How to Find a Tumbling Class for Toddlers
Gymnastics is a great sport to introduce to children when they are very young. A toddler can have fun and get great exercise in gymnastics without having to worry about competition, rules or depending on another player. Look for preschool gymnastic programs that take into account the developmental stages of the child when designing its curriculum.
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Things You'll Need
- Leotard
- "Footie" socks or gymnastics shoes
- Elastic to pull back long hair
Instructions
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Look in the phone book for listings under "gymnastic instruction." When inquiring, ask if the school has Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) certified instructors. USA Gymnastics has certified more than 3,000 KAT-certified instructors in the country.
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Check out your local YMCA or YWCA for information on toddler gymnastics or tumbling classes.
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Find programs for ages up to 36 months that include parents with their toddlers. Tots will learn simple games, roll on the mats and become familiar with the equipment as they climb, crawl and jump through obstacle courses.
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Expect toddlers in a typical three-year-old class to begin rolling, jumping, swinging and balancing and learning the gymnastics positions of tuck, straddle, pike and layout. Kids may attempt basic skills such as handstands or cartwheels with the help of the teacher.
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Seek out a class for four-year-olds where they begin to learn skills on the equipment, learn longer combinations, and progress to more difficult skills.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your child understands the safety rules of gymnastics. Tell him to never get on a piece of equipment or attempt a trick without the knowledge of the instructor.
Check out the gymnastics equipment of the school to make sure it is safe. Preschoolers should generally only practice on a low beam. Floor mats should be free of rips and be of the appropriate thickness for landings. There should be adequate space for a free range of movement in the gymnastics room. If the equipment looks shoddy or in disrepair, reconsider your child's placement there.
