This year, Cycling BC’s iRide program helped create a new grassroots after-school program with the Chase Young Learner’s Society. Six new instructors completed the iRide training program and facilitated programs for all five iRide skill levels in the spring and a level 4-5 program in the autumn.
The team from Chase, BC, provided a detailed report that we would like to share with you. If you are looking to get involved in our after-school program, this post provides a good sense of the challenges you may overcome, and the support Cycling BC’s iRide program aims to provide during your leadership journey.
What is your most significant takeaway after completing the spring session? Was it easier or more challenging than you thought?
The spring session of Chase iRide was intense, exciting, and a whirlwind learning experience. We did our best to create a method for splitting up the children into ability levels. Based on their registration information we had the children formed into their group levels with 1-2 instructors per group. We then did a few assessment activities and moved any children who were miscategorized.
Our level 5 group ended up with only one instructor, Paul. This happened because we had a few children who surprised us with their lack of experience with cycling, so we created a spur-of-the-moment Level 0 group. Paul knew all of the level 5 kids very well and because of his level of experience we thought that this was the best fit.
Upon reflection, I can see that 2 instructors per group is by far the best; it would have been best to make a bigger attempt to make that happen. In the future, we can offer level 0 programming on a different date or time to avoid confusion, optimize the learning environment, and ensure a better coach/participant ratio for children still learning to pedal on their own.
Reflecting upon your letter-to-self in your community journal, do you feel you accomplished your goal? Why?
I set a goal to learn how to observe children’s technique and performance during activities and to be able to offer suitable constructive input in response.
I found the actual experience of coaching very challenging and in the high-pressure situation of being in the moment of managing the activities, the additional challenge of carefully observing technique was difficult. I feel that gaining more experience through practice with the lens of teaching in mind will help me to continue to develop my goals.
What section of the instructor or coach training did you find most helpful?
I found the in-person training to be, by far, the most helpful. Practicing the different games and lessons together with the other instructors solidified the knowledge in a way that couldn’t be learned through reading or videos.
What part of your iRide experience may help you in future leadership and instruction opportunities?
We learned a huge amount about sports organizations and the structure of a cycling program. After completing our first program, I have a great appreciation for the iRide structure that makes planning and organizing so much easier. I can see taking the structure and putting it into practice in multiple settings successfully.
What advice do you have for new instructors across Canada?
- Make a solid plan before the session. Know the movement and game you wish to learn and play, respectively.
- If a child is disruptive or unengaged, give them a job or a unique role. Kids enjoy feeling like they are important and valued.
- Build the stunts. They are worth it!
What’s next for you? How can Cycling BC help support you?
We plan to run a Chase iRide program every Spring and Autumn. We had a great response from the community and it is a positive addition to our organization.
Any other comments to share?
Thanks for all of the work you do. Cycling BC does such great things for the sport and engaging people in active living.
Read more about their 2021 Autumn program here.
Stay tuned for more details about Chase’s 2022 programs by joining our iRide newsletter – Subscribe For Quarterly eNews
