Watching the Olympics, gymnasts can be seen flipping, twisting, and jumping in various events. These gymnasts began training at a young age and devoted countless hours to the sport. Before the gym though, many of these gymnasts started classes with their Moms/Dads or to prevent flipping around the house.
I fell in love with gymnastics at a young age, and I enjoy passing on my love and knowledge of the sport to children. The fundamentals of gymnastics and occupational therapy can be combined to help a child’s development. In our gymnastics class, I look forward being able to combine my occupational therapy education and gymnastics knowledge at Connect the Dots!
Areas of Focus:
- Gross motor benefits
- Crossing midline during skills
- Learning sequence of tasks from start to end of skill
- Graded movements and required force to complete skill
- Flexibility
- Separation of body (lower/upper and right/left)
- Strength benefits
- Core strength
- Upper body strength
- Lower body strength
- Vestibular System: Helps to gather information from fluid filled canals in the inner ear which respond to directional changes, movement, and head positions.
- Forward/backward head tilt for vestibular input (forwards and backward rolls)
- Rotational and circular movements for vestibular input (cartwheels and handstands)
- Static and dynamic balance (balance beam)
- Spatial Awareness: mind and body connection
- Proprioception: Knowing where your body is in space (body awareness) and navigate your environment safely.
- Heavy work and input throughout gymnastics session to help increase regulation throughout the class to match tasks
- Body receptors are receiving input during skills to improve proprioception
- Social Skills
- Turn taking and waiting in line
- Peer relationships begin to build during classes
- Emotional regulation
- Frustration tolerance to learn new skills and continue to persevere
- Attention to instructor and peers
- Follow the appropriate rules and directions provided
Connect the Dots Gymnastic classes are held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2pm for ages 3 to 5. Ages 5 through 10 have class Wednesday nights from 6 to 7pm. For more information, please call the front desk at 541-255-2681 or download the Gymnastics with Jacki flyer here.