The Beaming Gymnast Sanctuary: Wade

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Transformation mechanisms and teaching through entertainment

I picked up a couple of quick props from the Magic Apple store in Studio City Saturday, after work, for a gymnastics clinic last Sunday.

I didn't really have time to think through a clever story on how to relate the props (classic breakaway wand and stiff rope) to gymnastics; but knew I wanted to make it a theme about being loose or tight.

I also used a partially inflated ball and a fully inflated physioball to compare the difference between the two (one being tight and bouncy and the other one not).

What are some of your favorite props to use, to illustrate a point? Analogies, metaphors, transformation mechanisms....

Sometimes being able to draw the relationship provides for a fun "Aaah! I get it!" moment. Sam Marsh's stick vault:

George Hery tossing a hammer:

Tom Forster with a Judy Kline demonstration of physics:

Wade Petersen demonstrating the restitution and elasticity of the bar:

I heard my kids describe (I wasn't there that day) the same coach stacking a pyramid of parallettes to illustrate the importance of building a strong foundation of basics and what happens if you don't (the pyramid collapsed). Another favorite is bouncing two different balls- one filled to the max with air (tight and bouncy) and one partially deflated (not tight and not bouncy).

Visual aids and the power of imagination:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/653391321411900/permalink/2020707588013593/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/653391321411900/permalink/2321915034559512/

I picked up some dog poo prop at the magic store.  I've been using the hand placement mat on vault for a hurdle line and tell the kids the mat is dog poo- don't step on it.

Please share some of your favorites and how you might capture the attention of an audience through entertainment tricks, gimmicks, and physical props.

Monday, August 29, 2016

"If you must blink, then do it now..."

I arranged for a team-bonding day with some of my gymnasts, for the movie Kubo and the Two Strings.

If you must blink, do it now! (Or hit the replay button and re-read the post....)

Decent turnout (from the pool of gymnasts I have; turnout for the movie from the general populace apparently isn't as good as it deserves). We killed some time with some origami and am thankful no security came over to scold us for throwing this over the balcony.

The movie has a decent story and message; but is probably too intense, serious, and heavy of a storyline for young kids to follow; and not get scared. The parents seemed to all enjoy it.

I grew up liking traditional Japanese ghost stories; and this movie evoked a certain sense of that.

I do feel that this movie is a good promotional for generating interest in origami (even though much of it has to do with magic than strict paperfolding).

After the scene with the birds, I now kind of want to fold Jared Needle's bird, whereas I didn't have a great deal of interest before.

Focus Features Los Angeles Premiere of LAIKA "Kubo and The Two Strings"

Art Parkinson seen at Focus Features Los Angeles Premiere of LAIKA "Kubo and The Two Strings" on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, in Universal City, Calif. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Focus Features/AP Images)

I wonder if any artists out there have the inclination to fold some of the characters from the movie, after seeing it?

The movie was made in stop-motion. Not CGI. This movie deserves respect.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Wade into this?

I just happened across this discussion of the BHS clinic Wade gave a few years ago at BGS. My videos.

It's an old thread. Not sure whether I should bother to take the time to wade into it.