Developing Gross Motor Skills and More Through Gymnastics

Gymnastics provides many benefits to both typical and medically fragile children

This month the children of KidShip had the opportunity to begin participating in gymnastics. Our gymnastics teacher, Sonia, incorporates tumbling, handstands, cartwheels, bars, vaults, trampolines, parachutes and much more into these classes, which are specially designed for our 2- to 5-year-old typical and medically fragile children.

A well-organized gymnastics program can:

• Foster children’s cognitive development by teaching them the difference between left and right.
• Help develop spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
• Aid in children’s physical development by strengthening their bodies and bones as well as giving them the opportunity to be active and exercise.
• Help children develop self-control and other self-regulation skills as they learn to wait their turn, follow instructions, stay on task, and develop listening skills.
• Build children’s confidence and social skills.

“When children are able to complete a gymnastics routine on their own, they feel a sense of accomplishment, which gives them a confidence boost,” said KidShip Director Andria Clausell. “Since gymnastics is a group activity, children are able to interact with their peers, build friendships and learn the proper way to interact with others.”

Gymnastics takes place at KidShip every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Each class is 45 minutes, and the cost is $36 per month (or a total fee of $144 for four months).