Making learning more than fun
Every day, a thorough cleaning and disinfection of every My Gym center is carried out before the arrival of children in the morning. And repeated after children leave for home.
The life of a preschool teacher is a hectic one, and they are often found multitasking. However, when it comes to playtime, they give children their full attention and jump into play with both feet. The bonds they share with children is often built during this important time together.
Children are perceptive and will know instantly if a caregiver's mind is elsewhere. One of the many reasons why the focus of every My Gym teacher is always your child and the game that they are playing.
These moments of shared imagination bring both closer together and lets the child know that the teacher cares and listens to them. This is what builds trust and love.
Encouragement is better than praise
Every child is valuable and worthy of all the time that we can devote to them. Playtime is one of the best investments one can make in a child's life.
There's a big difference between encouragement and praise. One rewards the child while the other rewards the task. Praise makes a child feel that they're only worthwhile if they do something well. Encouragement, on the other hand, acknowledges their effort.
Think about the last time someone acknowledged your hard work and told you they believed in you. That kind of encouragement not only gives us adults the kind of confidence boost we need to keep going, but it also builds the best kind of confidence a child can have.
By setting your children up to succeed, and spending quality time together, a teacher helps them grow up feeling good about themselves and the world around them.
Paying full attention matters
Too much praise can create pressure to perform and set up a constant need for approval from others. Instead, give the child the message that the effort - and seeing a task through to its end is what's truly matters.
We at My Gym can't stress enough how important it is for us to give children our undivided attention. Much like playtime, we believe, it boosts the child's feelings of self-worth by sending the message that they're important and valuable.
If a child needs to talk, we pause and listen to what they have to say. They need to know that their thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter. By doing so, we validate those feelings and show that we value what they have to say.
Small tasks prepare children for big ones
Always maintain eye contact with children, so it's clear to them that we're really listening to what they're saying. This also helps them get comfortable with their emotions.
Children need opportunities to display their skills and feel that their contribution is valued. At My Gym, this means asking them to help out with small chores. Like cleaning up their desks. And when at home, it could perhaps even mean helping Dad washup plates!
Consider your child's interests and give them a job that lets them feel useful and successful. If your child is proud of their ability to organize, ask them to put toys away in designated areas. When a child accomplishes a task, they feel confident.
All My Gym Centers strictly follow proven sanitising procedures to keep children safe
- Every child undergoes entry point temperature checking and hand sanitising procedure
- All programmes and activities happen in small groups
- Fixed group seating during classroom activities
- 30 minutes interval in between each class to allow for centre sanitising