My First Skates

Aimed towards young children, My First Skates is a good introduction to basic ice skating techniques presented by professional instructor Leslie Heffron and a group of children, with a little help from "Maximillian the Skating St. Bernard." The program opens with suggestions for selecting the proper size skates and recommends that skaters wear warm, yet comfortable clothing. 15 basic skills are demonstrated, including how to fall, the safety sit, sculling, snowplow stop, skating on one foot, and others. Interspersed throughout the instruction are games that children can play while skating. Older children would most likely consider the program too corny, but for young children My First Skates offers a solid and fun introduction to ice skating. Recommended. (Available from: Independent Productions, 57 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930.)