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Tumblebug Program

TUMBLEBUGS…FUN & FIT!!! PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS

MAGICAL MOVES = 12 TO 35 MONTHS OF AGE (with Parent)

TUMBLEBUGS = 3 TO 5 YEARS OLD (without Parent)

LIGHTNING BUGS = COMBINED AGES (can be with Parent)

YES!! We like to start with “YES” because we know how many “No’s” this age-group usually encounters!! It’s just that time of life! But in TumbleBugs, running and jumping are the order of the day. Climbing, rolling and hopping are all part of the curriculum because they have many physical and mental benefits. We simply have a pattern and structure to follow, which also promotes responsibility and following instructions. This is an exciting age and an essential time of development – especially brain development. Our TumbleBugs are all about learning and exploring, and our classes offer ample opportunities for both.

TumbleBugs are our youngest students, beginning at 12 months of age in the Magical Moves Parent / Child program followed by our 3 to 5 year-old groups. Parents join their child in class and share in the fun in Magical Moves. This is also a great opportunity to meet other parents and children of the same age group while sharing a special time with your own child. Remember to wear comfortable clothing for movement; we go barefoot in the gym (to prevent slipping on the mats).

Our preschool classes are divided into small age groups:  3 Parent & Child classes and 3 classes for the older preschoolers without parent assistance. These smaller age groups allow us to provide just the right learning environment for each age group, something that few schools provide, but something we feel is essential. Classes are 45 minutes in length.

MAGICAL MOVES AGE GROUPS (Parent & Child Classes):

12 – 23 months: Butterfly Classes

24 – 35 months: Dragonfly Classes

12 mos. – Kinder: Lightning Bugs Combination Class*

*We’ve had many requests for a combined class that allows siblings of different ages to attend the SAME class! This requires special considerations for our teachers as they must adjust to a wider range of ages and keep everyone challenged!! Not to worry, our teachers are up to the challenge! In addition, Lightning Bugs can serve as a transition class for students having a difficult time separating from their parent (typically, 3 year olds).

TUMBLEBUGS (without Parents on the floor):

3 to 4 yrs:             GlitterBugs

4 to 5 yrs:             SparkleBugs

5 to 6 yrs:             KinderBugs (must have a cartwheel)

For 3 years and up, parents are no longer required on the floor as greater independence is developed. (Never fear, parents are close at hand and able to watch from a glassed observation room. OR you may opt for a Lightning Bug transition class that welcomes parents on the floor to ease the parent separation.)

More challenge and more skill development are offered as students move up through the ranks! Notice that a new 4 year old and all  3 year olds will attend GlitterBugs, while a returning 4 year old will move into the SparkleBugs with all new 5 year olds. KinderBugs are 5 to 6 year olds that can perform a cartwheel.

Our goal for TumbleBugs is not the perfect cartwheel (that comes later) but focusing on a fun, safe environment where the little ones develop positive attitudes about learning and challenge. Will they learn basic gymnastics skills? YES, indeed!  We use a progressive program that starts at the very beginning – that’s a very good place to start – TumbleBugs are exposed to all gymnastics events (floor, beam, vault and bars) with special preschool-sized equipment. We believe the highlight of our program, however, is the development of a positive learning attitude because this lays the foundation for all future learning situations, hence, learn, laugh and grow!

MORE INFORMATION for those interested:

Why gymnastics and integrative movement? Studies have shown that children involved in activities like preschool gymnastics develop new neural networks in the brain. A large body of evidence now links movement to learning, and gymnastics is known as the best form of integrative movement. Integrative movement organizes the brain and stimulates the vestibular system, which integrates our vision, hearing and skin sensations. Current research documents that movement and coordinated activities are fundamental aspects of the process of learning.

Because our movements and songs are FUN, our classes engage the children while incorporating integrative movement to develop and organize the brain, all in a playful, fun environment. This is a very important point because our activities could be viewed simply as ‘play’ to the uneducated eye without the knowledge of integrative movement. But play is also an important aspect of learning as noted below:

“Play is the major way by which the creative intelligences and capacities of the child develops,” states Joseph Chilton Pearce.

“Play is an activity enjoyed for its own sake. It is our brain’s favorite way of learning,” states Diane Ackerman, author of Deep Play.

Children naturally love movement and activity; it feels good to them because it helps to organize the brain. Gymnastics offers not only physical gains, but also has cognitive and psychological benefits. As Debra Wilson (reading specialist and author of S’cool Moves) states, “preschool gymnastics is the BEST form of integrative movement that can be offered.” We utilize S’cool Moves and its integrative movement in our programs because it was designed to improve behavior, focus and academics through fun, integrative activities – just what we ordered!

“The sport of gymnastics goes far beyond forward rolls and back flips. It builds from the inside out, helping to develop strong, goal-oriented, and confident individuals. Along with all the physical and cognitive benefits, gymnastics also teaches discipline and self-control in a fun and exciting format. In addition, research now documents that gymnastics training helps to develop and organize the brain, improving our educational opportunities. Gymnastics can truly lay the foundation for a successful life as it addresses both mind and body,” states Nancy L. Bates, PhD, MT (ASCP).

Infants and toddlers have literally tens of thousands of new brain connections (called synapses) forming every second, and millions of new synapses forming every hour! And most importantly, how your child’s brain makes these connections changes the physical structure of the brain, making learning easier or more difficult. Approximately 75% of the brain’s mass is formed by the age of two, while brain development is roughly 90% complete by the age of five! Clearly, the early childhood years are the most important years for brain development, which places greater emphasis on the activities offered during these important years.

We invite you to join us in this wild adventure of development  as there is nothing more important than our children! LEARN, LAUGH, & GROW!

Our office (575-523-1616) is available to help you find the perfect class for you  and your family!

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