Building Self-Confidence in Children, One Humongous Grin at a Time
Want to give your child the best start in life? That extra edge that will help them become well-rounded, well-adjusted adults? Research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids. In other words, Serious Fun provides some serious benefits. And, we have the research to back it up!
At The Little Gym of Stevens Creek, we take a holistic “Three-Dimensional Learning” approach to skill development. This philosophy is based on three core tenets: “Get Moving” to foster flexibility, strength, balance and coordination; “Brain Boost” to nurture listening skills, concentration and decision making; and “Citizen Kid” to promote sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership abilities.
We're not the only ones who see the value of this approach. Major studies note the benefits of a whole child approach to physical activity. Research has shown that:
- Children make judgments about their motor skill abilities at an early age, which may affect their willingness to take on new physical challenges as they get older.i
- Structured and repetitive physical activities can improve a child’s processing speed, working memory, self-control and strategic decision-making ability. ii
- Early participation in structured group activities that allow children to cultivate skills such as initiative, teamwork, and emotional regulation, can help children more effectively take on leadership roles in childhood and later life. iii
Download our white papers to learn more.
Raising Future Well-Adjusted Adults: How a Three-Dimensional Approach to Learning Fosters Healthy, Smart, Socially-Adept Children
Launching a Lifetime of Healthy Habits: How Starting Physical Activity Early Sets the Tone for Years to Come
Research compiled and reviewed by Dr. Cheryl K. Olson, a public health researcher and former Harvard Medical School faculty member who specializes in child development and health behaviors.
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i LeGear, M., Greyling, L., Sloan, E, Bell, R.I., Williams, B.L. et al. (2012). A window of opportunity? Motor skills and perceptions of competence of children in kindergarten. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9:29.
iiTomporowski, P.D., Lambourne, K., & Okumura, M.S. (2011). Physical activity interventions and children’s mental function: An introduction and overview. Preventive Medicine, 52(Suppl.1):S3- S9.
iii Murphy, S.E., & Johnson, S.K. (2011). The benefits of a long-lens approach to leader development: Understanding the seeds of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 22:459-470.