Build-A-Skill

Our Build-A-Skill Program Helps Build

Key Brain Skills Youth Need!

Childhood is a critical time for brain development. From the moment a child is born, they begin making connections that develop their brain. From behavior, awareness, and self-control to focus, these are just some of the essential skills that need developing. These connections are key to a child’s emotional health and ultimately their future.

In addition to emotional brain development, a child also needs to develop overall gross and fine motor skills. So why and how are activities like yo-yoing and juggling instrumental in building the above skills? We have compiled a list of 10 specific skills a child can build by playing with a yo-yo that answers this exact question!

Develops hand-eye coordination
Promotes bilateral integration (The ability to use both sides of your body together in a controlled manner)
Expands crossing mid-line function (The ability to reach across the middle of the body with the arms and legs crossing over to the opposite side.)
Builds hand finger strength
Helps teach hand division
Develops hand dominance and/or ambidexterity
Improves spatial awareness
Builds concentration
Teaches determination
Plus, it is a positive activity that a child can carry in their pocket that may help fight overeating, anxiety, or nervousness!!

Yo-Yo Play as a P.E. Unit

Our program is not just a yo-yo show; it is a hands-on skill-building activity that instills positive emotional concepts with physical education benefits. K-8 grade students can learn fun yo-yo tricks that help develop essential fine motor skills while engaging in overall gross motor skill activities. Putting a spin to traditional yo-yo play, our program focuses on building skills like:

Bilateral Integration
Crossing Mid-Line
Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand division
Concentration

How the Program Works

Your school has the option to host a Duncan Professional for an assembly followed by a hands-on experience during regular PE class time. Our yo-yo pro will take your students through our Level 1 skill activities including a lesson on how to wind a yo-yo and important yo-zone safety rules.

In addition, during our visit, you will learn how to implement and teach our build-a-skill class program to your students. A child does not need to own a yo-yo to participate during our visit. We bring our own class equipment with us. Our pro will bring the appropriate amount of yo-yo's to ensure that each child is able to participate in the fun!!

As an alternate option, we offer webinars and in-person professional development options that don't require hosting one of our Yo-Yo Champions at your school. As a PE Teacher, we can equip you with the teaching materials you need through one-on-one coaching. You will learn how to operate a yo-yo, how to do tricks, and how to implement the various skill-building activities. Plus, we can help you start your own afterschool yo-yo club.

Students Can Earn Cool Achievement Badges as They Learn

Our PE Build-A-Skill program is based on our youth club program. Every child has the opportunity to earn unique Duncan Yo-Yo patches as they progress in their skills. If you choose to implement our program in your classes we will provide you with the trick level test cards and achievement badges for Level 1 - Level 3 of our program at no additional cost. If a child wishes to continue past Level 3, we encourage them to join our free youth online club for advance trick lessons.