I have two busy boys, ages 3 and 5, who have been attending Gymco classes since they were 18 months old. This January the both started Discovery Preschool at Gymco and we all could not be happier. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate and focuses not only on physical and emotional well-being, but on sensory integration and different learning styles for cognition. My boys can't wait to go to school and they have grown in all learning areas in the few short months they have been attending. Discovery Preschool has been a wonderful choice for our family. Kori Q. East Grand Rapids
Ready, Set, Let's Go. Spring Into Action!
Why choose the Discovery Program??
** The program, for ages 3-6 years, is based on research demonstrating that physical movement is critical to brain growth and cognitive ability in young children. Gymco’s Discovery Preschool is unique in the fact that we strive to spend much of our time actively learning and incorporating movement, while promoting lifelong physical activity.
Children will engage in creative activities that:
·Promote healthy interpersonal relationships
·Develop an understanding of sharing space and taking turns
·Provide successful experience that lead to increased confidence and self-esteem
·Promote independence, competence and initiative
The Physical Literacy or movement component helps children:
·Increase strength and flexibility
·Develop skills for every sport
·Increase oxygen to the brain
·Reduce stress levels and build stronger bones
Learning activities help students:
·Prepare for school readiness
·Develop better ability to listen and follow direction
·Develop problem solving skills
·Develop learning receptors in the brain by using all senses
Gymco’s philosohy:
-We use an individualized approach
-Provide appropriate challenges with instruction and encouragement necessary to conquer them.
-Provide a safe and positive learning environment
-Develop confidence by helping children experience success in small steps
-Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills
A little about the day in the life of a Discovery Preschooler……
We begin our day in the gym. We incorporate learning about number order, counting, colors, letter recognition and social skills into our various gymnastic activities. These are our gross motor activities which are a great time for the child to move, learn, and interact with each other and to have fun.
Another important part of our day is the sensory snack. We feel that this is an important chance for the children to learn and socialize with each other, while also eating a healthy snack. Snacks are chosen that will engage and involve the child and be interesting or new to them.
We spend a portion of the day focusing on fine motor skills through hand manipulative activities. We use scissors, tweezers, chopsticks, squirt bottles and many other tools to help strengthen writing hands. Every day we do a hand manipulation activity to help their coordination, creativity, writing letters and drawing shapes.
During the day we also have a Calendar time where we review the days of the week and months of the year and do our counting. We also may discuss letters, shapes, colors, weather, where we live, or read a story.
We also have creative play time each day which is a great time for the children to interact with one another and explore their creativity. This may be in the classroom setting or outside.
* The goal of the Discovery Program’s curriculum is to engage and encourage the children to learn. By providing the children with activities that stimulate their creativity and energy as well as their minds, we allow children to develop social, language, physical, emotional and cognitive knowledge and skills. *
Sample Daily Lesson Plan
Theme: Around the Town
Special Activity: Gymnastics
Sensory Snack: Red, Yellow and Green Apples, Caramel Dip and Juice
** Talk about the differences and similarities of the various apples, where do
apples come from?
Calendar:
What day is today? What day is tomorrow? Days of the Week song
Children, age 3-6, depending on availability. It is Gymco’s policy that any child to be accepted into the Discovery Program must be three by the first day of the session and must also be toilet trained. Children with special needs are welcome into the Discovery Program. Depending on each child’s unique situation, an evaluation may be required to determine proper placement.
How much gym time do the students receive daily?
Discovery begins with 55 minutes in the gym doing gymnastics. We loosely follow the presport lesson plan, while integrating concepts such as counting, identifying colors, numbers and letters and other educational lessons. The class will often return to the gym for additional learning activities throughout the day.
What should students wear?
Students should wear comfortable clothes that do not prohibit movement. Jeans, skirts, tights and clothing with snaps or zippers are not permitted. Students should also always have weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor playtime. Please also include an extra change of clothes in the backpack in case of accidents.
What supplies do I need to provide for my child?
A backpack should be brought each day to transport papers. Other than that, all supplies, including snack, are provided by Gymco.
What is the teacher : student ratio?
1:8
Who will my child have as a teacher?
Students will rotate between teachers or stay in one group. We believe it is important that the students experience different teaching styles and personalities. Children will stay together in one group most of the time. When they are separated into two groups it is by age.
Fees Summer 2 days a week: $447 / session or $149 / month 3 days a week: $2,007 / session or $223 / month 4 days a week: $894 / session or $298 / month
School Year 2 days a week: $1,341 / session or $149 / month 3 days a week: $2,007 / session or $223 / month 4 days a week: $2,682 / session or $298 / month
Registration fee is $36 for one child or $50 for the family
