Preschool Classes

"Learning to Move" is the theme for our preschool classes. This program incorporates creative dance, sport skills and educational gymnastics. These basics are the foundations in the building of all other movement activies. The purpose of this program is to enhance motor skill and reading readiness. Classes includes a warm-up, work on apparatus and concludes with parachute activity. To assist with our learning to move themes Gymnastics of Ashe uses an array of equipment specifically designed for young children. Small equipment, props, music, themes, creative movement and a curriculum are also incorporated. These are 40 to 55 minute classes with optional parent participation. Class ratios are kept small for safety and enhance learning.

Child development experts know: for preschoolers, acquiring healthy attitudes about learning is far more important than mastery of traditional gymnastic skills.

Gymnastics of Ashe Tumble Bear Program is a comprehensive educational gymnastics program. The Gymnastics of Ashe preschool curriculum was researched and designed by our founder, Michael Matthews. In our Tumble Bear classes, gymnastics skills are used as tools to teach learning attitudes while motor skills is a second goal. At Gymnastics of Ashe, we keep first things first...kids!

One of the objectives of the "Tumble Bear" classes is FUN ! Of course, this is cool with the kids but parents sometimes fail to realize the importance of fun in a learning setting. People often feel that when fun is present, learning is not. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Why is fun so important? Well-adjusted learners form an early and life-long subconscious association defining any attempt to learn something new: RISK=FEAR=LEARNING=FUN !

The value of this association becomes very apparent by considering the opposite ( too common ) association : challenge = risk = fear = anxiety. For a child with this negative association the pain of possible failure is simply not worth the risk. Is it any wonder why so many children learn to "insulate" themselves from their fear and anxiety by forming apathetic attitudes about learning such as: "who cares?" or "why should I even bother to try, I'll never be able to do it anyway?"

O.K....now that you know a little more about the goals and substance of Gymnastics of Ashe, we have a favor to ask you....just don't tell the kids: they think Gymnastics of Ashe is just PURE FUN !

Gymnastics of Ashe's Tumble Bear Classes: More Valuable Than a College Education!

As parents and teachers, the most important thing for us to remember is that learning attitudes are formed during the preschool years. THERE IS NO SECOND BEST CHANCE IN A PERSON'S LIFE TO FORM POSITIVE LEARNING ATTITUDES THAN THE PRESCHOOL YEARS. (As so many parents find out the hard way, you simply can't turn back the clock to teach learning attitudes to a teenager ! ) In short, we believe strongly, the learning attitudes your child learns in Gymnastics of Ashe preschool & Kinder classes, have MORE BEARING ON SUCCESS THAN A COLLEGE EDUCATION !

A Critical Gymnastics of Ashe Tumble Bear Difference : Our Four Age Groupings

We divide our "Tumble Bear" Program into four separate age groups. At these tender ages, we believe these divisions are necessary in order to create just the right learning environment for each stage of a child's development. Few programs go to this trouble but we know that children feel more comfortable and learn more easily in peer groups.

Bear Cubs ( Age 24 months - 3 yrs ).............Participation of a playful parent in this class is required, also a sense of humor! Class is centered around age-appropriate movements and body awareness. Education, instruction, and support are part of this class structure for the parent. Enjoy this special time with your little-one, after all, you are your child's first teacher!
Grizzly Bears ( 3 yr - 4 yr ).............A playful class with parents participation optional. Class is centered around age appropriate developmental movements using special, tot sized apparatus. Has a strong emphasis on socialization skills and group involvement.
Star Bears ( 4 yr - 5 yr )............There are mountains to climb, rivers to swim, canyons to jump, vines to swing and tramps to jump on. More physically challenging skills gives kids stronger bodies and sharper minds as well as a clearer understanding of their bodies capabilities and limitations. Teaches kids a challenge is FUN.
Kinder Bears ( 5 yr - 6 yr )..............This age group is beginning to really step out and MOVE and it is essential that their physical challenges be monitored for safety yet their attempts be rewarded. This way, the "perceived" "risks" are seen as exciting challenges and the "failed attempts" are seen for what they are - an OK, normal part of learning. Transitional between the Bears and Kinder Gym Programs.
Kinder Gym: ( 6yr - 8 yr ) ...........Kinder class students are able to handle a class which is slightly more skill oriented so, as the year moves along we challenge the kids with progressively more gymnastic "skills" and less "fundamental movement.". This way we prepare the child, physically & mentally, for a "skill based program. Still FUN? Absolutely...just watch'em !

For girls, a leotard will be fine. Boys wear a T-shirt, shorts or sweat pants. (No zippers, belts, buckles, jeans). Everyone takes off their shoes and socks in gym area, as it is for safety reasons, as it is difficult to jump on trampolines and spring floors, climb the mountains and stations with slick socks. While we do have locker facilities, if your child wears a watch or other jewelry, let him leave it with you before class.

Although it is always best to attend your regularly scheduled class, we do allow one make-up per month. Please call the office to schedule a make-up as we do limit the number of make-ups in any class.

An Important "Parents Advisory" About Gymnastics of Ashe's TumbleBear Age Groups: Please Respect Our Age Groupings

PLEASE respect our age groups when registering. Attempts to "fast-track" preschoolers has negative implications for your child, the other members of the class and the teachers. Fast tracking has greater pressures to learn", and greater social/peer pressures, which a younger child in older classes does not have the maturity to handle these pressures. Thus, leading to an "I Can't" attitude, or quitting the activity altogether. Parents, keep in mind, that a child who seems to be ahead may not always stay ahead, just as a child who seems to be behind, will not always stay behind. Children develop at their own rate! This is the age to learn to "love to learn" and multiple successes in a non-competitive, fun, loving atmosphere is the key. One of the most unique and important aspects of our "TumbleBears" Program is our small age groupings and our great teachers!