Snowshoeing
An Introduction at
Hemenway Elementary School
Grades 3-5
Equipment and Clothing
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Snow Boots
Snow Pants
Hats
Gloves
Scarves
Snowshoes for
each student
Introduction to Unit…
• Expectations:
– Ease of acquisition of skills
– All ages/all abilities
– Lifetime sport for wellness
– Low impact/heart healthy
…Introduction continued
• Burn twice as many calories as walking
at same speed
• Ideal form of cross-training
• Safety rules: balance, space awareness
and use of crampons (an iron spike
attached to the base of the shoe to
prevent slipping)
Warm-up Routine
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Stretch shoulders, arms and legs
Ski Jumps
Jumping Jacks
Straddle Stretches
Side lunges
Cognitive Content
• Identify parts of snowshoe:
– Binding
– Crampon
– Frame
– Decking
– Demonstration of attaching
boots to snowshoes
Attaching Snowshoes
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
• Place snow boot in
snowshoe and
attach buckle/strap
at ankle - pull tight
• Squeeze toe
attachment and
tighten
Skill Development…
• Practice:
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Putting on Snowshoes
Walking Techniques
Stopping and Starting
Walking forward to avoid others
Walk with balance at own pace
Walk clockwise and counterclockwise
Travel to open spaces
Side Stepping
…Skill Development
continued
– Kick step
– Herringbone step
– Traversing on slope
– Ascending and
descending slopes
Activities
• Demonstrate horizontal moves
• Students use volleying, throw and catch
skills using Nerf balls.
• Tag Games
Activities
• Follow the Leader - move in different
directions using curved pathways,
increase/decrease speeds
Assessment
• Teacher observation/feedback
• Check sheet for basic skills
• Students using proper body control,
balance and weight transfer
Check for Understanding
• Use of learning cues
• List of safety factors
Out of School Activities
• Encourage students to initiate friends
and family trips to local parks and other
appropriate winter venues….
Have Fun !