Teaching a 5 year old to ice skate.

[Nightfall]

My goddaughter has asked me to teach her to ice skate. Since I play a lot of hockey, I figure I am a pretty good candidate. Her parents are all for her learning to ice skate. I have all the equipment for her. Elbow pads, knee pads, helmet, mittens, and a little money for skate rental at the rink.

Now, the big question is, has anyone here ever done this? Any tips or advice? I remember learning to skate when I was 24 and it wasn't that hard. However, I did have my share of falling down and such. I really didn't have someone I learned from either.

Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[meltdown75]

the little kids learning how to skate in my area sometimes start out by pushing a chair around on the ice. it helps them stay up and it slides along the ice in front of them so they don't fall down. you've heard of this already i bet.

 

[Triumph]

just get out there and do it. i took my 5 and 7 year old nieces to the rink once, they were able to stand and sorta move around towards the end of the session. a few more times and they would've been able to skate. try going at a daytime session when no one is there, not a friday night skate.

 

[blackdogdeek]

when i was kid they had double-bladed skates. they helped me stand better since each skate had 2 blades.

 

[hypn0tik]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
when i was kid they had double-bladed skates. they helped me stand better since each skate had 2 blades.

Hence the term 'double-bladed'.

I've seen the chair a few times.

 

[moshquerade]

can she rollerblade/skate? the movements are similar to iceskating.
maybe she can practice some rollerblading with her parents or on her own to suppliment you teaching her to ice skate.

is she going to wear a helmet?

 

[meltdown75]

lollerskates?

 

[Juice Box]

reward/punishment system....if they fvck up...they fall on their ass...theyll learn soon enough to not fall, trust me

 

[Rastus]

I think at 5 all you really have to do is strap skated to them and they probably will take off on their own.

 

[Nightfall]

Originally posted by: Rastus
I think at 5 all you really have to do is strap skated to them and they probably will take off on their own.

Well, I strapped skates on her today and put a chair out there on the ice for her to learn with. She was pushing very well on her skates by the end of the session. Balance is still something she needs to learn how to do. Overall, good start.

She wore mittens and a helmet. I am glad I had her at least wear that much. I probably would have put a piece of foam down her pants at her bottom to protect her butt. Her mom pointed out that she weighs 40 pounds. It isn't like my 175 pound frame hitting the ice or someone heavier for that matter.

Thanks for the suggestions.