Helpful Tips

Here's a sure-fire way for kids to get their parent's attention. Parents will LOVE this and thank you for sharing it.!!When Mom or Dad are on the phone or talking to another person, and the child wishes to get their attention, the child comes up and puts his hand on the parent's arm, or shoulder, etc. without speaking, tugging, jumping up and down, etc. (See picture) Now the parent is aware that the child needs something, but she can finish his or her thought and then turn and acknowledge the child -"Yes Johnny, now what can I do for you?"This...

Good Job Notes can be some of the most effective tools in your retention toolbox. How can you make sure that they get out CONSISTENTLY?Here's what we do: We require each instructor (including ourselves) to write one GJN for every two classes taught. They then mark it on the back of the child's attendance card - "GJN 7/15/06". This makes sure that the same kids aren't getting the cards every class. The instructors also write the name and date of their GJN on their time card. To get paid, they need to get the cards out consistently. They then put...

Ever have a kid in class come up to you and say "I can't kick with this leg today because the dog stepped on my foot," or "He kicked me too hard" or some similar calamity? Sure you have. We all have. Usually every day.What can we say? "Kick anyway!; Go sit down till you feel better; Kick with the other leg!", etc.Now there's another option. Say - "You know, Johnny, that's what I admire about you. Most kids would have stayed home today if the dog stepped on their foot, but not you. You've got so much Warrior Spirit...

We've found a great way to use our very own "Self Control" stickers, from our "Five Tenets of Martial Arts" sticker series. At the end of class, we ask the parents present if they'd like to recommend their children for a "Self Control" sticker. Invariably, several parents will raise their hand: "Johnny didn't hit his sister when she took his toy"....."Cindy isn't interrupting me on the phone anymore", etc. We call the child forward, and present them with a sticker. For the child that gets one, it's an opportunity to be rewarded for good behavior. For the parent, it's an...

The Full Splits Club patch will help your students to look forward to their warmups with enthusiasm. Here's how we use our Full Splits Club patches - when they can demonstrate their splits, we take their picture with a Polaroid. Then we put it up on our "Full Splits Club" board, and last we give them the patch. Cost of patch - $1.00Cost of Polaroid picture - $1.00Initial cost of cork - backed bulletin board - 19.95box of push pins - .59Effect on retention and motivation of students - priceless!!