· Motor development using basic body positions · Specific large and small motor skills · Swinging movements · Rolling movements · Safety basics Playful Parent: a 30 minute class for ages walking to two years. This is a parent participation class where you and your child will explore gymnastics together through music and movement. Children will be encouraged to walk the beams, roll down inclines, hang from bars and jump on trampolines as well as use fine and gross motor skills to develop hand-eye coordination, balance and strength. This class offers you and your child an opportunity to meet other parents and children in a fun “class” situation. (Parents can make new friends too.) Tumble Bugs: 3 year olds (potty trained and good listeners). This class is an introduction to gymnastics using equipment designed for preschoolers. Emphasis will be on movement and body awareness. Forward and backward rolls, weight on hands, bar and beam basics, jumping on trampoline and motor skills will be worked on at small stations. 45 minute class Beam Hoppers: 4 year olds. This class is a continuation of our introduction to gymnastics using equipment designed for preschoolers. Emphasis will be on movement and body awareness. Small stations and circuit work will be used to work forward and backward rolls, weight on hands activities, swinging on bars, balance beam basics, large-motor skills and jumping on the trampoline. Students will also learn basic safety skills. 45 minute class Tumble Bees: 5 and 6 year olds. This class is designed for the gymnast working toward Developmental Team or an upper level of recreational gymnastics. Emphasis will continue to be on movement, body awareness and safety skills. Flexibility and strength activities will be introduced as well as weight on hands activities on bars and beam, small skill connections and dance. 60 minute class
The Defiance Area YMCA Preschool Gymnastics Program provides children with new and varied activities to meet basic developmental needs. Classes will focus on the following areas as well as specific level requirements: