Snow Australia is excited to offer two primary school programs; Little Shredders and Little Gliders to Sporting Schools participants across Australia’s school yards.
Little Shredders is based on the hugely popular Burton Riglet product that provides the opportunity for students to learn the basics of snowsports using custom-made modified equipment built specifically for use in the school yard.
This cutting-edge participation program is focused on introducing students of all ages to snowsports with the aim of developing their knowledge, physical preparedness and confidence to go to the snow and experience Australia’s coolest sport.
Little Gliders is based on the successful Nordic Rocks program from North America and uses strap-on skis that can be used on snow, carpet, grass, or synthetic grass. Activities include introductions to classic and skate skiing, downhill techniques such as tucking and slalom, synchronised skiing and obstacle courses, as well as adapted games such as 1-ski soccer, pass the yeti and snowman frisbee.
“Students at Cairnlea Park Primary School loved being part of the Little Shredders program. The program aimed at teaching beginner snowsports and snow safety skills in a fun and engaging format. Little Shredders activities focus on working cooperatively in groups, which was transferrable to my Physical Education program as students were able to display great teamwork and sportsmanship. I highly recommend the program to any school as it is a worthwhile program that engages both students and teachers."
Matthew Tomkins – Cairnlea Park Primary School
The Little Shredders Product
Little shredders is a program that introduces primary school students to the fundamental concepts and movements of snowboarding. Children will be challenged both physically and cognitively to learn new balance, co ordination and flexibility skills as well as to understand the basic elements of snow-sports safety.
Little Shredders is an off-snow product. Sessions can be delivered on almost any surface or vacant space at your school.
Little Shredders Primary (Teacher Delivered)
For $350 we will send you all the equipment and provide you with detailed lesson plans to help deliver a 4 session program at your school. Snow Australia have set up a free online Little Shredders Coaching course that includes video instruction and guidance to assist in the delivery of each lesson plan.
There are two steps involved with accessing the free online Little Shredders Coaching Course:
- Register for Snow Australia’s free membership tier called Snowracer
- Use your newly acquired Snow ID to register for Snow Academy
The Little Shredders Course will sit on the Snow Academy Platform and you can access it at any time.
Little Shredders Primary (Coach Delivered)
For an additional fee your school may be able to book a Snow Australia endorsed coach to assist in the delivery of a Little Shredders program. Please contact Snow Australia for more information before booking as coaching availability may vary.
Little Gliders (ACT only)
Little Gliders is a program that introduces primary school children to Cross-country and Alpine disciplines through game-based learning with modified ski equipment. Using Nordic Rocks strap on skis, participants learn skills and techniques for cross country skiing.
The program prepares students for an on-snow experience. Children will be challenged both physically and cognitively to learn new balance, coordination and flexibility skills as well as to understand the basic elements of snow-sports safety.
Sessions can be delivered on carpet and grass surfaces.
Little Gliders Coach Delivered (ACT only)
Little Gliders is offered as a coach delivered package in the ACT area only. The estimated cost for one group of 20 students with 4 in-school sessions is $400.
Please contact Snow Australia [jlipzker@snow.org.au] for more information before booking.
Little Gliders Corin Forest Program(ACT schools only Term 2)
New for 2021 is the opportunity for schools to visit Corin Forest Ski Resort following the in-school delivery of a Little Shredders or Little Gliders Program.
Students will have the opportunity to test their newly acquired Shredder of Glider skills in an on-snow environment. Corin Forest is 45 minutes from Canberra and provides a fantastic environment for children to experience actual skiing and snowboarding for those new to the sport.
Corin Forest can provide students with a lift ticket, equipment hire and a ski/snowboard lesson for approximately $80 per child. All schools must complete a Little Shredders or Little Gliders Program before visiting Corin Forest (please note visit must occur during the same term as program delivery). Schools will need to pay for any difference between any Sporting Schools Grant Funding and the total cost of their visit to Corin Forest.
Why bring Little Shredders or Little Gliders to your school?
- Teach fundamental balance, co-ordination and physical literacy skills that are transferable to a range of other sports
- Create a unique and memorable sporting experience for your students
- Opportunity for professional development for Teachers to become Snow Australia endorsed
- Prepare children for the mountains with basic snow-sport and snow safety awareness
- Flexible delivery options – teacher or coach packages available
- Extensive resources and lesson plans to help teachers deliver
- Complement any existing or potential Interschools snow-sports program
- Prepare your school for camps or excursions to the snow
- Good primer for surf camps, excursions or programs
Why bring little shredders to your school?
- Teach fundamental balance, co-ordination and physical literacy skills that are transferable to a range of other sports
- Create a unique and memorable sporting experience for your students
- Opportunity for professional development for Teachers to become Snow Australia endorsed
- Prepare children for the mountains with basic snow-sport and snow safety awareness
- Flexible delivery options – teacher or coach packages available
- Extensive resources and lesson plans to help teachers deliver
- Complement any existing or potential Interschools snow-sports program
- Prepare your school for camps or excursions to the snow
- Good primer for surf camps, excursions or programs
Little Shredders Program Details
Little Shredders can be delivered as a four session program in school by teachers or an external coach. The Little Shredders FREE resource provides a structured program that includes four lesson plans and other key information to help teachers and coaches deliver fun and engaging sessions.
Session 1 - Introduction to snow sports, find your stance, body movement and balance, how to safely use the equipment.
Session 2 - Balance techniques whilst stationary and moving, snowboarding grabs, flexion and extension.
Session 3 - How to use your toes and heel to manoeuvre over objects, rotational movements including 180 and 360 degrees.
Session 4 - Increased challenge of balancing on snowboard whilst moving, using heel and toe movements to manoeuvre around objects.
Equipment
The Little Shredders equipment kit listed below can be hired and is designed to cater for up to 30 students. Schools may send enquiries to Snow Australia regarding purchasing. Should you wish to deliver to more than 30 students then multiple equipment kits will be required.
- Three throw back boards with ropes and handles
- Six Riglet boards
- Six Spooner boards
- One Grab mat
- Two pool noodles
- 12 foam blocks
- 30 cones
- 1 Board Bag
Get in touch to order or hire your pack
Teachers
Teachers can deliver Little Shredders in Sporting Schools by meeting the requirements below.
- Hold a valid state and/or territory teacher registration
- Confirm adequacy of insurance
- Access the Little Shredders coaching resources (see resources tab above)
Coaches
To become a coach and deliver Little Shredders in Sporting Schools please ensure you are working towards the following requirements:
- Be aged 16 years or over
- Hold a current Working With Children Check
- Confirm adequacy of insurance
- Online Community Coaching - Essential Skills course
Coaching Providers
Sporting Schools is an Australia-wide program in partnership with more than 35 national sporting organisations (NSO), of which Snow Australia is one.
Snow Australia coordinates all Sporting Schools programs and does not require external coaching providers. For further information please contact Snow Australia.
Snow Australia Resources
The Little Shredders Learning Tool and Little Shredders Lesson Plans provide a step by step guide on how to structure and deliver a snowsport lesson, no snow required!
The resources include:
- Four structured lesson plans with diagrams to provide clarity on how to set up each activity
- Learning intentions and descriptions of what each lesson should provide students
- Instructions on how to best engage your students, provide a clear session overview and sample questions to ask to help their learning.
The Little Shredders coaching course provides all the information that a new coach needs to be able to effectively deliver the program. Register for Snow Australia e-learning.
Snow Australia
Contact: Johnny Lipzker – Sport Development Officer
Email: jlipzker@snow.org.au
Phone: (03) 9696 2344