We've seen the expression on a three-year-old's face many times when they manage to do a somersault on a mat. That expression doesn't say, "I did a somersault." It says, "I can do it!"
This is what gymnastics truly offers at this age group.
What is body awareness?
The child needs to know where their own body begins and ends, how it moves, and what it can and cannot lift.
It sounds simple, but this information is still being formed in children between the ages of three and six. A child who bumps into a chair, carelessly goes down the stairs, or miscalculates distances isn't clumsy; they haven't yet completed their map of clumsiness.
Gymnastics perfectly illustrates this map. Balance, turning, hanging, jumping, rolling. Every movement gives the child another piece of information about their body.
Its connection with self-confidence
Self-confidence in children isn't built through abstract praise. Saying "You're very smart" doesn't instill self-confidence.
Self-confidence is built by becoming able to do something you couldn't do before. In gymnastics, this process is clearly visible: a move you couldn't do last week, you can do this week. The child observes their own development.
This feeling manifests itself in the classroom, on the playground, and in friendships.
Why are we starting with a mother-child group?
A three-year-old child may be physically ready, but isn't always emotionally ready for separation.
In a mother-child group, you are also in the studio and you do the exercises together. The child is entering a new environment, but they have someone they trust by their side. The separation is gradual. When this stage is skipped, the child experiences separation, not the sport, and generally resists.
When ready, they move to the core group. There's no schedule, no pressure.
Is a competition necessary?
Not.
In our club, gymnastics progresses through three levels: mother-child, basic, and competitive. Those who want to and have the talent continue in the competitive group. Those who don't want to stay in the basic group.
Not every child needs to be an athlete. Every child needs to be active. Not confusing the two is the distinction that helps parents the most.
Come and watch a lesson.
For information: 0549 613 18 28
