ZUMBA (c) Fitness Instruction
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As a Zumba fitness instructor, I have utilized and honed many of the same skills I apply to my ESL teaching. Differentiation for different levels of students is a must in Zumba. I have taught all ages from 10 to 70. Different people have different needs.
More importantly, Zumba involves constant thought. If I see that someone can't perform a certain move, I have to instantly figure out how I might better help them to understand it. Sometimes this involves some verbal instruction or hand signals. It might involve altering the move to show a lower intensity level so others can understand. For some moves, I wait until the song is over and then go over the move for all of those who need additional help. While this breaks the flow of the class occasionally, I like to ensure that my students are not hitting their frustration level while exercising.
I also select songs with my target students in mind. With my student population leaning heavily to the 45+ crowd, I choose songs like new songs from an age-crossing group (Lifehouse, Maroon 5, Train) or older songs like Elvis or Creedance Clearwater Revival. I occasionally use songs from movies to help my students connect to the music. I also listen to their suggestions. If they don't enjoy a certain song, I can tell and I will remove it more quickly than the songs they enjoy more.
In all, teaching Zumba has honed my skills in awareness, differentiation, problem-solving, guidance and thinking on my feet. It is a very important aspect of my life and I plan on continuing to teach, if at all possible, in whatever country or position I am in.
More importantly, Zumba involves constant thought. If I see that someone can't perform a certain move, I have to instantly figure out how I might better help them to understand it. Sometimes this involves some verbal instruction or hand signals. It might involve altering the move to show a lower intensity level so others can understand. For some moves, I wait until the song is over and then go over the move for all of those who need additional help. While this breaks the flow of the class occasionally, I like to ensure that my students are not hitting their frustration level while exercising.
I also select songs with my target students in mind. With my student population leaning heavily to the 45+ crowd, I choose songs like new songs from an age-crossing group (Lifehouse, Maroon 5, Train) or older songs like Elvis or Creedance Clearwater Revival. I occasionally use songs from movies to help my students connect to the music. I also listen to their suggestions. If they don't enjoy a certain song, I can tell and I will remove it more quickly than the songs they enjoy more.
In all, teaching Zumba has honed my skills in awareness, differentiation, problem-solving, guidance and thinking on my feet. It is a very important aspect of my life and I plan on continuing to teach, if at all possible, in whatever country or position I am in.
You may learn more at my Zumba website: www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/kaitlin-licato/67276
You may also see videos of my Zumba routines at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCUjMJt8Hhr8rrzdgMjeHg
You may also see videos of my Zumba routines at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCUjMJt8Hhr8rrzdgMjeHg