The Little Gym London Award!
The Little Gym of London was awarded The President's  Circle Award by The Little Gym International at the Owner's Reunion in Jacksonville. Florida on April 27, 2013.  The President's Circle Award is given to those franchisees who provide exemplary teaching and customer service.  
Priority Enrollment Week for Summer and Fall 2013
Here is how it works!
 
April 27 - May 3, 2013
Currently enrolled members (children registered in classes now) get first pick at summer or fall class times. As you know, the popular times fill quickly. We have streamlined the process to make it super easy! Our team has class recommendations that are best to continue your child's growth and development.
May 4 - 10, 2013
Members with active memberships (not expired yet), but children not currently enrolled in classes get to choose next. We would love to see you back!
May 11, 2013
Future session enrollment opens to general public.
Summer Camps
Please note - summer camps are open right now for anyone to enroll! Ask about our popular camp paks!
 
Click here and choose the session you want from the drop down menu here>>
 
Introducing The Little Gym Photography

Capture Your Child’s BIG moments with Picture Week at The Little Gym!

Each week, The Little Gym creates special opportunities for your child to build self-confidence - all with a grin that stretches from ear to ear! Now, we offer a beautiful way for you to preserve and cherish these precious memories. Our trained photographers will take pictures of your child’s proudest moments during classes the week of April 8th-14th, 2013.  Professional prints, canvases, and high-resolutions downloads will be available to purchase online beginning April 24th. But, If you sign up before photo week you will receive a special discount with packages starting as low as $79! 

Ready to say cheese? Visit TheLittleGymPhotos.com for more information and to sign up! This is for currently enrolled members only please.

 

 

Help Us Collect One Million Shoes For Those In Need

The Little Gym has teamed up with Soles4Souls to create Big Hearts, Little Shoes, an initiative to help spread shoes and love around the globe. Gently used, overly loved, and outgrown kids and adult shoes can be dropped off at our location during business hours.  The shoes will then be shipped to Soles4Souls, the world’s largest provider of shoes to families living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters.

 

Big Hearts, Little Shoes is a great opportunity for you to talk to your kids about charity and help to them experience the joy of giving. Go through your child’s closet with them and help them pick out shoes that they don’t want or need anymore. Then, ask them to help you go through yours!

 

While you’re sorting through your shoes, explain how they will benefit other children and families in need. For instance, you could share that the shoes will help protect children from illnesses, helping them to grow big and strong. They will also help many children attend schools! This is something that they couldn’t do in their bare feet.

 

Help us reach our goal of collecting one million shoes so we can change one million lives. Together, we’ll all become “Citizen Kids!” and create a better world for everyone!

A Few Common Questions Answered

Why aren’t your prices posted?

The reasons our tuition is not posted are numerous.  Firstly, since you can enroll your child at anytime, the TUITION is prorated to the number of weeks left in the season so the total price changes each week. Secondly, there are a number of different payment options you can choose from. There is too much information to put on the website, and we have found that it is better to explain the options in person so the correct pricing information is understood, and the best choice is made for you and your family.  Thirdly, there is more to our programs than traditional gymnastics, dance, karate and sports programs. We want to learn more about you and your child and help make sure this is the right program for you. If the tuition was posted, you would compare on price alone to other programs, rather than finding out the added value that we offer. We believe there is a difference between simply finding an “activity for your child” and making an investment in your child’s development.

If you are a “price shopper”, please make sure you are making an “apples to apples” comparison. Consider the goals for the students of competing programs, as well as the curriculum, training, cleanliness and location. Also, be aware of the length of the session and the cost PER WEEK. Many people mistakenly assume we are more expensive than other programs, however if cost PER WEEK is compared, we may be only a few dollars more than basic children’s activities in London.

Our curriculum parallels the School Year, September to June. The tuition varies based on your payment option. The most value is found in the Single Pay option (paying it all up front).  You can choose to split that into two with a Bi-pay or choose a Multi pay option or even a regular installment. Other considerations are available for siblings or for additional classes each week.

In order to be in classes, an annual family membership of $30+HST will be due. Member families enjoy many benefits, such as Priority Enrollment, Member Milestones loyalty points, admission to Member-only events, and discounts on services such as Camps, Awesome Birthday Bashes and Parent Survival Nights.

We allow you to make-up classes for ones you have missed, as long as we are notified in advance that you cannot make your scheduled class time. Additionally, makeup classes can only be used while your tuition is current. You can’t save unused classes to use after your enrollment period is over.

Remember that you can enroll during any week and tuition will be pro-rated for classes that you have missed.

If you can’t finish the season, we offer a refund promise so you don’t need to worry about the length of the season. Children benefit most from our programs if they are enrolled for the entire season, but we realize family situations change mid-year, people move away, etc.  Refunds apply only to classes that have not taken place at the time of your notice to us of your inability to continue. Any consideration you received for paying up front will be forfeited in the refund process, and we cannot refund for classes after week 30 of the season. Further details of this promise are in our member handbook

Can I try a class?

You might be a parent that needs to see the added value and experience how your child will benefit over the School Year by being enrolled at The Little Gym.  This is a great way to assure yourself that what we talk about during your inquiry is seen in action. You can come in for a Single Class for only $20+HST.  This is fully refundable upon enrollment for the Season!

There are many things that our classes can offer and we look forward to discussing your needs with you. Please call us or stop in and we will answer any further questions. 519-642-0660. Or, email us at tlglondoncan@thelittlegym.com

 

Why, Oh, Why?

Curiosity plays a big role in child development. Early questions usually revolve around information such as where and when.  But once kids make the cognitive leap to "why?" it's a sign that they recognize cause and effect.   So, why is "why" so fundamental to toddlers?

 

We are starting to get some answers.  Teams from the University of Hawaii and the University of Michigan found that when children received explanations they were more likely to end the questioning. According to the researchers, “When preschoolers ask 'why' questions, they're not merely trying to prolong conversation, they're trying to get to the bottom of things." While this may or may not be true for all children, the research suggests that by age 2 kids actively contribute to the process of learning about the world around them.

 

Eventually, your toddler will come up with a “why?’ that will stump you. Use this opportunity to have some fun and learn together. Have your child sit with you at the computer while you search for the answer online or plan a trip to the library. As your child gets older, try answering some "why" questions with "What do you think?" This will get the wheels turning and nurture logical thinking and language skills. You can learn a lot about what interests your child and you might even learn something new as well!

Encouraging Gold Medal Grins

The best way to encourage kids to try their best is with a smile! But don’t take out word for it. Research studies confirm that positive feedback triggers a natural drive for kids to discover their own potential. Intrinsically motivated children are more involved in their own learning and development and tend to be more enthusiastic learners.

 

So how can you help your child become intrinsically motivated? Praise your child’s efforts as well as their actual accomplishments. Offer suggestions in a supportive way and never criticize or compare their efforts to another child’s.

 

Here at The Little Gym, we celebrate gold medal moments every day by challenging children to strive for their own personal best in a positive, non-competitive environment. Each new accomplishment builds confidence and each successful experience motivates kids to try for the next. Whether they’re learning to land the perfect cartwheel or are learning to listen and follow directions, the confidence gained will inspire them to strive for new challenges with proud Olympic-sized smiles on their faces.

 

The Little Gym is 35 Years Old!
A Grandma by the name of Joanne came into the gym for the first time to get her grand children registered for a Birds class. When she walked up to the front desk she was humming a very old The Little Gym song. I couldn’t help but ask her, “How she knew that song, when this was her first time at The Little Gym?” A very large smile came across her face as she reached into her large bag and pulled out...her very old collection of The Little Gym records that were produced years ago! Yes…records! She had kept them all of these years and said her grown children still knew all the songs!!! Their first teacher was the founder, Mr. Robin Wes, in a Birds class in Bellevue, Washington! Such a wonderful reminder of how long this amazing program really has been around – more than 35 years!
Awesome Birthday Bash Parties
Nothing captures the magic of childhood better than a birthday party. This year, give your child a celebration they’ll never forget. The Little Gym birthday party places are the perfect way to make your child's big day extra special. Your group will have the whole place to yourselves with games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday kid. Our trained instructors will lead all the fun and The Little Gym team will handle everything from setup to cleanup. That means you get to go home to a clean, quiet house free of icing and sprinkles ground into the carpet. Sounds like a wish come true? Inquire today at The Little Gym of London Sherwood Forest Mall 519-642-0660!
Raising a Citizen Kid!

Friendships provide children with so much more than just fun playmates! In fact, friends are essential for healthy psychological development. Many experts believe that a child’s ability to make friends is the single biggest predictor of their success later in life. Some even claim that it’s more important than IQ and grades.

 

Programs at The Little Gym are purposefully designed to help children become “Citizen Kids!” by improving their social and emotional development. Songs, games, and activities focus on listening, sharing, and taking turns. Experiential learning activities help foster creativity, allow friends to solve problems together, and let them pass on knowledge.

 

Throughout the Season, we have special themed weeks to celebrate your child’s friendships. Our next Bring a Friend Week will occur the week of February 18-24 in classes with space. Encourage your child to invite one of their friends to join them for this special occasion.

 

You can also invite a friend to join you for kids gym classes anytime during the Season. If you know someone that would love The Little Gym, invite them to register for an introductory class. You'll receive extra Member Milestones points and a $30 credit when your referral enrolls in a class, and they will receive a $30 credit as well! So share the smiles, fun and high 5's with people all around you. It's our way of saying thank you for spreading the word about The Little Gym!

Teaching Philosophy at The Little Gym

The best way to encourage children to try their best is with a smile. That’s why, surprisingly, our teaching philosophy is quite different from others. We challenge children to strive for success in a positive, nurturing environment. Each new accomplishment promotes confidence and each successful experience motivates them to try for the next. Our coaching style is noncompetitive, which means children are encouraged to strive for their personal best.

 

We're not the only ones who see the value of this approach. Major studies note the myriad benefits of early childhood physical development:

 

•Children with a high level of physical activity tend to remain highly active throughout adolescence. Starting early lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

•Physically active pre-school children perform better in kindergarten and grade school. With age-appropriate exercises and group activities, The Little Gym provides a different context for learning.

•Children with more developed motor coordination have a lower incidence of social and educational problems. By combining physical development with activities that promote sharing, listening and friendship, The Little Gym sets the stage for critical life skills.

•Positive feedback tends to increase children's intrinsic motivation, having long-term benefits on their self-confidence and willingness to embrace challenges.

•Our positive, noncompetitive environment triggers children’s natural drive to discover their own potential.

 

The Little Gym of London offers Gymnastics, Dance and Sports Skills classes as well as Parent and Child Programs from ages 4 months to 12 years old.

Member Community Board

We've got some great members who are business owners and/or can benefit from referrals. Click here to view this month's posting and support them.

If you are interested in joining our Member Community Board, please complete this application.

Ahhh…The Fearful Child

We have all had it…the child who is afraid to leave moms side…the one that won’t peel away from the wall.  It makes us question.  Is this fear normal?  What can we do about it?

 

According to the article “Is It ‘Normal’ for Children to Be Afraid?” by Karen M. Carlson, M.Ed., fear is a normal emotion.  “It’s nature’s way of alerting us to react to danger, and helps protect us from threatening situations.”  A child experiences many fears because his world is always expanding and changing.  Children spend much time learning to cope with the unfamiliar and it is difficult for them to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

 

Studies show that young toddlers fear things such as loud noises and strangers.  However, as they age those things become less fearful and the imagination takes over.  Children between the ages of 3 and 6 fear things such as death, the dark, ridicule, robbers, and “monsters.”

 

The following are things that Carlson suggests can be done to help kids work through their fears:

 

  • Don’t Laugh at Children’s Fears.  It will not diminish the fear…only the child’s confidence.
  • Don’t Ignore Children’s Fears.  This may make them feel like they have to deal with it all alone.  Give the child reassurance.
  • Don’t Force Children in Situations They Fear.  Shock method rarely works.  Give him or her time to adjust to the fearful situation.
  • Don’t Lie to Children About Their Fears.  Truthfulness can help children manage their fear.
  • Don’t Transmit Personal Fears to Children.  A child will readily adopt the fears of those around them.
  • Accept Children’s Fears as Real.  Acknowledging the fear lets children know that it is OK to have and to express fear.
  • Help Children Broaden the Range of Their Coping Skills.  If children feel they have some control over the ways they react, they gain feelings of competence and self-confidence.
  • Let Children See Other People Interact Confidently with the Situations They Fear. 
  • Adjust Your Expectations to Fit the Child’s Age.  If you have appropriate developmental expectations a child, some of the fears will be avoided all together.

Source: Dr. Donald Carlson PhD, Frederick MD

Want to know (& SEE) more?
Hey if you want to see what other fun stuff is going on at The Little Gym; take a look at our Facebook fan page or visit the official The Little Gym Channel on YouTube.
 
Not enough?  We even have a site dedicated to Childrens Successes.  Check it out too!
Member Milestone (Loyalty Points)
Want to see how many points you have accumulated?  CLICK here to see what they can do for YOU!
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