SPRING KINDERGYM 2010 NEWSLETTER!
Kindergym Programs The Kindergym program is designed for children from ages 8 months to 6 years. The OGC program is the result of 25 years of development and is well recognized in Canada as a terrific foundation for body awareness and fitness development.
Gymnastics is an excellent sport to develop balance, strength, co-ordination, flexibility and self-confidence. This aspect makes our Kindergym the perfect starting point for many sports other than just gymnastics. Parents often tell us how well classes prepared their children for skating, soccer, dance etc. Children usually do similar skill development, however, the extent to which they are assisted varies depending on their level of confidence. A number of doctors have sent children to our program to help them with ankle turnout, weakness in the shoulder area etc. The program enables children to progress at their own pace within an age group.
Gymnastics is for all pre-schoolers!
All Kindergym participants use modified gymnastic equipment to develop the basic fundamentals in the sport with an emphasis on fun and self-esteem. We incorporate many circuits into our classes to keep children active, stimulated and challenged
| OGC Kindergym Instructors Our Kindergym instructors are selected for their enjoyment for not only gymnastics but for young children as well. Many of our weekday teachers have been instructing our youngest gymnasts for over 15 years. Lori Ierullo has been the Program Director since its inception in 1980. We are considered to have one of the best pre-school programs in the country! |
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Special Events
At least twice a session, we have Theme Days! These are favourites with the children (i.e., Pajama days, Halloween week, Backwards day, etc.). At the end of each session we have Parent's Day. Parents are invited to come and watch their child proudly demonstrate their accomplishments. Video cameras and Grandparents are welcome!
Summer Camps March Break
In addition to school-year programs, the OGC also offers Kindergym classes each summer. Half-day camps are offered during the March Break and Summer Camp. Half day camps may also be offered at Christmas (Stop and Shop) and during PD day.
Kindergym Class Details
• Babynastics - 35 minutes
This innovative program is unique to the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre. The developmental program introduces babies ages 8 months to 15 months, to a variety of basic movement patterns using modified equipment under the careful direction and assistance of a certified instructor. Parent / Caregiver and child are guided through gentle exercises using dowels, parachutes, bolsters and songs.
Through the session they will be introduced to the concepts of rolling, swinging, bouncing and balancing using specially designed kindergym equipment for this age group. By the end of the session parents will see their little ones doing front rolls down inclines, crawling through tunnels, swinging on mini-rings bars and ropes, and being gently bounced on trampolines to name just a few.
Parents have enjoyed watching their children progress and enjoy the feeling of being upside down or pulling themselves up a children's climbing wall! Great fun and interaction. Guaranteed to have a good nap after the class!
• Tall'n Small
The Tall'n Small program is a class for children who are walking. Each 45-minute class requires adult caregiver participation. This structured program is designed to develop gross motor skills in a safe and fun environment with the parents or caregivers assistance. Circuits and modified apparatus teach children front rolls, swinging, jumping, climbing, and walking on balance beams to begin the process of body awareness in physical development. The class is always active and the children will be climbing on specialized Kindergym apparatus, sliding down inclines, somersaulting, jumping on in-ground trampolines, swing on rings, bars and ropes, just to name some of the many activities that fill their time. Parents are always amazed at what their children are able to accomplish by the end of a session!
Tall'n Small 1 is for 16 months to 24 months and are typically in the 9:15 time slot weekdays. Tall'n Small 2 is for children ages 24 months to 3 yrs. The T/S 2 pace is a little quicker than T/S 1 to match the fast paced world of a 2 year old!
• 2 Years-Old
2-Years-Old group is another 45-minute class and continues to build on the foundation established in Tall'n Small. We strongly recommend children participate in Tall'n small first as separation from the parent can be difficult at this age and the activities of the gym can be very overwhelming the first time a young child participates in our active classes. After a comfort level is attained in Tall'n Small, 2 yr olds are ready to take part in classes where the instructor assists them through many basics using the modified equipment, music and circuits. Classes are small - just 5 participants per coach, or a 5:1 ratio -- so that each child is afforded plenty of attention and hands-on help!
• 3 Years-Old
The 3-Years-Old class is one hour in length and the participant to coach ratio is 7:1. Children start to improve their level of basics through the use of circuits and stations to keep each child active in the class. Overall co-ordination is developed using landings off blocks, inverted skills on rings and bars, somersaults on the balance beam and various jumping elements on trampoline to name just a few.
• 4-6 Years-Old
In this age bracket groups are not more than an 8:1 ratio.Focus is on fun and developing the skills necessary to move forward with Recreational gymnastics and the CanGym badge system.Fundamentals in the sport continue to develop strength and balance and self-confidence. These children begin bridges, cartwheels and continue to develop basic elements on multiple apparatus. The use of circuits and stations ensures that each child is challenged and progresses at his/her own level. The emphasis is always on FUN and FITNESS! (Children who are 6 at the beginning of a session may be better suited to the Recreational Mini-Rollers class.)
• Special K (5 yrs)
This class is an extension of our 4-6 yr. Old program and is a 90 minutes in length. It was created for 5 yr. olds who have been through Kindergym and wish to develop their basics further in preparation for the Recreational program. These children have been in the Kindergym program for at least one year and a ready for more challenging skills and longer classes.
OGC Payment Policy
Payment required at time of registration. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Interac or cheque accepted in person. Visa & Mastercard accepted over the phone.
A $20 “cancellation fee”, per person will apply if cancelling before the session start date.
Annual $20 admin/activity fee for all new members (July 1 - June 30).
Ten Percent family discount for 3rd sibling. No refunds or credits after the class/session start date.
While we endeavor to accommodate everyone, the OGC has established standards for class size, coach qualification, and gym utilization. We do this to ensure your child's safety and to maintain the extraordinary high quality of our programs. Unfortunately, a consequence of these standards is that classes at the OGC are P O P U L A R! and often fill quickly. Register early and don't risk disappointment. Please call the office at (613)722-8698 to register. Thank you
Testimonials
We have loved Babynastics. It is completely different from any other baby activity we have tried and allows the little ones the chance to develop other skills that music and dance don't. Plus it “tires” her right out! -- Tracey E. Mom of Olivia 10 months.
Ma fille est inscrite aux cours de kindergym depuis l'âge de 14 mois-elle aura bientôt 3 ans et nous n'avons pas manqué une session! Elle a “initié” son petit frère à la maison, et il abore autant qu'elle. -- Anne-Marie Maman de Delphive (2 ½ ans) et Oscar-Philippe (13 mois)