Welcome to Prairie Learn, hosted by the Sun Prairie Skating Academy, a proud member of the Learn To Skate USA program. We are dedicated to providing an engaging and supportive environment where a lifelong passion for ice skating is ignited and nurtured.
Our mission at Prairie Learn is simple: to make the joy and benefits of ice skating accessible to everyone in our community. We believe that learning to skate is not just about mastering a sport; it’s about building confidence, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and achieving personal goals in a fun and enriching setting.
What Prairie Learn Offers:
- Structured Curriculum: Our program follows a carefully designed, progressive curriculum from Learn To Skate USA. This ensures a seamless learning experience, starting from your very first steps on the ice all the way to advanced skating techniques.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from our team of passionate and experienced coaches, all of whom are members of the US Figure Skating (USFS) and/or the Professional Skaters Association (PSA). With over 50 years of combined coaching experience, our staff is committed to providing top-tier instruction tailored to each skater’s needs.
- Skill Development for All Ages: Whether you’re a child taking your first glide or an adult looking to learn a new skill, Prairie Learn has a place for you. We offer classes designed for various age groups and skill levels, ensuring everyone can learn and grow at their own pace.
- Foundation for Future Goals: Prairie Learn equips you with the essential skills, whether your aspirations are recreational skating, competitive figure skating, or even ice hockey. We provide the groundwork to help you reach your personal skating ambitions.
- Health and Fitness: Ice skating is a fantastic way to improve your overall health and fitness. It’s a low-impact exercise that enhances balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health, all while having fun on the ice.
For any inquiries about Prairie Learn and our skating programs, please don’t hesitate to contact our Skating Director, Katelyn Smecko, at (608)669-4611 or via email at [email protected].
Upcoming Prairie Learn Sessions
Join us for our upcoming Prairie Learn sessions:
- Saturdays: February 22 – March 22 (5 weeks)
- Tuesdays: February 25 – April 15 (7 weeks, no class March 25)
- Spring Session: April 22 – May 20 (5 weeks)
Meet Our Prairie Learn Professional Coaching Staff
Our dedicated Prairie Learn coaches are the heart of our program. Each coach is a member of USFS and/or the Professional Skaters Association, bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to every lesson. We pride ourselves on having over 50 years of combined coaching experience, all focused on helping you succeed on the ice.
To learn more about the individual expertise and experience our coaches offer, please visit the “figure skating” section of the Sun Prairie Ice Arena website and navigate to the “coaches” page from the dropdown menu.
Prairie Learn Class Levels: Skating for Every Age and Ability
If you’re new to ice skating lessons, here’s how to register with Prairie Learn based on age:
- Ages 3-6: Snowplow Sam 1 – Perfect for the youngest beginners, introducing basic movements and getting comfortable on the ice.
- Ages 7-12: Basic 1 – Designed for elementary and middle school-aged children starting their skating journey, focusing on fundamental skills.
- Ages 13-18: Basic 1 – While we don’t currently have a dedicated teen/adult class, older beginners are welcome to join our Basic 1 classes. We strive to group skaters by age whenever possible to ensure a comfortable learning environment for everyone.
Prairie Learn utilizes the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, a nationally recognized program that ensures a structured and successful progression through various skill levels. Before registering for your first Prairie Learn session of the season, all skaters must become members of Learn to Skate USA. You’ll need your Learn to Skate USA membership number during the Sun Prairie Skating Academy registration process, starting September 1st.
For returning skaters, remember to renew your Learn to Skate USA membership annually, as memberships run from July 1st to June 30th. Join Learn to Skate USA today and gain access to a progress booklet, skill stickers, and a subscription to the Basic Skills skating magazine – all tools to enhance your Prairie Learn experience.
Prairie Learn: Your Edge into Hockey Skills
Looking to transition into hockey? Prairie Learn is the perfect starting point!
Our Learn to Skate USA program is endorsed by USA Hockey and lays the groundwork for aspiring hockey players. We focus on teaching essential skating skills – forward and backward skating, stops, curves, and turns – before introducing hockey-specific techniques. This approach ensures you have a solid foundation for success on the ice hockey rink.
For skaters aged 3-6 interested in hockey, completing Snowplow Sam 1 and 2 is highly recommended. Skaters aged 7-12 should aim to complete Basic 1 and 2 levels to build a strong skating base for hockey.
Explore the detailed skill curriculum for each level:
- Snowplow Sam Skill Curriculum
- Basic 1- 6 Skill Curriculum
- Pre-Freestyle and Freestyle Class Skill Curriculum
- Hockey Skill Curriculum
Please note that while hockey gear is welcome in Prairie Learn classes, sticks and pucks are not permitted during Learn to Skate sessions.
Prairie Learn Class Schedule and Times
All Prairie Learn classes are 30 minutes long and meet once per week. The class registration fee includes both your weekly class and skate rental, making it easy to get started.
Prairie Learn Winter 2023- Saturdays (2/25-3/18) – Registration Open!
Prairie Learn Saturdays, 2/22 – 3/22/2025 (5 weeks) – Register Now!
Prairie Learn Tuesdays, 2/25-4/15/2025 (7 weeks, no class 3/25) – Sign Up Today!
Enhance Your Skills with Prairie Learn Practice Ice
Consistent practice is key to improvement in any skill, and ice skating is no exception! Prairie Learn offers dedicated practice ice sessions to help you refine your skills and build confidence.
Practice ice sessions are conveniently scheduled either before or after your regular class time:
- Tuesdays: 5:10-5:40 PM or 5:45-6:15 PM, depending on your class schedule. Practice ice will be either immediately before or after your lesson.
Practice ice is reserved for focused skill development for registered Skating Academy students. While coaches supervise practice sessions, these are not structured lesson times. Skaters will practice on a designated portion of the ice rink, separate from ongoing classes. Please note that parents and siblings are not permitted on the ice during practice ice sessions.
Your First Day at Prairie Learn: What to Expect
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable first Prairie Learn experience, please take note of the following:
What to Wear:
Dress in warm, layered clothing that allows for freedom of movement. A multi-sport helmet is essential for safety, and gloves or mittens are a must to keep hands warm. Avoid bulky snow pants or suits, as well as knee or elbow pads, as these can restrict movement and hinder learning.
Arrival Time:
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled class time. This allows ample time to get settled, use the restroom, and put on skates without feeling rushed. Arriving on time helps ensure a stress-free experience for skaters, parents, and coaches alike.
Where to Go:
Enter the TUBBS arena at the Sun Prairie Ice Arena and proceed immediately to your LEFT, down the ramp to the skate rental counter.
Upon entering the main doors, turn left to enter the Tubbs arena. If you proceed straight through the double doors, you’ll be in the arena lobby, which is not the correct location for classes.
All Prairie Learn skating classes are held in the Tubbs arena. After skate rental, proceed to your assigned locker room. Please do not tie skates in the lobby area to keep this space clear. Bring all belongings to your assigned locker room each week. On the first day, coaches will meet their classes in the locker rooms. For subsequent lessons, skaters should wait at the ice door for their coach. No skaters are permitted on the ice without a coach present.
For additional information about special events, practice ice, and helpful skating tips, please explore the resources available on our website.
Prairie Learn Registration Guide
Ready to join Prairie Learn? Online registration is simple! Follow these steps:
- Review the class days and times listed under the “Prairie Learn Sessions” section above.
- Choose the class day and time that best fits your schedule.
- Click the “Register Here” link associated with your chosen session.
- Important for New and Returning Students: If you are a new student or registering for a new season, please ensure you join Learn To Skate USA before registering with Prairie Learn. You will need your LTS USA membership number to receive skill progression badges at the end of your class, and to access the numerous benefits of Learn to Skate USA membership.
All registrations are processed online. You will not receive individual confirmations. Please plan to attend the class you’ve registered for unless you are contacted by us. Save your registration receipt and mark your lesson times on your calendar.
Prairie Learn Season Schedule Fees
- 4-week class: $92 per session
- 5-week class: $115 per session
- 6-week class: $138 per session
- 7-week class: $161 per session
Learn to Skate USA Membership Link
Prairie Learn Refund and Make-Up Policies
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued after the first class of a session has taken place. Sun Prairie Ice Arena reserves the right to cancel or combine classes with low enrollment.
Class Make-Up Policy:
- Skaters are allowed one make-up class per session.
- Make-up classes must be scheduled and completed within the current session.
- Make-up classes are not available during summer sessions.
- To arrange a make-up class, please contact Katelyn Smecko at (608) 669-4611 for approval and scheduling.
