Adapted from a previous blog written for mancinomats.com by Linda Thorberg and Brant Lutska of FLIPPING EDUCATION.
Have you heard the question, at preschools and toddler gymnastics “Are they just playing in there?” It’s our job as coaches to help parents understand the importance of teaching children the way they learn best, through play. It’s proven that athletics improve self-esteem while creating healthy habits while developing social and life skills.
In order to teach gymnastics skills to young children they must first be able to do fundamental movement skills and be comfortable with their body in space. When they know how to put their bodies into shapes and can move in different positions, we can teach basic gymnastics skills. The plus side of gymnastics programs is that when children are allowed to physically move to learn concepts they are also learning skills that help them read, write, and understand the meaning of words and sequences. Here are just a few examples of things we can do in class and reasons to share with parents.
Movement
When acted out physically such as; over under, around, through, beside, and near, help children understand the words through active involvement.
Identification
When children create shapes with their bodies to make letters, they are reinforcing letter identification for reading.
Rhythm
Clapping or making a movement rhythm (stomp, jump, slide, etc.) to a word or song helps children with the rhythm of reading.
Action
Using action words in class, (jump, quick, slow) helps them understand the meaning of words with their bodies and their minds.
Sequence
When children combine two or three skills together, they have to remember what comes next. This is like linking words together to make a sentence. When children are learning by doing, they are more likely to retain what they have done! Nothing is better than seeing our children happy, proud & confident. From building fine motor skills to improving flexibility, to learning retention, gymnastics is a wonderful way for our youngsters to showcase their talentHelp parents realize that coming to gymnastics class helps children learn with their bodies and their minds for “Life Skills” beyond the gym!