Backwards rolls is one of the basic gymnastic lesson to teach in the
preschool level. It come after the forward roll that is the easiest and
natural first movement kids are learning. If a regular gymnastic mat is
enough to practice the forward roll movement it is recommanded to use an
incline mat to learn the backwards roll.

Even if preschool kids are very flexible by nature it is important to
precaustiously warming them up to avoid injury. Ask them to rounding their
back, back and forth until they can grab their legs easily. When the warm
up is made, you can start using the incline mats. The way to use it is
simple. The incline must help them to roll backward. Ask them to sit on
the top of the incline mat and lean back their head to the lowest part of
the mat. Then help them to roll backward until they reach the standing
position.

After the kids get uses to that movement with the incline mats you can go
back to the flat gymnastic mat to perform the same movement. It is also
possible to use two or even three different incline mats with more and
less incline than the other to operate smoothly the transition to the flat
gymnastic mat. There is some incline mats that is up to 48” high and other
36” or even 24”.

Remember preschool kids need to be manipulate very softly. Their
confidence should grow with their ability and while their muscle strenght
developped and improved at the same time. That is where physical
instruction team up with wise psychology. Tools like incline mats and
gymnastic mats are just tools they must be used with good teaching
practice. The human factor is always the key.

Tags: gym mats, gymnastic lessons, gymnastic mats, kid mat, preschool mats