Participation is very simple – once a month, you and your child will work together to create a science experiment for class. This should be something easy for the child to present and explain in class. We know everyone has a busy schedule, but we hope you will be able to take some time at home to practice with your child.

Parents typically have a great time with this, and it helps to build your child’s confidence. It’s also a fun introduction to public speaking in a safe, supportive environment while also introducing some basic science. Who knows? There may be a small Albert Einstein just waiting to blossom!

The Summer Learning Institute is part of IMAGINATION STATION, a multi-level education program that blends movement and classroom instruction. Summer is about fun, but did you know that it is also a time when many students lose much of the educational gains they achieved during the school year?

‘Summer learning loss’ has been studied for many years and appears to be responsible for much of our society’s educational deficits. It is especially troublesome for those students that have already experienced delays or difficulties.

Educational research documents that the summer time, although a fun break from traditional school, can be a critical setback if students are left at home watching TV or only playing in the neighborhood instead of participating in organized camps and activities. Researchers then asked why organized camps and activities during the summer made such a difference in education.

The answer requires a glimpse into what we know about the actual process of learning. Great strides have been made into how we actually learn, and some very interesting data has emerged. It appears that there is an important connection between movement and learning, i.e., reading and math and even higher learning.

In the past, motor skills (physical movement) were relegated solely to athletic abilities and preparation for sports. We now know there is much more to this story and that coordinated movement actually affects our learning and our ability to learn with ease. This explains why summer camps and structured activities prevent ‘summer learning loss’ – they providecoordinated movement and motor skill development, which we now know help organize and develop the brain.

The Summer Learning Institute (SLI) offers a multi-level approach to learning through the combination of coordinated movement and dedicated classroom instruction with certified teachers.

Physical movement provides two very important elements:

1. Movement provides basic skills that help to organize and develop the brain by working on coordination and motor skills.
2. Movement and gym time are FUN; they provide a change of pace and focus, which can reduce negative attitudes and help to establish new positive attitudes about learning and about oneself.

Classroom instruction provides two very important elements:

1. Individualized instruction to offer immediate feedback and correction in a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere
2. A proprietary program that focuses on success and building self-confidence through accomplishment

SLI is scheduled mid-summer to target the best opportunity to reduce ‘summer learning loss’ while also allowing adequate ‘summer fun’ prior to and after SLI. It’s good to have some time off also.

Classes meet at Gym Magic (behind Best Buy). Integrative movement is taught in the main gym; tutoring occurs upstairs in designated classrooms. Instruction is offered during the following weeks.

June 21 – 24

June 28 – July 1

July 6 – 9* (Closed Monday; Class on Friday)

July 12 – 15

SLI meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 for four consecutive weeks.

• 9:00 to 9:30:        Integrative movement
• 9:30 to 11:00:      Classroom instruction

Our ratios are typically 1: 3 to allow our teachers to build skills and monitor individual daily progress.

Pre-registration is required. You must attend all four weeks unless special permission is given by the Director.

Ages: 1^st to 6^th grade; special trials available for those outside this age group

Tuition: $175 per week   (SUMMER DISCOUNT)

(4 weeks x $175 = $700 for the summer)

• LOCAL BUSINESS
• LOCAL CERTIFIED TEACHERS
• CENTRALLY LOCATED
• TITLE 1 TUTORS

IMAGINATION STATION

…learn, laugh, grow

IMAGINATION STATION brings education and fun firmly together!! Learning should be FUN; learning should be about curiosity and exploration, movement and activity. IMAGINATION STATION combines movement (integrative movement) with traditional classroom instruction to develop the foundations of learning.

You might ask why we combine movement and learning. At first glance, it may seem unusual to have learning paired with physical movement – until you remember how we learned as babies and toddlers (through our senses and through movement). In fact, the greatest development of our brain actually occurs within the first few years of life as billions upon billions of neurons are linked and mapped as we learn to physically interact with the outside world. It turns out that the process of learning has always been connected to movement.

And now research is documenting this same connection in higher learning, i.e., reading, language, math and logic.

Studies now document that movement helps to organize and develop our brain. Movement (motor skills) is important to learning and is connected to reading and math. Imagine that! We naturally learn best through movement. Studies have even shown that the best predictor’s for success in reading and math, when monitoring students from kindergarten through 4^th grade, was motor skills and coordination! You might have guessed that the best predictor’s for success would be learning the ABCs, phonics or counting, but the best predictor was actually coordinated movement.

What is meant by coordinated movement or integrative movement, and why are we missing this now? A brief explanation is that integrative movement enhances coordination between the two hemispheres of the brain. Movements that cross the midline of the body establish connections between the two hemispheres of the brain. Reading uses both hemispheres of the brain, so the better the connection and flow of information between the two hemispheres, the better our reading becomes. And what improves this coordination of the two hemispheres? You guessed it! Movement, integrative movement, develops this coordinated action and enhances the ease with which we learn. And what is one of the best forms of integrative movement? Gymnastics is one of the best forms if not THE best form of integrative movement.

And why are we as a society behind in many forms of integrative movement? What is different about today versus a few decades ago? Many things have changed as we live in a highly technological society with computers and/or screens of some sort all around us. We have shifted our children’s focus from physically playing outside to staying inside more of the time.

How many homes now have multiple TVs and/or TVs that are very large? How many hours of screen watching (TVs, computers or games) are our children watching each day, each week, each year? By the time our children reach first grade, they have spent an enormous amount of time watching TV (multiply the number of hours each day by 365 days of the year by the number of years – a staggering number of hours emerges for most children). Compare these hours with the number of hours spent actively exercising or just reading a book. The difference will be striking.

WHAT DOES IMAGINATION STATION AND THE SUMMER LEARNING INSTITUTE OFFER?

• LOCAL CERTIFIED TEACHERS
• LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS
• MULTI-LEVEL TUTORING
• PROPRIETARY  PROGRAM

IMAGINATION STATION provides the only multi-level approach to tutoring in Las Cruces. We know, and research confirms, there are basic physical skills that help the brain develop and help students ‘ease’ into learning. Therefore, combining integrative movement with dedicated classroom instruction gives our students that added edge. Combining movement with tutoring can also help to re-establish a positive attitude about learning.

Another very important component that should not be overlooked is that the physical movement we use is also FUN! This can be the game-changer because many students that are behind in their studies develop an attitude of “I’m not good enough. Or I can’t learn”. These damaging attitudes can be hard to turn around in a typical classroom setting. However, when we bring students into the gym first and they experience small physical challenges that they can master and enjoy, they typically relax and we start to see smiles. While having fun, they are also organizing and improving their brain connections. Imagine that!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

CALL 523-1616

VISIT: gymmagic.com

The Summer Learning Institute is part of IMAGINATION STATION, a multi-level education program that blends movement and classroom instruction. Summer is about fun, but did you know that it is also a time when many students lose much of the educational gains they achieved during the school year?

‘Summer learning loss’ has been studied for many years and appears to be responsible for much of our society’s educational deficits. It is especially troublesome for those students that have already experienced delays or difficulties.

Educational research documents that the summer time, although a fun break from traditional school, can be a critical setback if students are left at home watching TV or only playing in the neighborhood instead of participating in organized camps and activities. Researchers then asked why organized camps and activities during the summer made such a difference in education.

The answer requires a glimpse into what we know about the actual process of learning. Great strides have been made into how we actually learn, and some very interesting data has emerged. It appears that there is an important connection between movement and learning, i.e., reading and math and even higher learning.

In the past, motor skills (physical movement) were relegated solely to athletic abilities and preparation for sports. We now know there is much more to this story and that coordinated movement actually affects our learning and our ability to learn with ease. This explains why summer camps and structured activities prevent ‘summer learning loss’ – they provide coordinated movement and motor skill development, which we now know help organize and develop the brain.

The Summer Learning Institute (SLI) offers a multi-level approach to learning through the combination of coordinated movement and dedicated classroom instruction with certified teachers.

Physical movement provides two very important elements:

1. Movement provides basic skills that help to organize and develop the brain by working on coordination and motor skills.
2. Movement and gym time are FUN; they provide a change of pace and focus, which can reduce negative attitudes and help to establish new positive attitudes about learning and about oneself.

Classroom instruction provides two very important elements:

1. Individualized instruction to offer immediate feedback and correction in a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere
2. A proprietary program that focuses on success and building self-confidence through accomplishment

SLI is scheduled mid-summer to target the best opportunity to reduce ‘summer learning loss’ while also allowing adequate ‘summer fun’ prior to and after SLI. It’s good to have some time off also.

Classes meet at Gym Magic (behind Best Buy). Integrative movement is taught in the main gym; tutoring occurs upstairs in designated classrooms. Instruction is offered during the following weeks.

June 21 – 24

June 28 – July 1

July 6 – 9* (Closed Monday; Class on Friday)

July 12 – 15

SLI meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 for four consecutive weeks.

• 9:00 to 9:30:        Integrative movement
• 9:30 to 11:00:      Classroom instruction

Our ratios are typically 1: 3 to allow our teachers to build skills and monitor individual daily progress.

Pre-registration is required. You must attend all four weeks unless special permission is given by the Director.

Ages: 1^st to 6^th grade; special trials available for those outside this age group

Tuition: $175 per week   (SUMMER DISCOUNT)

(4 weeks x $175 = $700 for the summer)

• LOCAL BUSINESS
• LOCAL CERTIFIED TEACHERS
• CENTRALLY LOCATED
• TITLE 1 TUTORS

Hours
Camp begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:00, Monday through Friday.  What?  You work?  No problem!  We offer extended hours for those needing additional time.

Camp Tuition
Gym N’ Fun Camp is open to kids from Kinder through 7th grade; for kids 3 to 5 years of age, we offer Ashley’s Garden CampVentures. A $20 non-refundable registration fee is due for non-members.  Campers may attend by the week or by the day. To reserve your campers spot, you must pay the first week’s tuition. Please note that payments are non-transferable once the week you paid for has begun. If registering by phone, you will need to visit our front office the week prior to your first week of attendance to fill out your registration form.

BONUS DISCOUNTS:
After 5 weeks (any weeks and they do not need to be consecutive weeks), you will receive $50 OFF your 6th week of GNF for the same student! After 9 weeks, you will receive another  $50 OFF your 10th week of the same student. (If you spend your entire summer with us, you’ll save $100 OFF tuition!) We know times are tough, and we are doing our best to keep our prices as low as possible. As everyone knows, you get what you pay for, and we want to offer the very best to our kids!

Pick-up and Drop OFF
For security reasons, you must sign your camper in and out each day.  You must advise Gym Magic on your registration form who is authorized to pick up your child, and notify them that a photo identification is required with signature on the sign out page.

Gym N’ Fun 2010

Week 1: June 1-4 ~ Tracking through nature

Join us as we trek through nature at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. We will hike the trails and learn about animals from the southwest. Our very own tour guide will be coming in on Tuesday to help us make animal tracks for our arts and crafts. Thursday’s arts and crafts we will be pressing flowers, so bring in flowers and leaves from home and the park. Remember to pack a sack lunch and be at Gym Magic by 8:30 on June 2. We will be leaving the gym at 8:45.

Movie: Madagascar 2

Week 2: June 7-11 ~ Fit is Fun

It is cool to be fit and healthy! Join us this week as we learn about exercise, eating healthy, and how to take care of our bodies. There is no better place to stay active than a state of the art sports center!

Movie: James and the Giant Peach

Week 3: June 14-18 ~ CineMagic

Go behind the scenes with us as we tour the CinePort movie theater. After we tour the theater, we will see Toy Story 3 on Friday June 18th.

(There will be an additional charge)

Week 4: June 21-25 ~ Magical World Cup

“GOAL,” the world cup has begun! Come play with us as we try every sport under the sun. This week will be filled with soccer, badminton, horseshoes, swimming, and gymnastics (of course). Gear up for Wednesday when we have our very own soccer coach come in and teach us a thing or two.

Movie: Bend it Like Beckham

Week 5: June 28-July 2 ~ A Pet’s Life

We love our pets! A local veterinarian comes in and talks to us about how to care for pets. Bring pictures of your pets and be ready to share stories about your own furry or feathery creatures.

Movie: Homeward Bound

Week 6: July 6-9 ~ American Heroes

Everyday is the perfect day to honor men and women in uniform.  Wednesday, Gym N’ Fun will take a field trip to the NMSU campus to speak with officers from ROTC, getting a glimpse into army life. Thursday, hold on to your fire hats, we meet up with local firefighters at the park.  Bring a sack lunch on Wednesday and Thursday; we will be eating at NMSU and the park.

Movie: Sky High

Week 7: July 12-16 ~ Rocket to the Moon

Explore the cosmos, learn about the solar system, and get ready for a science adventure. We will have a guest speaker from NASA come in and show us how great science is.

Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens

Week 8: July 19-23 ~ In the Zone

Get in the zone, Adventure Zone. Gym N’ Fun will be going to Adventure Zone for the first time on July 21. No need to bring a lunch, it will be provided as part of our packaged deal. Make sure you arrive at camp by 9am sharp because we will be leaving the gym by 9:15.

(There will be an additional fee)

Movie: Up

Week 9: July 26-30 ~ Whodunnit?

Lend us a hand and use your detective skills to help us solve mysteries. Bring a pen and pad of paper because you never know what is going to happen in this mysterious and magical place. A detective will be coming in to tell us first hand what it takes to be a good detective and solve mysteries.

Movie: Kung Fu Panda

Week 10: August 2-6 ~ Splash Down

Let us finish off the summer with a bang, or should I say SPLASH. This week our kids run the gym, eating their favorite snacks, playing their favorite games, and doing their favorite tricks. We will go to Wet N’ Wild Wednesday, August 4, for one last hoorah. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to come. We will be leaving the gym by 10 am so please make sure you are here on time. Bring a sack lunch, swim suit, and towel. (There will be an additional fee)

Movie: Ponyo

• Can’t get enough of us? We will be hosting evening camps for 2 weeks in August. Look for camp information towards the end of the summer.

INTERESTED IN MORE? CHECK OUT OUR CAMP & WORKSHOP PAGE TO GET EVEN MORE INFO ON ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES READY TO BE MADE HERE AT GYM MAGIC!!!

“Staff went above and beyond for us! My daughter will be talking about this for a long while! The coaches were amazing and treated us like we were family…We were completely satisfied.”  T. V.

“From start to finish – most professional and courteous! …Everything was wonderful. I am thrilled with your service.” O. W.

“I liked that you do the entertaining, set-up and break-down. The kids had a great time; and I also love that it has a set timeframe.” C. G.

“EVERYTHING WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! PERFECT FOR OUR AGE GROUP!” I. G.

“The coaches were excellent! The girls enjoyed the swimming. I enjoyed the courteous service. Everything was GREAT!” J. R.

The 3 most consistent comments that we hear about our Birthday Parties are:

• GREAT SERVICE – fun for the kids; no mess for the parents!
• KIDS LOVE the gym and love the pool
• Would like even MORE TIME as kids don’t want to leave

Call today (523-1616) to schedule your private party!