Looking for a place where your kids can enjoy a wide array of activities that are fun on the outside and stimulate physical, social and mental growth on the inside? The Little Gym (TLG) offers a well-considered curriculum model designed to build the necessary physical skills at each stage of childhood.
Having just opened its doors this month in Egypt, TLG is a new addition to a franchise that comprises more than 300 branches around the world. The well-known franchise has recently started to expand into the Middle East, including Dubai and Kuwait, after success in the US since its beginnings in 1976.
“We provide three physical and social programs for children aged 4 months to 12 years, based on gymnastics skills,” said Hedi Maldonado, TLG general manager and franchise representative in Egypt. From infant to toddler, Parent and Child class promotes fine motor skills and provides the basics of gymnastics to prepare kids for more advanced upcoming growth development.
“Parents should attend this class to help their little one to practice and learn how to train them in the simple moves at home as well,” Maldonado explained.
Preschoolers and kindergarteners are full of energy to explore and learn new things they encounter, so the second program is specially designed for kids from 3 to 6 years old and aims to channel that energy into positive, healthy outlets through more advanced exercises and postures.
Maldonado explained that for grade school boys and girls some changes are introduced to the program for gender-specific disciplines and the growth of physical and intellectual abilities.
“From 6 to 12 years old, children’s physical growth makes them capable of using apparatus and learning pure gymnastics, not merely the basics, that keep their bodies flexible and strong,” Mandonaldo said. The three programs feature three aspects of learning: Get Moving, Brain Boost and Citizen Kid.
“Each aspect is acquired within our gymnastics programs. We are keen on developing kids' positive character traits such as self-confidence, sense of pride in achievements and perceptual awareness, along with keeping the body healthy in a vibrant, nurturing environment,” she said. What distinguishes TLG the most is its aim to instill in kids the passion to achieve their personal best, not merely compete.
“Our coaching style is non-competitive. We believe in creating an environment filled with the spirit to achieve rather than the pressure to win,” she said.
During summer vacations TLG offers children camp three times a week. Some interesting activities are offered beside gymnastics classes, including arts and crafts and drama-related games.
On Fridays and Saturdays, TLG can throw a birthday party for your child providing all the elements required, such as cake, invitations, gifts, etc.
On select evenings "Parents’ Survival Night" allows you to leave your children in safe hands for three hours, usually from 6 to 9 pm, while you go out and have some time to yourself. Members and non-members are welcome to register.
By the end of 2012, TLG is planning to add dance and sports skills development classes, which will offer a solid grounding in team sports such as football, hockey and baseball.
