Why Motion?

According to years of research, there is extensive evidence of the direct benefit of movement on... academic success! 

Movement- such as those found in gymnastics- help build the skills children need to success in the classroom.  The following is reposted with permission of Debra Em Wilson- founder of S'cool Moves.

Flip on the Focus- When children participate in activities that require moving large muscles and the compression of joints, it is referred to as "heavy-work."  Heavy-work activities are proven to help focus the brain.  Vaulting, hanging, flipping, climbing and leaping are examples of phenomenal heavy work opportunities for children.  Focusing with ease leads to learning with ease.
 
Hang Ten for Handwriting-  Observing children swinging on uneven bars seems as far away as one can get from observing a child trying to write a paragraph, but actually, the two require remarkably similar skills!  For children to have good handwriting skills, the must have strong muscles that work together for a common cause.  Mighty abs, back muscles, shoulder muscles, forearms, wrists and fingers are essential for good writing skills.  When children have poor upper body strength and weak core muscles, they have trouble sitting upright at a desk, holding a pencil and writing legibly.  Bar-work strengthens all muscle groups responsible for writing with ease.

Roll into Reading-  Brain connections are made through the activation of an important system that lies deep withing the inner ear.  This system is called the vestibular system (ves-tib-u-lar) and is the Olympic gold-winner when it comes to brain development.  Working in tandem with the brain, the vestibular system integrates auditory, visual and tactile input.  Specific types of movement common to gymnastics help the vestibular system develop properly.  These include the back and fourth movement in swinging, the rotational movement in twisting and spinning and the up and down movement in rolling.

Magnificent Moves for Math-  Math is a spatial sport!  The more children move in different ways, the more connections are made in the brain that improve spatial awareness.  For children to be able to understand mathematical equations and geometric principles, they need good spatial skills.  All gymnastics moves improve body awareness and wire the brain for math success.

Mission & Philosophy

Our mission is to provide a fun and safe environment that inspires your children to learn, stimulates sensory/ motor development, and builds self-esteem.

Goals

It is our goal to give equal emphasis to the cognitive, affective, and physical development of each child.  The preschool classroom provides traditional activities in the areas of pre-reading/ literacy, pre-math, art and creativity, dramatic play, science, history and culture.  In addition, the integration of sensory-movement into our program provides children with the proven benefits of physical activity not only physical, but mental and emotional.

Memberships & Honors

     - California Cascade Association for the Education of Young Children  (CCAEYC)
     - Redding City Council