Starting School Next Year? How Gymnastics Can Help Your Child Build Confidence
Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families. Along with learning letters and numbers, children are developing the social, physical and listening skills they’ll use every day in the classroom and playground.
From following instructions and taking turns to trying new things and becoming more independent, these everyday skills all play a part in helping children settle into new environments.
Did you know gymnastics gives preschoolers plenty of opportunities to practise these skills while having fun?
5 Ways Gymnastics Can Help Children Prepare for School
1. Building balance and coordination
Climbing, balancing, jumping and moving across different equipment help children practise coordination, balance and body control. These physical skills are useful in everyday activities, from moving around the classroom to joining in games in the playground.
2. Listening and following instructions
During gymnastics classes, children listen to their coach, follow directions and learn new movements. These activities give them opportunities to practise listening, remembering instructions and putting them into action.
3. Learning to take turns and join in
Gymnastics classes involve sharing equipment, waiting for a turn and participating alongside other children. These experiences help children practise the social skills involved in being part of a group.
4. Developing strength through movement
Climbing, hanging and gripping gymnastics equipment help children develop strength through their hands, arms and upper body. Strength and coordination contribute to the physical skills children use in everyday activities, including handling classroom tools.
5. Growing confidence by having a go
Learning a new skill takes practice. Whether a child is balancing on a beam or attempting a new movement, gymnastics gives them opportunities to try, learn from mistakes and keep going. With encouragement from their coach, children can develop confidence in their own abilities.
Discover I Can Do Classes at Sydney Hills Gymnastics
Our 1-hour I CAN DO classes are designed for children aged 4–5, helping them develop important skills through movement, play and gymnastics as they prepare to start school the following year.
With our qualified, experienced coaches guiding them, children have opportunities to develop coordination, listen and follow instructions, participate in a group and explore new skills at their own pace.
Classes are available at both our Castle Hill and Bella Vista venues.
Try a Class for FREE! If your child is starting school next year, why not introduce them to gymnastics? New students can try a I Can Do class for free and experience the fun of gymnastics for themselves.
View our timetable to find a suitable class, then contact our friendly administration team to arrange your trial.
We look forward to welcoming your little gymnast to Sydney Hills Gymnastics!