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Step 1
Inspect the track for safety before each gymnastics class. Elevated tumble tracks should have sufficient mats around all sides and all springs covered securely. Tumble tracks installed near a wall should have wall pads installed to prevent injury.
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Step 2
Start at the end of the track and have the little gymnasts bunny hop to the other side to warm up and get the feel of the track.
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Step 3
Add a forward roll between bounces. Instruct the child to jump a few times then bend down to roll. If they have difficulty rolling, have them focus on their belly button to bring their head into the correct position.
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Step 4
Use the tumble track as 1 station in a gymnastic obstacle course to encourage little gymnasts to follow directions. Combine a bouncing run down the track with a lap around the gym that includes walking across the low beam, doing a pullover on the bar (with a spotter) and a run and jump off the vaulting springboard onto a soft mat.
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Step 5
Allow only 1 child on the tumble track at a time to prevent falls. In addition, restrict preschool exercises to those with jumps and rolls. A tumble track does not provide enough support to practice cartwheels or other stunts that involve handstands because a small child's wrist is not sturdy enough to support them on a surface that gives way under their hands.
