National Schools
My goal is to help children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, move with greater confidence and skill through a series of fun and engaging activities focused on fundamental movement patterns.
We are all saying it for years that children are not as active as they were 20/30 years ago and I’m sure as teachers you have seen the decline in movement. Pauls ABCs offers schools a 4–8-week program based on fundamental movements. The program is based on the Irish PE Curriculum (30 minutes per class) with a twist and offers the children the chance to learn how to run, skip, and land before we jump.
For the older classes I like to start to introduce bodyweight movements such as a squat, did you know a squat is one of the best and most important movements a child will learn as we use a squat to lift, jump, land, decelerate and change direction. I also like to use light kettlebells or med balls to help coach the children how to lift correctly.
People say it is bad for children to lift early but most children lift a 6-8kg schoolbag every day. The issue isn’t lifting the issue is lifting in an incorrect manner.
All sessions include a full warmup, fundamental movements, games, coaching cues and learnings that are carried out in a fun environment while being active. The sessions aim to boost children’s confidence in their own movement and thus lead them to remain fit and active. The sessions are not designed or aimed at the already sporty child this is about encouraging all children to get active and remain active for life.
Gearóid Power Principal Caherline NS.
