Oman education: Gym to promote early learning among young children

Muscat: An experiential learning and physical development centre for children aged between four months and one year will be opened in Al Azaiba on Wednesday.
Called ‘The Little Gym,’ the centre will combine weekly-themed gymnastics, music and games, and offer progressively structured classes, creating opportunities for children to try new things and build self confidence.
“The Little Gym started with a soft opening this summer and the response from parents and children has been extremely positive. The summer camps were sold out and the current class schedule is filling quickly. In the Gulf, there are other branches (of The Little Gym) that are very successful, which shows that this concept is multi-cultural and is needed for the children of Oman.”
“The classes evolve with each stage of a child’s motor skills and cerebral development, building skills and confidence in a lively and safe environment,” said Nashia Nasib, co-owner of The Little Gym.
Owners Nashia and Natasha Nasib said the gym is different from other such places because it will offer three-dimensional learning. “We can differentiate ourselves from our competitors in that we will embrace a proprietary philosophy called “Three-Dimensional Learning,” in which physical activity is a conduit for nurturing the whole child.
“‘Get moving’ focuses on developing flexibility, strength, balance and coordination through varied physical activities. ‘Brain Boost’ nurtures listening skills, concentration and decision-making that benefits the child well beyond the gym and ‘Citizen Kid’ promotes sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership through spending time with friends and peers.”
According to Natasha, Oman does not offer enough choice for children in terms of physical and mental development activities. “In Oman, there are not enough choices for children to join in activities that allow them to not compete with another child, but to enjoy the social aspect of exercise. An atmosphere of encouragement, where the child is stimulated both mentally and physically.”
“The foundations for learning are laid very early in a child’s life. The experiences a child has in the early years can either support learning or interfere with it, and health and physical well-being are the basis for all learning and development.”
“The Little Gym will help in nurturing the child’s attitudes towards exercise, which are built from the child’s earliest experiences. Flexibility, strength, balance and coordination; as well as listening skills, concentration and decision-making are all important aspects that are fostered at The Little Gym, in addition to teaching children the importance of sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership.”
Parents and their children can anticipate a fun yet serious and structured, non-competitive environment at the gym, where children can strive to reach their potential and grow their skills at their own pace, with close guidance from qualified instructors.
“We follow a programme that has been developed scientifically, to help youngsters achieve their full potential during each stage of their development. From their very first class, babies explore a variety of movements and experiences that encourage social interaction, rhythm, language and number comprehension, spatial and body awareness, hand-eye coordination and balance,” Nashia explained.
“Each element encourages development in a particular area, with youngsters acquiring skills and confidence in a nurturing environment, whilst also having lots of fun.”