About Gym for Tots®
Philosophy for Tots
Aims of Gym for Tots
Gym for Tot Lessons
Levels and Awards for
Gym for Tots
About
Gym for Tots
Gym for Tots is a Physical Education Programme specifically
designed for infants who can walk, to the age of three
years of age. The programme is the result of many years
of experience and input from dozens of highly trained
Physical Education teachers from around the world, with
the advice of child psychologists, physiotherapists
and health care specialists.
Gym for Tots started in 1983 and in the ensuing years
the programme has been developed to include hundreds
of creative and imaginative ways to encourage Physical
activity, exercise and movement in a stimulating, safe
and positive environment. The programme has it own music,
song and rhyme book, colourful equipment, activity cards
and course syllabus. Gym for Tots is taught by qualified
teachers that have the ability to teach positively,
create a happy and stimulating environment and are knowledgeable
in child development.
Prepare your child to reach their potential with researched
based programmes by our qualified instructors. Gym for
Tots is an invaluable start to any child’s education.
The social benefits of the Gym for Tots course have
been well recognized by parents, who have suggested
that (Research has shown that) children who have attended
Gym for Tots lessons adapt easily when starting school.
Philosophy
of Gym for Tots
Gym for Tots is often infants’ first teaching
experience and we never underestimate how important
it is that this is a positive one. Infants’ natural
curiosity to physically explore their environment makes
creating a positive learning experience an easily achievable
goal. The programme then builds on this to encourage
children to expand on their physical range of movement.
Educationalists stress that all learning begins with
movement. Children must develop their gross motor skills
first before any learning takes place. Children with
poor motor skills and trunk control tend to perform
badly at school, have trouble concentrating and sitting
still.
All Gym for Tot teachers receive extensive in house
training. Teaching methods are thus consistent at all
venues as they have been for nearly a quarter of a century.
For example when asking an infant to perform a task
a Gym for Tot teacher will give the command ... pause
… and then say go. Infants learn to listen and
respond to every word spoken. The use of anticipation
can leave infants squealing with excitement much the
same way as peep-a-boo has been a favourite game with
tots across cultures for centuries. Infants respond
to consistency and lessons start and finish the same
way.
Before any learning can take place infants physiological
needs must first be satisfied. Infants must then feel
safe and wanted. If these needs are not met all hell
and sundry breaks loose. Thus only people with the personality
and a genuine interest in children make good teachers.
A well taught Gym for Tots lesson is a really happy,
creative and uplifting experience for teacher, guardians
and infants.
Aims
of Gym for Tots
Our Gym for Tots programme is designed to strengthen
children’s bodies, minds and characters, providing
a platform to exceed in life. The programme aims to
develop self esteem confidence, social skills, listening
skills, cognitive skills as well as physical skills
such as co-ordination, agility and core strength.
Our guiding aim is to develop as many positive attitudes
towards physical activity as possible so that an active
and healthy lifestyle is maintained throughout life.
Gym
for Tot Lessons
Each lesson plan is designed to teach tots a variety
of skills such as locomotion and co-ordination skills,
balancing, climbing, jumping, running, throwing and
catching. Infants learn to participate in a group and
respond to commands while developing confidence and
self-esteem. Our Gym for Tot programme is designed specifically
for the infant to develop motor skills in age related
activities. The course incorporates a variety of sensory
stimuli to encourage movement with the use of songs,
music, rhythms, and colourful toys and apparatus. Children
learn to explore and expand their physical boundaries
in a positive and happy environment.
During each 30 – 40 minutes session there will
be an opportunity to run, climb, roll, jump, play with
balls, hoops, beanbags, quoits and skittles.
Every child is given a Gym for Tot sticker book to bring
to the class each week and at the end of the session
they will receive an incentive sticker.
Parents or guardians are expected to participate actively
in the lessons and be responsible for the safety of
their child.
LEVELS
AND AWARDS FOR GYM FOR TOTS
Gym for Tots Booklet and Stickers
After each lesson tots are given an incentive sticker
to stick in their sticker book.
Gym for Tot Award
After collecting ten stickers by actively participating
in ten Gym for Tot lessons infants will receive a Gym
for Tots Badge
Super Tot Awards
To receive the Super Tot Badge the child must be able
to perform two exercises or activities from each section
of the award criteria.
What Every Organisation and Franchisee can
expect from our Gym for Tots Programmes: -
Gym for Tots is a registered trademark with strong
brand name recognition. Franchise opportunities are
available to carefully selected teachers.
1. Safety
2. Qualified Teachers
3. Insurance Coverage
4. Organisational Backup
5. Incentive awards … custom badges, stickers
and certificates
6. Course Syllabus
7. Coaching Manual
8. Song Book
9. Progressive evaluation methods
10. Sponsorship
11. Quality Inspirational Coaching
12. Improvement in Motor Skills
13. Successful Management
14. Friendly and Efficient Service
15. Equipment Supply
16. Professional Application Forms
17. Excellent Communication with Clients
18. In-house Training
19. Uniform
20. Excellent reputation as pioneering leaders in infant
education
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