USM Learn To Skate Program
Fall/Winter Skating School
About the Learn to Skate Program:
The USM Learn to Skate Program began in 1986 using guidelines from the United States Figure Skating Association. By 1998, the USM Learn To Skate Program had been totally restructured and revamped. Program updates occur regularly.
Today, the USM Learn to Skate Program is unlike any other around. The skating levels are more difficult and yet the skaters move quickly through the program without getting lost in the shuffle.
The USM program includes hockey skills in each level. Many sessions add "hockey only" classes so that young hockey players can sharpen their skills.
The program includes all ages and all skill levels. Class sizes are small in order to ensure quality instruction for all participants. The program is open to the skating community. Each session, running from October to March, lasts for five weeks. Classes are still in session if there is no school that day except if the school is closed due to inclement weather or road conditions.
About the New Teeter Tot Program:
By the time that a child is three years old, he/she has developed a very strong lower body; just learning to walk or climb stairs is a milestone in a toddler's physical growth pattern.
Activities in the Teeter Tot program use muscles in the core (tummy) area of the body. Ice skating enhances the skills that very young children need in order to perfect balance. The program encourages proper posture and helps balance by controlling upper body movement.
About the Skating Levels:
Prior to the start of the first class in each session, the Learn to Skate professionals decide the levels that the skaters will be placed in. At the beginning of each five week session, the skaters are divided into small groups. Class assignments may be changed during the session if the skating professionals decide that another class may be more appropriate for the skater.
The USM program includes all USFSA skating levels from "Snow Plow Sam" for tots and the "Bridge" program for more serious figure skaters.
Skill assessments are done on a weekly basis so that there is no elaborate testing system at the end of each session. The "test free" philosophy results in the skaters learning the skills quickly and more completely.
About the Teaching Professionals:
The USM teaching professionals have been involved in ice skating for many years. The professional turnover rate at USM is minute.
All USM professionals are masters in their fields and have perfected their own teaching guidelines. The skating professionals meet regularly throughout the season to share new and exciting ideas and to raise the level of teaching within the program.
All professionals are encouraged to maintain their memberships in the ISFSA, ISI or PSA.
Fall/Winter Skating School 2007-2008 Registration Form
Registration Form for USM Teeter Tot Program |