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Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are
three different sets of the most frequently asked questions concerning
GymKids Gymnastics and RhythmKids Dance programs. Feel free to call us
at (401) 724-9800 or write us at
feedback@gymbear.com with any additional questions.
General FAQ
1) What is the GymKids Gymnastics Program?
GymKids Inc. is organized to promote fitness education and self-esteem
to children. The philosophy of the program is to teach gymnastics and
fitness in a safe, non-competitive and fun filled atmosphere. GymKids,
Inc. is our company name. The program includes several classes:BabyBears,
GymCubs, GymBears,
and GymStars. All classes are taught in
a safe, non competitive, fun environment by trained professionals. Our
goal is to teach kids that gymnastics at all levels is fun.
2)
What is the RhythmKids Dance Program?
GymKids
Inc offers several different dance classes
including RhythmBears, Tap
and Hip Hop. These classes are taught using the
same philosophies we use in the Gymnastics classes.
3) How do the programs work?
All GymKids classes are year long continuous enrollment classes that take
place from September to June. At some centers we also run classes during
the summer. There is an annual insurance registration fee (which varies
by location...there is no fee at the JCC as the classes are technically
JCC classes) paid at the time of initial registration. For convience sake
we bill the classes in sessions (session length varies by location). Once
you pay your insurance registration fee your child in enrolled for the
remainder of the year. If you decide to stop please notify us either by
phone or email. All RhythmKids dance, GymBear,
and GymCub classes are 45 minutes long. BabyBear classes are 30 minutes
and GymStar classes are one hour.
4) What will the children learn in gymnastic classes?
Each lesson includes:
- Songs with movement.
- Use of unique tumbling apparatus which include incline mats, barrels,
cartwheel mats, a junior swing bar, low balance beam, small trampoline
and many other specially designed equipment for young children.
- Multiple hand/eye coordination activities.
- Cooperative skill development through the use of parachutes and other
items.
- Beginning and ending activities which include warm-up, stretching, and
cool down exercises.
5)
Can my Child try out a class?
For
our mobile program, at the beginning of each school year we run what we
call Free Class week. Every child in every Preschool center that we visit
gets a free 20 minute mini class. We introduce ourselves to the children
and the children to our program. At the end of the class each child will
receive a coloring page that includes a sign up sheet. We hope that your
child will color the page and that you will send in the sign up sheet.
At the JCC and OSSG we allow new children to try one class. If you decide
to join the program then you pay for that class as part of the session.
If you decide not to join then we tank you for trying and there is no
charge.
6)
How is the insurance handled?
GymKids Inc. is underwritten for liability issues by K&K
Insurance, the official insurer of USA Gymnastics. All facilities
are written into the policy as additional insured. K&K is the primary
supplier of this type of coverage throughout the USA.
7) What should my child wear to Gymnastic class?
We recommend comfortable clothing t-shirt, athletic pants, socks and sneakers.
At the JCC and OSSG the children do not wear shoes. We prefer that the
Gymcubs and BabyBears wear socks with little grippies on the bottom to
keep them from slipping. We strongly discourage children wearing denim
jeans as they usually contain rivets which might hurt when rolled on and
they are also stiff. Likewise we prefer if girls hair is pulled back in
a pony tail or pig tail by elastics and not barettes because it hurts
to roll on a barette.
8)
What type of shoes do Dancers need?
All tap students must have tap shoes. They can be found inexpensively
at Payless Shoe or more expensively (and better quality) at speciality
dance shops. All RhythmBears should also have tap shoes however it is
difficult and expensive to find boys tap shoes. We understand this and
therefore highly encourage tap shoes in the RhythmBear classes but do
not mandate them. Please contact us if you
have any questions. Hip Hop Students should wear comfortable sneakers.
9)
My son/daughter really likes the class and we want them to continue past
preschool level do you have classes available?
We now offer classes that are open to the public for children above the
age of 5 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in
Providence. We have a complete gym set up at the JCC for our GymStar programs
which include: high beam, vault, floor and new this year uneven
parallel bars.
10)
Who is Miss Jennifer?
Jennifer Thaler, our owner, has had 15 years experience teaching gymnastics
to preschool and school aged children. She was also a competitive gymnast
for 12 years. Jennifer was one of the first in Rhode Island to receive
the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) , USA Gymnastics’ specialized
certification for toddler, pre-school and kindergarten aged children.
She is USA Gymnastics Safety certified as well as American Red Cross infant,
child and adult first aid certified and CPR certified. She has her primary
certification and prenatal fitness continuing education AFAA(Aerobic and
Fitness Association of America), as well as, a member of the American
College of Sports Medicine and the International Association of Fitness
Professionals. Her education includes a BA in community health from Brown
University. Miss Jennifer trains all GymKids instructors under the KAT
curriculum and develops all lesson plans. She can be reached by email:
missjennifer@gymbear.com.
BabyBear/GymCub FAQ
Welcome to the GymBear Gymnastics. Our program is “success-oriented”
allowing all children to leave each class with a sense of accomplishment.
The curriculum is designed to use play and basic gymnastics skills as
tools for teaching positive learning attitudes. One of the objectives
of the BabyBear and GymCub programs is FUN! The classes combine songs,
gymnastics skills, fitness activities, and games that all encourage fine
and gross motor development. An added bonus is the parent and child interaction
with no interruptions, as there are in every home. The following are a
few frequently asked questions.
1) My child doesn’t join in class, but talks
about class at home. Is this okay?
As parent’s we ask you to remember that all children are individuals
and develop differently. Some children may “jump” right into
class, while others need time to observe. Our teachers encourage all children
to participate at their own pace. Please try not to compare your child
to another child. Also, for many children this class is their first experience
with a teacher (a stranger to them) and in a large group of children.
The room is large and the brightly colored equipment may be a focus of
observation for your child but they hear and see everything then try it
out in the comfort of their own home. In class, you as the parent will
learn how to safely help your child roll through the house. Finally, this
age is the beginning of a child’s evolving independence and many
just show their control by saying “no.” Talking about the
class and singing the songs during the week at home will help your child
feel more comfortable in class.
2) My child wants to run around the whole time.
Is this okay?
Children at this age have lots of energy, that’s what this class
is for. If your child is not participating in a group activity or is wandering,
don’t insist he or she return to the group. Rather, use this time
as a “teaching moment” and encourage their natural curiosity.
Most children will refocus their attention when they see the fun that
the group is having. As long as your child is safe and non-disruptive
they’re fine. It may take your child a few weeks to get used to
the flow of the class.
3) What is my role in the class?
This class is often a child’s first experience with a teacher. To
this point the parents (or caregivers) have been the teachers and they
do not understand to follow a teacher’s instructions. You can encourage
your child to listen and follow the teacher but they will look to you
first for direction. During class give your child “situations”
and get into the situations with your child, rather than telling your
child what to do. If your child sees you, for example, walking on the
balance beam, he or she will be more likely to try it also. There are
cards at each station to help you to know what to do.
Also, please do not talk during class. However, we encourage you to get
to know each other before and after class. This time is great for meeting
other parents of similarly aged children.
Finally, positive reinforcement is the key to developing self-confidence
in a child. Every accomplishment, big or small, deserves a hug, a kiss,
or a high five. Don’t be too quick to help your child, you’ll
be amazed and what they can do.
4) How is the class structured?
The first five minutes of is for exploration. This time is good for your
child to get used to the equipment. Circle time is the next segment of
the class in which we all sit together and sing our hello song and other
activity songs. The majority of our class focuses on the obstacle course.
We begin as a “follow the leader” and make our way around
the area. It is fine if your child chooses one station to stay at, every
few minutes try to encourage them to go to another station and then return
to their favorite, and repeat this pattern around the obstacle course.
Finally we end with parachute time and our goodbye song.
Remember, repetition is very, very important to children at this age.
Therefore, we will be repeating many songs and activities week to week.
Of course, this will also help you to remember some of the songs and activities
so you can have fun at home, too.
So have fun and this class will be a rewarding learning experience
for both of you. If you ever have any questions please feel free to call
us at (401) 724-9800. In addition to the regular classes we also offer
many birthday party packages including gymnastics,
dance or storytelling fun. Call for more details.
GymBear FAQ
Welcome to the GymBear Gymnastics. Our program is “success-oriented”
allowing all children to leave each class with a sense of accomplishment.
The curriculum is designed to use physical fitness and basic gymnastics
skills as tools for teaching positive learning attitudes. One of the
objectives of the GymBear programs is FUN! Throughout the year we will
be learning gymnastics positions and skills, as well as, working on
fine and gross motor development. We will also be combining skills as
a into routines that we will demonstrate at the end of year show. The
following are some frequently asked questions.
1) Do I have to stay and watch the class?
No. Although parents may stay and watch the class, it is not necessary.
If you leave, please be sure you have left an emergency number on your
child’s registration form. Some children may feel more comfortable
if a parent is there for part or all of the class.
2) My child wants to run around the whole time.
Or, my child doesn’t always participate. Is this okay?
Children at this age have lots of energy, that’s what this class
is for. We offer many activities that everyone can follow. Often children
don’t participate when they are scared or overwhelmed. Many need
time to observe before “jumping in.” It may take a few classes
for them to get comfortable with the teachers and the equipment. The
focus of our lesson plans is to encourage everyone to try the skills
to the best of their ability.
3) Why are there also non-gymnastics activities?
We structure our classes for the greatest potential for gymnastics and
physical fitness activities. We also add extra stations so that the
children’s time spent waiting their turn is kept to a minimum.
It is more fun for a child to crawl through a tunnel after their turn
at the bar than to stand around and wait. These activities, like the
tunnel, roller coaster, and slide, also encourage body awareness, balance,
and control – all necessary skills for gymnastics. Other stations,
such as, jumping sideways over a mat are actually a progression in the
learning of a cartwheel and helps to determine which side cartwheel
a child does. Every lesson plan is developed to encourage the learning
of gymnastics, as well as, fine and gross motor development.
4) Why are there so many theme/fun days?
Every class has a theme. The themes may be a position (i.e. Straddle),
a gymnastics skill (i.e. Cartwheel Day), or a concept (i.e. Backwards
Day). These themes help the children to focus on the learning of the
day. We can then add in many different progressions (step by step skills
that lead up to the major skill) while keeping their interest. We also
occasionally have some fun days (i.e. Snow Day) to emphasize our goal
of “learning is fun.”
If you ever have any questions please feel free to call us at
(401) 724-9800. In addition to the regular classes, we also offer gymnastics,
dance, and storytelling birthday parties.
Call for more details.