9 min read
January 31, 2024
We always see children absolutely thrive when their efforts, no matter how big or small, are recognised and rewarded. It inspires and motivates them to strive to be the best they can be, which leads to them discovering their capabilities and surprising themselves with what they can achieve!
Whilst we have the Gymfinity Kids in-house Award Scheme that moves children up levels depending on the skills they conquer in our gymnastics and ninja classes, it’s so important to look beyond physical skills and see how we can nurture qualities in the children that can help shape them into a generation of respectful, brave, helpful, determined, friendly, and team-oriented children!
We want children to leave our clubs feeling accomplished both inside and out, so we’re introducing the Gymfinity Kids Values Recognition Scheme.
Gymfinity Kids: Values Recognition Scheme
We have been working hard behind the scenes alongside Beth Tweddle and are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Values Recognition Scheme at Gymfinity Kids! This initiative is all about celebrating and nurturing the qualities that make our club a vibrant and positive community.
Which values are featured in the Values Recognition Scheme?
We’re bringing our core values to the forefront of our services to help encourage, motivate and inspire the children to be the best they can be:
- Teamwork
- Determination
- Friendship
- Respect
- Bravery
- Being Helpful
Why have we selected these values?
Each value has been specially selected as we believe they are the building blocks of character and success, and we should recognise and reward every child who demonstrates these values. Take a look below to see exactly how each value can bring so much development, self-confidence and social skills that prepare them for the future.
Teamwork
Teamwork teaches a child collaborative skills where they learn how to communicate, compromise and contribute ideas while respecting the input of others. They develop problem-solving abilities with critical thinking skills and find creative solutions to challenges.
Seeing teamwork in action at Gymifnity, we see it encourages social development by encouraging children to interact with their peers positively and constructively. It helps them build friendships, develop empathy, and understand the importance of cooperation and support.
Thinking ahead, teamwork skills provide preparation for the future. Teaching children teamwork equips them with the skills they need to collaborate effectively with others and thrive in future academic, professional, and social environments.
Determination
Teaching children determination in class is crucial for several reasons! It can help children develop resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks – they can learn to persevere and bounce back from failures, which is essential for building confidence and maintaining a positive attitude towards achieving their goals. From learning their first cartwheel to mastering a ninja flip, determination is what can help them succeed.
Determination encourages children to set goals and work towards them. By learning to break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks or steps, children develop a sense of purpose and direction, fostering a proactive approach to personal growth and achievement. When implementing this in class, it instils a strong work ethic where they understand the value of hard work, dedication, and discipline in attaining success.
Determination nurtures a sense of self-efficacy – the belief in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and overcome obstacles. Children who are determined are more likely to have confidence in their abilities, which can positively influence their performance and overall well-being.
Overall, teaching children determination instills in them the mindset and skills needed to overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations with perseverance. Whether that’s in class or out in the world!
Friendship
We love to see friendships flourish in our clubs. Friendship among children is incredibly important for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. It allows them to develop crucial social skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Through these interactions, children learn how to navigate different social situations, understand the perspectives of others, and express their thoughts and feelings effectively. Not forgetting, learning empathy and compassion, and learning to recognise and respond to the emotions and needs of their friends.
Emotional support and companionship from friends can help children feel valued, understood and less lonely. They can offer comfort during challenging times, celebrate successes, and provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. It can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
Friendship also promotes diversity and inclusion, as it allows children to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a greater appreciation for diversity and promoting inclusion. Through friendships, children learn to embrace differences, challenge stereotypes, and build inclusive communities.
Respect
Respect is crucial in children’s development and for fostering relationships with others. We believe that by teaching children to respect themselves, their coaches and their fellow classmates, it can form the foundation of healthy relationships. Children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully and build trusting connections with peers, family and authority figures.
Respect encourages children to consider the perspectives, feelings and experiences of others, which in turn develop empathy and understanding. It prevents bullying, encouraging kindness, tolerance and dignity – it will mean children are less likely to engage in behaviours that harm their peers.
In an educational setting, respect contributes to a positive and inclusive school climate. It fosters a supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued, safe and motivated to succeed!
And of course, respect begins with self-respect. By teaching children to respect themselves, their bodies, emotions and boundaries, they develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. It empowers children to make healthy choices, set boundaries and advocate for themselves in various situations.
Bravery
Learning something new in class takes a bucket load of bravery, so encouraging children to explore bravery, it can help them face many challenges. Bravery empowers children to face challenges and obstacles with courage and resilience. It helps them confront fears, take risks, and persevere – essential skills for navigating life’s uncertainties and pursuing goals.
Self-confidence is a side effect of bravery as they can develop belief in their own abilities. By stepping out of their comfort zone with new experiences or tasks, they gain a sense of accomplishment and learn to trust their capacity to overcome obstacles and succeed. It’s all about growth and learning!
Bravery fosters resilience by teaching children to bounce back from failures and setbacks, which are expected in our gymnastics and ninja classes. Practice and perseverance are the only ways to develop both physically and mentally in class. When children take brave actions and encounter obstacles or failures along the way, they learn valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance that prepare them to navigate future challenges.
Independence comes hand-in-hand with bravery – it teaches children to trust their instincts, make decisions, and take initiative. Children are empowered to assert themselves and take ownership of their lives, choices and actions! Whether it’s standing up for themselves or others, or pursuing their passions and dreams, bravery empowers children to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change.
And ultimately, bravery helps the children overcome anxiety and fear. By gradually exposing them to challenging situations in a supportive environment, children learn to confront their fears and develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety-provoking situations.
Being Helpful
We love to see the children help their friends and classmates during class. Teaching children to be helpful fosters empathy and compassion towards others. By encouraging them to consider the needs and feelings of others, children learn to empathize with others’ experiences and develop a sense of kindness and caring.
It involves effective communication, cooperation, and teamwork, which are essential social skills. And it instils a sense of responsibility in children towards their families, communities, and the broader society. When children understand the impact of their actions on others and actively seek ways to contribute positively, they develop a sense of accountability and ownership for their role in creating a better world.
Helping others can also boost children’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. When they see the positive impact of their actions on others and receive appreciation for their efforts, it reinforces their belief in their abilities and the value of their contributions. By engaging in acts of kindness and giving without expecting anything in return, children learn the joy of making a difference in others’ lives and develop a sense of fulfilment from helping those in need.
How Does the Values Recognition Scheme Work?
Starting in February 2024, we will be recognizing children who exemplify these values during their gymnastics, ninja, preschool movement and dance classes. When your child demonstrates one of our club values, they will receive a special sticker as a symbol of their achievement.
This is more than just a sticker; it’s a recognition of the positive impact they are making in our club and an encouragement for them to continue growing in these areas.
As parents and guardians, your support and celebration of these values are crucial. We encourage you to join us in acknowledging these wonderful traits, as they play a significant role in your child’s development and the overall atmosphere of our club.
Also, keep an eye out for our fresh-looking certificates over the next couple of months! These are part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate achievements and milestones in our Award Weeks.
Further Skills Recognition
Additionally, we will continue to update you via email whenever your child completes a new skill, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We’ve heard your feedback regarding the regularity of progression updates and have taken action.
Our skills tracking process has been revamped, ensuring that you will receive more frequent updates via email about new skills your child has mastered. Furthermore, our online awards tracker will be updated with these details, providing you with a comprehensive view of your child’s progress.
Extensive Coach Training:
We are also excited to share that we have recently invested in extensive training for our team, focusing on class management and promoting healthy behaviours. This training is a significant step towards enhancing the class experience for your child, ensuring that each session is not only fun and engaging but also conducive to learning and personal growth.
Together, with our enhanced training and the new Values Recognition Scheme, we are committed to making Gymfinity Kids an even more rewarding place for your child to learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to seeing our young members develop these valuable life skills and can’t wait to celebrate their achievements with you!
Thank you for being a part of the Gymfinity Kids family, and here’s to nurturing a brilliant generation of children!