Scallywags
Scallywags Playgym is a gymnastics based programme for pre-schoolers.
The Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in the USA has studied brain growth and development over many years. They have shown that early intellectual growth is directly related to early physical development. They have shown that gymnastics literally grows the brain by developing the vestibular mechanism - the part of the brain responsible for balance. As a result, coordination and control of the body improves. This development of the vestibular mechanism can then be applied to any physical and/or academic activity.
At Scallywags we provide opportunities for pre-schoolers to develop their physical and social capabilities through a fun-filled and exciting programme. Most of the pre-school classes are parent-based, which requires a parent or caregiver to attend and participate in the class alongside their child. Parental involvement with teacher guidance is an integral part of Scallywags classes, as younger children look to their parents for support and confidence.
Scallywags uses a wide range of colourful equipment specially designed for fun and safe use by young children. Movement to music is also an important part of each class.
Scallywags aims to promote:-
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Co-ordination
- Achievement-based learning
- Safety awareness
- Physical agilities / basic gymnastic skills
- Social skills
- Enhanced child-parent relationships
The classes begin with a fun sing-along and some warm up activities on the mat. The children then move onto a large circuit of activities around the gym where they make use of all our great equipment to learn dominant movement patterns such as locomotion, swinging, springing, rolling, climbing, balance, landings and rotation. We then return to the mat for some activities while the circuit is being changed. The children return to the circuit to perform a range of different activities and finally come together at the end of the class to sing a goodbye song. Each week has a different theme (e.g. alphabet day, animals day, balance, brain gym, colours, etc.)
In the last week of each term we have "fun day". This is where the children join in for some fun games and activities then have supervised play on the equipment. Parents are welcome to join in, watch their children and have a go on the equipment.