Superb article on the benefits of our sport.
Originally posted in American Fitness, May-June 2004 by Myrna Beth Haskell.
Most experts agree that motor skills, listening, following directions and increased attention span are important faculties your child should develop in order to be successful in kindergarten. If you want your child to develop a variety of physical and social skills without having to enroll him or her in several activities, gymnastics is an excellent choice.
Many sports teach commitment, dedication and time management. However, gymnastics, because of the complex skill progression and vast number of physical techniques required to master elements on different events, teaches more perseverance, patience and discipline than most other physical activities. When a child participates in a gymnastics class, he or she develops a variety of motor skills (e.g., speed, strength and agility) while learning balance and grace. A student must also develop acute listening skills in order to transform verbal instructions into complex, physical movements.
The balance beam event, in particular, teaches students to focus and concentrate for extended periods of time. Gymnasts tend to do well in school because they utilize this ability while studying. …
read the whole article – Tumbling tots: gymnastics is a great sport your developing preschooler American Fitness – Find Articles
It may be worth printing this and posting it at your gym. Or excerpting a section for your parent newsletter. It’s very well written.
Myrna Beth Haskell is a former Level 10 judge, choreographer and athlete. She had a daughter in recreational gymnastics.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 