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This book truly lives up to its title. This comprehensive guide includes everything anyone needs to know about teaching skiing to children. From making sure they are warm and fed to teaching physics fundamentals with a puppet or a pizza, the overall message is to make the activity safe and fun.
There is much psychology involved in being a good and effective teacher. Likewise, teaching skiing takes psychological considerations to be most successful. Naito discusses building trust with children and parents. He reminds coaches to use a positive, upbeat voice and praise everyone specifically and often—all before the coach even hits the slopes with the kids.
There is a wealth of information here. Some of it is obvious, and some of it is funny but important. For example, coaches should get on their knees. Otherwise, as the author reminds readers, “The child is just seeing two knee-caps! Is there any possible bonding and trust taking place?” Perhaps the most important lesson for any coach is covered early and often in the book in different ways, "Remember, you need always to protect the self-esteem of your students. It is paramount they feel good about themselves and what they are trying to accomplish." If one does that, then the mission is accomplished, no matter how quickly or slowly the child picks up skiing skills.
The technical skills aren't forgotten in the book either. The author suggests a multitude of ways to help children learn edging and control on skis. In short, Naito’s book is clear, concise, instructional, and thorough. It teaches instructors how to coach and suggests fun props they can pull out, like a Mary Poppins of the slopes. Whether the reader is a ski school instructor, parent, or student, this book is a valuable and fundamental guide to skiing success.