Teaching archery in schools

[howie]

I had about 18 students turn up today for an after school care archery lesson, most were aged between 4 and 10 years of age. The school had some old fibreglass long and recurve bows with a mixed bunch of wood arrows. I gave the students a talk about safety, bows and arrows and how to shoot. We then went outside and I gave a demo on how to shoot, where to stand etc. I also purchased a packet of snakes, (lollies) as a prize. The idea was to shoot their arrow into the gold - bullseye - and then collect their prize. With my assistance every kid got a bullseye, they were on fire, even though the distance was only a few yards.
Pinning a balloon on the target was the next step, taking the kids back to about 6 yards really put the pressure on them. It was eventually popped and I went to give him a lolly, only to see my daughter with her mouth full of snakes, Hmmmmm. None left.
So next week I was thinking of doing the balloon thing again and putting a lolly inside it. So when they pop the balloon they get the lolly.

As this is a 9 week course I need some more ideas to keep the kids interested, maybe doing a lucky dip when they shoot,
come on guys and gals give me some ideas.
Appreciate it. Howie

[howie]

Someone must have some thoughts!! Howie

[bobzila]

mate you could try get some 3D bunnys or cats for them to have a go at or ever try alittle clout

[wazza_X force]

clout could be fun... i wouldnt do that untill youve sort of got the form and technique and more importantly safety under wraps, cus that could go pretty bad if you let it... but its every young archers dream to see who's bow go's further...

wazza

[NormGunston]

Someone may have the NASP National Archery in Schools Programme info from the States. It's an absolutely brilliant programme with plenty of ideas aimed exactly at what you need. Google it and see what you find, perhaps have a squiz of the Mathews website. Novelty events are great- sounds like you are doing fine already. Some self and team competitions are fun, get the kids scoring some ends. Noughts and crosses targets are motivational as are "draw your own target and one for a friend" to shoot at. Best luck.

[ozarcher]

NASP is already running in Victoria.

[Luke]

Huge write up on NASP in this month's BDHU.

NASP is being trialled quite successfully in Vic at the moment and in the mag it's mentioned probably also being taken up in Tas next year as well.



Howie, if you're putting lollies in balloons mate, make sure they are wrapped ones... minties for example ;)

Water balloon or ones filled with shaving cream can be fun too :D

Having the targets set at various distances so the kids who are advancing a bit faster can still be challenged by the longer shots instead of getting bored.

What age are the students?

BTW, great thing you've done mate... good on ya for growing our sport!

:)

[howie]

Some top ideas there. The kids are 4 to about 7 years old with a few older ones. So it has to be pretty simple, this week I will blow up the balloons and put in some wrapped lottlies. Although a good suggestion, I might stay away from Clout and 3D targets at this stage due to their young age. They still believe in the easter bunny - so I would hate to spoil that with a shaft in its vitals, LOL. Saw the info in the BDU mag, Cheers and thats heaps Howie