New Ideas??? (for preschool gymnastics)

[CoachRazz99]

My name's Melissa and I've been coaching for 11 years- everything from preschool to elite. Right now, I'm running my own program at the local Y (which I love doing, don't get me wrong!). I have four classes 2-3ys, 4-5 ys, 5-6ys, and 7-9ys. The only equipment I have is:
One 3' high, 8'long beam; 1 single bar (5'wide, gets up to 5' tall); 4 panel mats; 1 wedge mat; 1 "mailbox" mat; 1 12" landing mat that folds on both ends to form a 2' tall square; 2 mini trampolines; 1 set of foam stairs; and 1 springboard (for up to 70lbs). Oh, and the class meets in a small room with a tile floor, so the panel mats are used mostly for padding. My vault is the folded up 12" mat.
I do stations where I give the children simple skills to do on 3 events and I spot the 4th. I move if I'm needed to spot something else, but typically I'm not.
I guess I'm just looking for some creative ideas for skills beyond the typical preschool/recreational skills. I feel like I've exausted my resources and I'm still lacking.
I'm trying to do weeks of lesson plans (forward, backward, upside down, twisting, etc.)
I would love any ideas you have for me!
Thanks!!!

 

[elilla]

Melissa,
I wrote out a reply and then it disappeared...sorry if this is repetitious! Anyway I was going to say that we are also in a very small space (800 sq feet) and have limited equipment. I have found that using props really helps my preschool program (through age 5). For example this week our theme is "Bugs and Butterflies" Here are a few of the stations:
1. Pick a butterfly (printed off computer and laminated) then run up the hill and down the hill making it "fly"
2. Put pictures of ants on a wall. Hands on the floor and walk the wall like an ant with the feet
3. I found large plastic bugs at Walmart and we are jumping over the bugs (careful not to squish them!)
4. On a wedge stretch like a butterfly and do straddle rolls
5. Crawl through the tunnel like a centipede

We also go to bars but I won't bore you with stations. That gives you an idea of how we use props. If you have any questions let me know!

 

[CoachRazz99]

I've never thought of bugs and butterflies as props... I use teddy bears, jungle animals, and beanbags right now, but that's a great idea to incorporate...THANKS!!!