Skating Lessons for Landon

With Landon being such a huge hockey fan I figured skating lessons would be the first step in teaching him the game of hockey.  A local rink by our house had a special for their winter classes.  10 weeks of classes for $139.00 and you get a coupon for a free pair of new skates.  So I went there, talked to an instructor about Landon and which class would work best for him.  We decided the Saturday class would be appropriate because their would be 2-3 instructors and he would not require a 1-1 aide for the class.  His first lesson approached and we headed to the rink.  He was excited to go ice skating and was hoping he would get on the ice without us.  Walking into the rink he started to get a little apprehensive, he wanted to go into the store and we told him later.  This started our first melt down.  It was VERY crowded and very confusing as to how he would get on the ice.  He was crying and not having any of this.  Come to find out there was only 1 teacher for 12 kids!!  She seemed pretty frazzled herself and of course I just reminded her that Landon was autistic.  She had immediately suggested that I sign up for the Monday class now because she had more help and less kids.  In the end he did not last long on the ice and we packed up and headed home.  I of course was very upset and wanted this problem solved before I even step foot back in this arena with him on Monday for his lesson. 
I went back to the front desk, spoke to someone again, and MADE SURE that on Monday when we returned.  There would be LESS kids, more teachers, and help for Landon.  I again offered to hire a 1-1 aide but they insisted that Monday would be better.
Landon was VERY upset after all of this and I knew getting him back here and on the ice on Monday would require a lot of talking and the need for a social story.  So nana did her research, created a social story for him, and we read it over and over the next 2 days.  On Monday we talked all about skating and he seemed ready and willing.  We headed over to at ice rink and of course he started to cry.  I immediately found one of his teachers and explained that he needed to just get on the ice.  I let her know he was a verbal, autistic child but he understands what you are saying.  Bless this young girl because within a few minutes our little man was happy, and learning to skate!! 
He stayed on the ice for the entire hour and enjoyed every minute.  Of course he loves to fall but he really can skate if he keeps his mind focus.  This past Monday he went on the ice with ZERO tears.  Found his teacher and had a blast!  He came off the ice and said to me "WOW! That was an amazing ice-skating!"  I am so proud of him and so glad to see him try something new!!  GO Landon GO!

 

Our little man standing up by the cone with his teacher!

GO Landon GO!!  Standing and starting to skate all by himself!