Introducing Hockey to FIS: A Celebration of Skills and Fun!

At FIS, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage our children in physical activity and expose them to new experiences. For 5 weeks in October and November, we had the incredible opportunity to host the Kung Pow Kings Hockey coaches for a special 5-week program designed for our CP and Year 2 children during the Shared Project. This initiative not only highlighted the excitement surrounding hockey but also showcased the unique international perspectives brought by our teaching team members from various parts of the world

A unique sharing opportunity and learning experience

Our teachers, Mr. Rob and Miss Katolyk, recognized the importance of hockey in their Canadian upbringing and decided to introduce this beloved sport to our children. They were eager to provide a new and exciting experience that would broaden their horizons. To deliver a high-quality program, we partnered with the experts from Kung Pow Kings Hockey, who brought their knowledge and enthusiasm to the table.

For many of our children, this was their very first encounter with hockey, with nearly 99% having never tried ball hockey or ice hockey before. The program was thoughtfully designed to develop essential skills, such as stick handling, shooting, and teamwork, all while ensuring that the children had fun along the way! The joy and excitement on their faces as they learned and played were a true testament to the success of this unique learning experience.

Skill Development and Engagement

Over the course of five weeks, children participated in various activities that focused on skill-building, including:

• Stick Handling: Children learned the basics of controlling the puck, which is foundational for both ball and ice hockey.
• Shooting Practice: They practiced shooting into the net, enhancing their accuracy and confidence.
• Passing Drills: Teamwork was emphasized as children practiced passing with one another.
• Small Games: Engaging in small games allowed them to apply their skills in a fun, competitive environment.

In addition to the physical skills, children had the chance to engage with hockey equipment, gaining insights into the gear used by players. One memorable highlight was learning about Mr. Rob's favorite player, Wayne Gretzky, a true Canadian hockey legend. This not only sparked interest but also connected them to the cultural significance of the sport in Canada.

Furthermore, the children experienced "The Hockey Sweater" (originally "Le chandail de hockey" in French), a short story by Canadian author Roch Carrier. They watched and listened to it in both English and French, deepening their understanding of hockey's cultural significance in Canada. This engaging story highlighted the passion for hockey and the themes of identity and belonging, particularly the symbol of wearing a specific jersey in any sport, allowing the children to relate it to their own experiences.

Building Community and Confidence

During the 5 weeks, our children exhibited enthusiasm, fostering friendships while developing new skills. The smiles on their faces as they played and learned were a testament to the joy that comes from trying something new.

We thank the Kung Pow Kings Hockey coaches for their dedication and energy in introducing our children to hockey. Their passion for the sport shone through and inspired many young athletes at FIS TKO.