Gym-Jester pre-school programs help kids develop
Saginaw Gym-Jesters Gymnastics make connections.
Through its Honeybees and Tumblebees pre-school programs, youngsters between the ages of 10 months to five years are taught to develop motor functions through a variety of activities, and in the process given the opporunity to expand their vocabulary, learn the importance of physical fitness, and enhance social skills.
"A lot of people don't realize the importance of developing motor skills," said Helen Fry, owner and founder of Gym-Jesters. "Our minds and bodies work together, and children that develop motor skills at an early age really benefit."
And it all start with the brain, which is in a crucial stage of development during the pre-school years.
"We're born with thousands more nerve endings than we actually use, and if they're not stimulated by age five or six we loose them," Fry said. "(Nerve endings) are open for language and motor development at these ages, and by stimulating them we retain the use of more of them."
Making connections doesn't end there, either.
"Parenting information is shared a lot at these levels," Fry said. "These can be such difficult months for parents and they learn to communicate with their children in positive ways," Fry said.
The Gym-Jesters pre-school programs use a pryamid approach to learning, beginning with the first of two Honeybees levels for children age 10 to 24 months. This level focuses on the following major themes: development of large muscle groups; and body awareness, including rhythmical, balance and manipulative skills.
In the second Honeybees level (ages 24-36 months) children begin to work in a group atmosphere, although a parent must still attend. Movement themes include gymnastic positions, locomotor skills, use of bats and balls, and basic rhythmical activities.
Tumblebees is offered in two levels also, and encourages children to make steps towards developing independent behavior without a parent.
The first level is for children age 3 to 4-and-a-half and includes further development of locomotor skills, throwing, swinging, kicking, and an introduction to creative rhythms as well as simple games. Music, colors, shapes, letters, listening and following directions are also covered at this level.
The second Tumblebees level is for children 4-and-a-half to kindergarten age and designed to hone skills learned at the previous level, although fitness and gymnastics skills gain in complexity. Children at this level are also offered many opporunities to work on their own in a structured environment.
"I encourage parents to stay with us until at least the Tumblebees programs because their children will learn basic skills they can use for a lifetime," Fry said. "They leave here with physical skills, a knowledge of the importance of physical fitness, organizational skills and social skills."
And studies show that children who regularly participate in some form of structured physical activity are less likely to have difficulties with school and relationships while growing up.
"Our time spent here is invaluable," Fry said.
For more information on any of the programs offered by Gym-Jesters, call 989-754-7401, or visit their web site at http://www.gymjesters.com.
The Township Times - Dec. 30, 1998
