The Mini Gym is an independent class for children aged 3 to 4 years. Parents and carers do not come into the hall, but the doorways remain open to allow viewing. The last week of each term is our Watching Week, when families can come into the hall to watch the class.
We take a different theme each week and start with a short warm-up using music and language that emphasises that theme. The equipment is set up in three circuits, rather than one large circuit as for the toddlers, and after the warm-up the children move into three groups to use circuits built around the same idea. Each week the set-up changes, and as the term progresses the equipment continues to challenge every child.
Each group has its own coach and a maximum of five children. While our first focus is fun, Mini Gym also helps children continue learning the basics of rolling, handstands, springboard use, vaulting, simple bar work, co-ordination, balance, jumping, strength and flexibility. To close the class, all groups join together for a short discussion about what they have been doing, what they liked, what they found easy or hard, and an action song.
