out with class too as well as another adult and his kid.
Love the game ideas I’m tryin to get a bank to do so we can switch it up a few times a week.
Love the game ideas I’m tryin to get a bank to do so we can switch it up a few times a week.
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
I have some exp teaching I have my edu license from-adult 2yr and I’m an SRO with 4 kids of my own so that part shouldn’t be an issue. I have my 12yo son helping me out with class too as well as another adult and his kid. Love the game ideas I’m tryin to get a bank to do so we can switch it up a few times a week.
The other thing I can't stress enough is repeatability and patterns. Since you have a young kid you know what I mean. Also, saying crap like "crisis cross applesauce hands on your knees" sounds dumb to adults but kids get it at school and whatnot so it's easier to piggy back on that.
I also find it funny to say since I'm super tattooed and look like I shouldn't be saying criss cross applesauce LOL
I also find it funny to say since I'm super tattooed and look like I shouldn't be saying criss cross applesauce LOL
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
The other thing I can't stress enough is repeatability and patterns. Since you have a young kid you know what I mean. Also, saying crap like 'crisis cross applesauce hands on your knees' sounds dumb to adults but kids get it at school and whatnot so it's easier to piggy back on that. I also find it funny to say since I'm super tattooed and look like I shouldn't be saying criss cross applesauce LOL
Lmao dude I legit said cris cross apple sauce in class the other day. Also tatted with a strong background so super super funny we think the same way
D0Black beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
That age group is gonna be tough regardless.
4 especially, I only teach 5 at a minimum and try for 6 if possible.
That being said:
Look up general martial arts or gymnastic games/tutorials on youtube. Stuff like tag, dodgeball (with SAFE projectiles), and variations of them are great.
Also use strong incentives and repetition. Meaning always line up the same way, always take breaks the same way, and give them really good rewards at the end of class if everyone works hard (games, let them get wild for five mins, etc, etc).
GL!
4 especially, I only teach 5 at a minimum and try for 6 if possible.
That being said:
Look up general martial arts or gymnastic games/tutorials on youtube. Stuff like tag, dodgeball (with SAFE projectiles), and variations of them are great.
Also use strong incentives and repetition. Meaning always line up the same way, always take breaks the same way, and give them really good rewards at the end of class if everyone works hard (games, let them get wild for five mins, etc, etc).
GL!
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Lmao dude I legit said cris cross apple sauce in class the other day. Also tatted with a strong background so super super funny we think the same way
:D Some more idioms I say that help
Laser Focus - and stare like a lunatic at them eyes super wide open
Zip it up - pull a zipper and close their mouths
Put a bubble in it - make them make a bubble in their mouth - now they can't talk :D
Also, have everything be rather patternistic, meaning, 5 minutes of a warm up, 2 line drills, 1 technique, sparring "game", then depending on behavior etc, game game.
I have tons of kids games like Red Light Green Light, sumo, etc, so if you need more ideas hit me up mang...
Laser Focus - and stare like a lunatic at them eyes super wide open
Zip it up - pull a zipper and close their mouths
Put a bubble in it - make them make a bubble in their mouth - now they can't talk :D
Also, have everything be rather patternistic, meaning, 5 minutes of a warm up, 2 line drills, 1 technique, sparring "game", then depending on behavior etc, game game.
I have tons of kids games like Red Light Green Light, sumo, etc, so if you need more ideas hit me up mang...
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
:D Some more idioms I say that help Laser Focus - and stare like a lunatic at them eyes super wide open Zip it up - pull a zipper and close their mouths Put a bubble in it - make them make a bubble in their mouth - now they can't talk :D Also, have everything be rather patternistic, meaning, 5 minutes of a warm up, 2 line drills, 1 technique, sparring 'game', then depending on behavior etc, game game. I have tons of kids games like Red Light Green Light, sumo, etc, so if you need more ideas hit me up mang...
June 10th is the start so I’ll have to see how it goes
D0Black beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
:D Some more idioms I say that help Laser Focus - and stare like a lunatic at them eyes super wide open Zip it up - pull a zipper and close their mouths Put a bubble in it - make them make a bubble in their mouth - now they can't talk :D Also, have everything be rather patternistic, meaning, 5 minutes of a warm up, 2 line drills, 1 technique, sparring 'game', then depending on behavior etc, game game. I have tons of kids games like Red Light Green Light, sumo, etc, so if you need more ideas hit me up mang...
hah - I've never heard the "lazer focus crazy eyes" technique.
I definitely like it!
I definitely like it!
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
hah - I've never heard the 'lazer focus crazy eyes' technique. I definitely like it!
Thanks. Forgot Freeze like a Ninja. Not sure how or why I started that one. But it has sadly stuck :)
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
June 10th is the start so I’ll have to see how it goes
Keep in mind starting off with these Tiny Monsters is the waaaay harder road. If you an get some reps in on 7-12 year olds they typically are easier to teach etc.
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Keep in mind starting off with these Tiny Monsters is the waaaay harder road. If you an get some reps in on 7-12 year olds they typically are easier to teach etc.
Yeah we have a big kid class too 9-16 problem is there starts to be a such a size disparity and since we have a bunch of kids (not a bad thing) we have to split it up. I have my oldest helping me out with the training he’s getting pretty good and technical so he’ll play the role pretty good
MKBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Our classes are 1 hour long. It's fun to start with an obstacle/ninja warrior course type warmup. Box jumps, agility ladder, bear crawls or things to balance and jump on. 15mins
30minutes of technique. Start with understanding positional control than incorporating simple attacks from there.
2-3min rounds of ground sparring with specific goals to start like pass or sweep, hold or escape and takedowns. Add more or longer rounds and free sparring over time.
Best advice is BE PATIENT.
30minutes of technique. Start with understanding positional control than incorporating simple attacks from there.
2-3min rounds of ground sparring with specific goals to start like pass or sweep, hold or escape and takedowns. Add more or longer rounds and free sparring over time.
Best advice is BE PATIENT.
AZBrown beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Teaching kids can be so rewarding! They love learning and trying new things, but it can be also tough and frustrating at times.
One important thing to keep in mind, is, it's about them, not about you. So don't take anything personal. That way it's much easier to be patient.
Call and response usually works great. Asking questions and listen to their answers. Sometimes we can learn a lot from them.
Also asking about their day at kinder garden / school and listen to their drama helps to understand what makes them tick and increases their effort in training.
For games and drills I would suggest to look into Ecological Dynamics. I know that's a hype right now, but we are doing it since about 3 years and it has been a huge game changer, especially for the kids. They play the whole class, have fun and improve so quick.
If you have any questions, I am happy to help :)
In my experience the parents are often harder to deal with than the kids and when you get to know the parents of the 'difficult' kids, you often understand.
One important thing to keep in mind, is, it's about them, not about you. So don't take anything personal. That way it's much easier to be patient.
Call and response usually works great. Asking questions and listen to their answers. Sometimes we can learn a lot from them.
Also asking about their day at kinder garden / school and listen to their drama helps to understand what makes them tick and increases their effort in training.
For games and drills I would suggest to look into Ecological Dynamics. I know that's a hype right now, but we are doing it since about 3 years and it has been a huge game changer, especially for the kids. They play the whole class, have fun and improve so quick.
If you have any questions, I am happy to help :)
In my experience the parents are often harder to deal with than the kids and when you get to know the parents of the 'difficult' kids, you often understand.
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
A lot of my kids are known factors so they have some experience we are splitting due to size and maturity so I think it’ll go smoother than I expect but as we all know you want to be prepared
FFitzOP
Purple beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
See update above
