How to Teach Cheerleading to Children

Cheerleading is not an activity that you might associate with children. Although cheerleading's primary purpose is to encourage team spirit, it is also good exercise and teaches coordination. Teach children the basics of cheerleading by showing them how to master some physical moves. Children's natural energy and enthusiasm will make this exercise fun.

Instructions

    • 1

      Tell children the rules for cheerleading safety. Let children know that because it is a physical activity, they might get injured if they do not follow the rules. Lay out specific penalties for being rough with other kids or for being physical when it is not appropriate.

    • 2

      Teach basic physical components of cheerleading that kids can learn easily. Show kids the Spread Eagle jump, in which they jump with their legs and arms apart to look like an" X" in the air. Ask them to do a T-jump, in which they jump in the air and put their arms straight out. Have them do a tuck, where they pull their legs up into a ball while jumping. Practice these jumps and others until kids feel confident doing them.

    • 3

      Practice chants. These can be simple, standard chants, such as "Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?" Alternatively, assemble children into small groups and have them make up their own chants and cheers. Let kids teach their cheers to the rest of the group. Practice them until the group knows them well.

    • 4

      Come up with a routine involving a cheer and some basic physical cheerleading jumps and moves. Have children come up with their own routines to accompany a cheer, using the moves you have taught them. Once you decide on a routine, practice it repeatedly until the group knows it well.

    • 5

      Be encouraging, especially with younger children. Avoid incessant criticism and correcting. Remember that cheerleading for kids is about fitness and having fun.