Skating School Instruction

The Northbrook Park District Skating School provides high-quality instruction, recreational fun and competitive opportunities!  Our staff is proud to coach a large number of passionate upper-level skaters (FS 5 and up) who actively participate in USFS and ISI events. The multi-level class structure is based on standards developed by the ISI. The Skating School has added skills and a personal touch to its educational programs and talent development for more than 40 years.

Figure Skating Lessons
Group lessons are a fun, challenging and reasonably priced way to learn and improve skating skills. Children who can stand in skates without support are ready to learn to skate. Students of all ages learn the proper way to skate in a structured and supervised setting. Students who register for the wrong level will be transferred into the appropriate class, if space allows. Otherwise, skaters will be removed from class and issued refunds.

General Information
Classes are at the Northbrook Sports Center and in a progressive sequence. New skaters receive information before the first day of class.

Skating Makeup Classes
Skaters can make up one missed class during the current session. A makeup slip must be obtained from the Sports Center Office at least 24 hours in advance. Makeups are not allowed during classes that are full; check with the office for availability.

Skating Levels

Snowplow Sam – Discover, Learn and Play

The Snowplow Sam levels are introductory classes divided into four progressive levels allowing children with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating. These classes are designed to help children six and younger develop the ABCs of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and speed. The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.

Off-ice orientation prior to the first skating class:

  • Equipment check – Proper fit and lacing of skates, appropriate attire, and safety helmets
  • Practice falling and recovery, marching in place, dips and one-foot balances.

 

Basic Skills – FUNdamentals

Basic Skills teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for figure skating, hockey, and speedskating. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, and turns. Upon completion of the Basic Skills 1-6 levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating. All classes will be well-structured with the focus on proper skill development taught in a positive, FUN, and social environment. Skaters will progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated.

Discover, Learn and Play – Basic 1 and 2: These introductory levels allow new skaters with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate.

FUNdamentals – Basic 3–6: These levels develop all of the fundamental skating skills on the ice. Focus is on learning the ABCs of basic athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed. Upon completion of these levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating.

Off-ice orientation:

  • Equipment check: proper fit and lacing of skates, appropriate attire, safety helmets
  • Practice falling and recovery, marching in place, dips and one-foot balances in skates

 

Free Skate

Each free skate level is comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps — all of which build on the previous skill, providing skaters a strong foundation of all elements. These levels will be taught in a positive and interactive group format such as a bridge program, circuit classes or as an introductory training program. Instructors will focus on quality and mastery of skills.