The Little Gym
The Little Gym offers non-competitive gymnastics classes for children between the ages of 4 months -12 years old. The Little Gym uses gymnastics as the tool to grow motor skills. Part of the philosophy at The Little Gym is to provide an outlet for children to build their self confidence and accept all of the different learning styles that exist. The Little Gym has been voted the “#1 children’s fitness” for the past 2 years. Every week is a different theme and every week The Little Gym works on children’s perceptual, emotional, physical, cognitive and social skills. Motor skill development can be thought of as cross-training for the mind.
Researchers have taken images of the brain to learn what parts of it are activated when children are learning motor skills and what parts are activated during cognitive or thinking tasks. They learned that both activities caused the same section of the brain – the cerebellum – and similar neurons to activate.
This means that teaching children skills such as balance and controlled movement can enhance the complexity of their brain structure. Repeated experiences that teach new and increasingly challenging motor skills actually help strengthen the brain’s neurological pathways. The more developed the brain becomes, the higher a child’s cognitive functioning is likely to be.1
Can motor skill development help kids do better in school?
The answer is yes, according to several studies. Scientists have looked at the physical activity, motor ability and school readiness of 6-year-olds and found that those with more highly developed motor skills demonstrated a greater level of school-readiness2 and fared better in kindergarten than those with less developed motor skills3. Academic success extends well beyond kindergarten; scientists have found correlations linked to motor skill development through second grade4.
If this sounds like the perfect missing element to your homeschool experience call and request more information or schedule a FREE TRIAL class. www.thelittlegym.com The Little Gym of Woodbury, 651-501-5822 The Little Gym of Edina/St Louis Park 952-924-0083