CHILDREN & TEENS
25% of the world’s population are children; they are also our future and a key market. Their physical and emotional development is in our hands.
​Nordic walking is the perfect vehicle to help children as they develop, be they 8, 14 or 16 years old. It is a physical activity that is fully inclusive yet can appropriately challenge our young walkers, enabling them to feel successful and be successful whilst learning a new skill in the great outdoors.
INWA has created a specialised training course for Instructors who want to teach young people. The Children and Teens Course will show you how to adapt the INWA 10 Step Method to make it engaging and meaningful for children. The course focuses on developing physical literacy and supporting social and emotional learning, ensuring your teaching is relevant, age-appropriate, and impactful.
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Katie Atkins is the INWA lead on Children & Teens and designed and delivers this programme. She imparts theoretical insights and practical strategies to effectively engage children and teenagers in Nordic walking through the INWA Children and Teen Nordic Walking Curriculum. Participants also receive a comprehensive resource pack to support their teaching and learning, including lesson plans and activities for 8-11, 11-14, and 14–18-year-olds.
Join Katie Atkins for this enriching journey into the world of Nordic Walking instruction
tailored specifically for children and teens. With her extensive background in both
education and Nordic walking, Katie will guide you through a transformative process,
showing you how you can positively impact this important demographic.
This course is delivered in three parts:
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Self-paced learning via the online INWA Academy portal
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A 2-hour in-person online seminar held on Zoom
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Two half-day in-person training sessions
You will:
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Gain crucial insights into the theory and practical application of the INWA Nordic Walking Curriculum for children and teens.
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Undertake guided research into physical literacy in your own country
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Learn key information on safeguarding, risk assessment, and insurance protocols when working with children
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Explore impact studies
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Learn a diverse range of individual, paired, and team activities designed to promote enjoyment while also reinforcing technique, physical literacy, social-emotional learning and the transfer of theory into practice.
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There are a total of 16 course hours, of which 6 hours are self-paced guided learning delivered via the INWA Academy learning portal.
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"It provided an excellent blend of theory and practical and despite limited experience working with children I feel that I am equipped to lead classes for all age groups knowing that I have a support network for fellow instructors and tutor in Katie."
RICHARD SHAWCROSS, UK
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"Katie was a mentor in the true sense of the word. She lowered us to the level of a child and raised us to the level of youth. I was really happy to have a wonderful glimpse into the future of Nordic walking based on children with her."
ANA ROGULJ, CROATIA
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KATIE ATKINS
Katie brings over 26 years of teaching experience, including 12 years as a PE specialist. She holds a prestigious Level 4 Diploma in Coaching Pedagogy for Physical Education Environments. A passionate Nordic Walker, Katie leads the highly regarded Nordic4 School Courses and runs a thriving weekend community group, Nordic4 Teens, in Bristol.
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Her extensive background in both teaching and Nordic walking has shaped her belief that children are not simply mini adults and should not be taught as such. Katie is committed to developing a Nordic walking curriculum tailored to the distinct physical and social-emotional stages of childhood and adolescence, ensuring that young people receive the right support and guidance as they grow.
