The Little Gym often gets compared to traditional gymnastics programs, because when looking into the facility in Sherwood Forest Mall, gymnastics equipment can be seen. However, traditional gymnastics is not what is going on. Over 90% of our students are under the age of 6, and our goals for children in this age group are more child development-based than gymnastics-based.
Make no mistake – teaching gymnastics as a sport is fantastic for physical literacy; in fact, it is one of the best sports for children to be taught because it develops physical skills that can be used in any future sport or movement activity. Further, instruction can be individualized, so that children can be taught and challenged at their own skill level.
However, at The Little Gym, what sets us apart is not the sport we teach, but HOW we teach it. Traditional gymnastics is taught by coaches that progress children through various pre-determined levels according to their mastery of certain physical skills. At The Little Gym, in addition to teaching physical skills, our instructors are trained in specialized curriculum that incorporates two other important learning dimensions: cognitive learning (mathematics, reading, decision making) and social development (sharing, taking turns, separating from a parent). This is done in a nurturing environment where children are free to learn without being judged.
Music is also a big part of our program, as it is a proven tool for enhancing a child’s learning. Gymnastics is not the end goal; rather we USE gymnastics as a tool to reach more holistic learning goals for children in all three skill dimensions (physical, cognitive, social). So, parents see how serious we are about teaching, and children just see the fun. We call it ‘Serious Fun.’
Participation in gymnastics (properly taught) in any manner and at any level is always going to be beneficial. However, if you are looking for something a bit different from how you may have traditionally thought of this sport for your child, give us a call and try The Little Gym!
We teach children from 4 months old to 12 years old. Our season runs from September 9 through June 29, and the curriculum is set up so that you can join at any time on a pro-rated price basis. We also offer a summer term through July and August, half and full-day Camps, and a School-Readiness Program for 3 to 4-year-olds. Visit www.tlglondoncan.com or call 519-642-0660.
Submitted by The Little Gym of London
