Head Over Heels About Gymnastics Vol.1 by Gemma Coles
The review has been done by Laura, Mum to Sophie (5), Alfie (3) and Ava 6 Months.
Posted on October 10, 2013 by Lorraine
‘Head Over Heels About Gymnastics’ is a child friendly book that provides step-by-step instructions and top tips explaining how to perform a large variety of gymnastic floor skills via simple language and eye catching photography…
The Head Over Heels About Gymnastics review has been done by Laura, Mum to Sophie (5), Alfie (3) and Ava 6 Months.
My 5 year old daughter Sophie has recently started gymnastic classes and has been really keen to practice the different moves at home. I was on the lookout for a gymnastic book when I was asked to review Head Over Heels About Gymnastics Vol.1 by Gemma Coles.
When the book arrived I was impressed with the clear layout and abundant use of photographs. I could read the text to Sophie and prompt her using the written advice, while she could follow the pictures herself.
Sophie has got her forward rolls down to a tee but other moves like a bridge and handstand had me nervous and I was struggling to know how best to safely prompt her without curbing her enthusiasm.
This book absolutely helped with this and the clear images and accompanying text was easy to follow.
It also has a clear, methodical format starting with a whole body warm up including stretches and pulse-raising activities then moving through different stages and skills and finally ending with routines to follow and practice.
I love how the book can stand up on it’s own and I thought the bright, modern layout and size was just perfect for little hands. Just the right amount of photos and words.
Scattered throughout the book are little ‘thumbs up’ sections which contain extra bits of information to compliment the activities on the page. This helped prompt me on different ways of explaining to Sophie. In addition to the thumbs up sections, there are also little post-it note areas which give additional advice and expert knowledge as you go along.
What struck me most was not only how child friendly it was but also how it was great for beginners plus also for those who were developing their core skills too. So once you had mastered a forward roll you could move onto a forward roll into a straddle stand for example. This would allow the book to be excellent for beginners and intermediates alike.
We have been working through the book at our own pace, and I like how it has really help hold Sophie’s attention. She enjoys the warm up and then picks an activity to do and I tell her additional pieces of information which she loves.
Overall, this book has longevity which I really like. We have been working on consolidating the skills she already has and just touched on some new skills. I think that this will be a great source of learning, refreshing and resourcing over the coming months. I also like how it is easy to use with clear photos and how it can stand up on its own.
I asked Sophie to tell me why liked it and she said it was ‘fan-dabby’ and helped her stretch.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to other parents who had children who were interested in Gymnastics. A brilliant, informative book and a must have for any budding gymnast.
We have one of these fab books up for grabs for one of our lucky readers… to be in with a chance of winning it you must like MumSaysReviews and Head Over Heels About Gymnastics on Facebook then fill in the form below with your name, your email, “Head Over Heels About Gymnastics” in the Subject field and the answer to the following question in the subject box:
On the cover photo of the Head Over Heels About Gymnastics Facebook page the strapline reads…
An absolute must-have for anyone with… A) Children, B) an interest in gymnastics, C) a pair of pumps
http://www.mumsaysreviews.co.uk/head-over-heels-about-gymnastics-vol-1-by-gemma-coles-review/