Gym 4 Growth and Development (g4gd) has been developed by Early Childhood Australia NT Branch. It is a physical activity program for children birth to 4 years and their parents/carers. The program uses a combination of Brain Gym®, yoga, movement, music, dance, singing. Also gross and fine motor activities to promote opportunities for development for children. There is an emphasis on parent/carer participation in order for the parent to take the skills home with them and continue the learning at home. Read more about our unique program and how you and your child can join us.
Gym 4 Growth and Development is facilitated by Early Childhood qualified teachers. It is also an opportunity to connect with other families in the local area.
The program is currently on at Coolalinga Central every Friday (during school terms) from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Find them right next to Mad Harry’s. The ECA team are currently asking for expressions of interest. Please email ecant@earlychildhood.org.au if you would like to see this program in the Northern Suburbs.
There are a couple of sessions left for this term. Your child can attend casually for just $12.50 per week (additional siblings only $10). Each fortnight brings a different focus Gym 4 Growth and Development program:
Gym 4 Growth and Development Focus area 1 – Bilateral co-ordination
Bilateral coordination refers to the ability to coordinate both sides of the body at the same time in a controlled and organised manner; eg, stabilising paper with one hand while writing/ cutting with the other. We do this by bringing the hands together by clapping, waving, pointing, etc)
Gym 4 Growth and Development Focus area 2 – The Vestibular System
The vestibular system is the sensory mechanism in the inner ear that detects
Gym 4 Growth and Development Focus area 3- Proprioception & Heavy Work
Proprioception is how our bodies know where they are in space; a much needed skill for successful walking, running and playing sport. When children jump up and down, crawl and do many other moving activities (heavy work) the proprioception system activates specific nerves. Thereby increasing the ability to pay attention and calm down. Similar to when people feel better after an intense physical workout.
Gym 4 Growth and Development Focus area 4 – Positive Touch
Touch hard-wires young children’s brains for increased emotional and neurological development. Talking and touching your child and sharing eye contact stimulates the development of connections between nerve cells in your child’s brain.
Gym 4 Growth and Development Focus area 5 – Music
Music assists young children’s development in many ways including increasing their motor skills, cognitive skills, language, and social-emotional development.
As children create music, they improve fine motor skills, coordination, and rhythm. Music also entices one to move and dance. Participating in movement or dance activities while listening to music enhances children’s ability to sequence sound, recognise and respond to rhythm patterns, and discriminate melodies. As children dance to music, they increase coordination, flexibility, and motor skills. They develop body awareness and self-confidence… an art form and a means of communication. Through dance, children communicate feelings, thoughts, and cultural values and beliefs.
Music assists in language development improving communication by conveying mood, ideas, and concepts. When children hear differences in sounds this assists them not only with music making, but also with speech. Helping them develop fluency, pronunciation, enunciation and vocabulary.
Music also links children to their cultural heritage, assisting them to acquire cultural beliefs and values. Listening to music also exposes children to other times and cultures and provides the opportunity to gain appreciation for them.
Parents are provided with an information sheet which outlines each area and activities to do at home.
For more about Early Childhood Australia and Gym 4 Growth and Development click here
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