Preschool training

[just4fun]

I have been reading alot about different gymnastic programs and abilitites of younger gymnasts. My daughter just turned five and she loves gymnastics! She takes acro at dance and gymnastics at a gymnastic center. She has been doing gymnastics for two years. However, when I read all the posts, I see that she is not doing anything like what I am reading in her gymnastics class! They are not even on the big bars yet! So I brought her to try a different gymnastic class (same age group) and she was totally behind with bar skills and other things - they even do handstands differently. My dilemma is she totally LOVES where she currently does gymnastics and asks to go everyday! The staff is great with kids, encouragement and work ethics. However, I do not feel they are learning much when I compare it to other programs, but she is progressing with her skills and confidence. But from what I read she is way behind where she should be! My plan is to leave her where she is at, but I am worried she is losing out! Does anyone have any comments or advice? I would greatly appreciate any input. I am clueless about gymnastics! Thanks,

[JBS]

Just to make things clear....Did you take her to a different gymnastics class or a different gym?

[just4fun]

She tried a class in a new place. Same age bracket.

[midwestgymmom]

Hi. Did they say what level is she was at?

[just4fun]

Hello, she just turned five a week ago, she is in a regular 41/2-6 year old class at her current place and would be on miniteam for the new place. Both only work out one day a week. She also takes a tumbling class and a tap class at dancing school. I do not think she is a level yet - she can only do a cartwheel one way (working on the other), a handstand to bridge, standing back roll, bridge stuff, she could do a pullover and front circle (I have no idea what they are called) from the summer classes she took with one of her friends, but they do not do them at her current place. She walks on the high beam front, back, and sideways the rest of the things she does with spots. She has never been near a vault, but they use the springboard at this gym to jump and roll onto high mats. The summer class place was not well supervised, and I personally do not think a bunch of four year olds should be on the high beam unspotted flipping off of them, but what do I know? The whole thing is confusing! Any advice for a new comer to this sport would be appreciated!! Thanks

[JBS]

First of all, your a great parent just for having your child in an activity. Gymnastics is about having fun, no matter where she's at. If she is having fun at both places, then it is up to you to make that choice. I would definately give the current gym the benefit of the doubt. Talk to your child's coach first, let them know what you are looking for. A good gym will not neccesarily give you exactly what you want all the time, but they should and will be able to explain why they are doing something. If talking to the coach does not seem to work after a couple tries, then ask to speak to management. Remember, for normal issues about your child, her coach is the direct link. Management should be contacted if you are not comfortable talking to the coach or you already did and it is not working.

As for the big bars, a good coach can take a 5 year old a long way on a pre school bar.

[just4fun]

Thanks for your advice. She totally LOVES the place she is at now, and asks to go everyday! She smiles, laughs and tries really hard! My house has become a gym - she moves the couch for 'floor', flips all over the furniture, walks on the back of the couch beam, and my walls need paint from the handstands! Of course, she only does this when she thinks I won't catch her. I am worried she is going to get hurt! I think I was getting a bit neurotic reading about kids her age doing all kinds of things on different equipment. I din't know if I was missing some big gymnastic concept. The whole gymnastics thing is so different from other sports. I wish she had liked hockey!

[JBS]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just4fun Hello, she just turned five a week ago, she is in a regular 41/2-6 year old class at her current place and would be on miniteam for the new place. Both only work out one day a week. She also takes a tumbling class and a tap class at dancing school. I do not think she is a level yet - she can only do a cartwheel one way (working on the other), a handstand to bridge, standing back roll, bridge stuff, she could do a pullover and front circle (I have no idea what they are called) from the summer classes she took with one of her friends, but they do not do them at her current place. She walks on the high beam front, back, and sideways the rest of the things she does with spots. She has never been near a vault, but they use the springboard at this gym to jump and roll onto high mats. The summer class place was not well supervised, and I personally do not think a bunch of four year olds should be on the high beam unspotted flipping off of them, but what do I know? The whole thing is confusing! Any advice for a new comer to this sport would be appreciated!! Thanks

Be careful when comparing gyms. Look for things that you would in a normal business. Do they have great customer service? Do they always have a staffed front desk or office? Do they seem organized or disorganized? Is the gym clean with bright colors? Is the gym generally safe? Do they care about your child? Air conditioning/heating? CPR / first aid / USAG safety certified coaches? Is there a nice observation area that you can see the whole gym from? If they care about things like that, they probably care about your business and your child.

Don't let someone throw your child through skills that she can't do. Throwing and spotting are different. Your child should be learning. For example, from the skills you have listed, she is not ready for a back handspring. The gym that is NOT letting her do the back handspring is safer.

Our ratio is 7:1 at that level. 8:1 is our highest ratio for regular classes.

4 year olds do not go on the high beams at our gym, period.

The best way to find out about a gym is from customers and people you know in the community. Ask them. Last of all, how long has the gym been in business.

Thank You,
Justin Slife
Director
Gyminny Kids, Inc.
http://www.gyminnyoceanside.com

[JBS]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just4fun Thanks for your advice. She totally LOVES the place she is at now, and asks to go everyday! She smiles, laughs and tries really hard! My house has become a gym - she moves the couch for 'floor', flips all over the furniture, walks on the back of the couch beam, and my walls need paint from the handstands!

That's exactly how it should be. Gymnastics is a great starting point for any sport. Only 1% of the 4,000,000 gymnasts in the US are competitive. The rest are just having FUN!

GYMNASTICS - Start here, go anywhere!

[just4fun]

Thanks for clarifying about what to look for in a gym. I definately feel better now. I checked out your website for your gym - the gym she is in now looks similar the rancho bernardo gym. Good website, with alot of helpful information! If I am ever in CA I will definately check it out! I hope her passion continues if not for this than something else. I appreciate your input and time. Have a good night.