Effective Kindergarten Snow Sports Weeks Planned In Graubunden
An evaluation by the Graubünden University of Applied Sciences of the kindergarten snow sports weeks in the canton of Graubünden shows that their organization and implementation work well and are carried out professionally. The participating children benefit directly from this form of sports support.
Fewer and fewer children are taking part in snow sports in the traditional winter sports canton of Graubünden. Skiing and the connection to this “cultural asset” are in danger of being lost. With the aim of getting kindergarten children excited about snow and skiing, kindergarten snow sports weeks take place every year in the canton of Graubünden. Kindergarten classes and their teachers travel to a ski area every day for a week. On behalf of GraubündenSport, the Graubünden University of Applied Sciences carried out an evaluation of these kindergarten snow sports weeks in 2022 and 2023 and gained valuable insights. The project was also indirectly supported by the Federal Office of Sport (BASPO).
Good organization thanks to cooperation and many years of experience
The evaluation of the surveys of kindergarten teachers in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons shows that the organizational processes in connection with the snow sports weeks are implemented well overall. The many years of experience and mutual support of those involved play an important role here. The teachers say that the time commitment is manageable, although there are certain differences between kindergartens in this regard.
What is particularly striking is that the majority of teachers (73% and 80%) prefer a half-day program. This shows that teachers are mindful of the children's needs and are aware that longer periods of time on the snow may require additional effort. They successfully link the lesson content with the snow sports week or see future opportunities for this.
During the snow sports week, the behavior and state of mind of the kindergarten children are perceived by the majority of teachers as active, bright and happy. This indicates a positive and joyful atmosphere during the activities. The teachers also provide valuable suggestions for improving the program. This includes easier access to helpers, increased financial support and easier cooperation with snow sports schools.
In conclusion, it can be said that the snow sports weeks are a positive experience for the kindergarten children, which are organized and accompanied by committed teachers. The high response rate to the surveys is an additional indication of the teachers' interest and satisfaction with this program.
Kindergarten children gain positive experiences with snow sports
Discussions with a total of four groups of kindergarten children revealed that the children perceive being outside in nature and in the mountains as beautiful and eventful. They enjoy learning specific driving styles and apply them correctly depending on the situation. Experiences of success on the slopes and when using transportation systems play an important role. The ski race is a highlight of the snow sports week for many children. Some children don't like the rigid structure during the week, while others see the experience of the snow sports week with their classmates as positive. It is clear that the majority of children are able to deepen their existing snow sports skills or acquire new skills during this week. Many children also want to continue doing snow sports outside of the kindergarten structures. The vast majority would like to go back to a kindergarten snow sports week as soon as possible.
The findings of the evaluation provide GraubündenSport with a basis for implementing organizational improvements and further developing the snow sports weeks. The head of GraubündenSport, Thierry Jeanneret, also confirms this: “The Graubünden University of Applied Sciences was an ideal sparring partner for us in order to generate scientifically sound findings and use them to show options for action for the future promotion of kindergarten snow sports weeks.”
