Incorporating Social Development of children aged 4-6 years into Martial Arts

Children learn and grow in stages, some children either accelerate compared to their peers, or are growing at a slower pace than normal, therefore it is hard to pinpoint the exact ages and stages of development. However, Tring Martial Arts Academy instructors are trained in the various stages and levels of child development and recognise through our experience since 2005 that child growth and development can be categorizes into four main age groups. The four age groups are: 3 & 4 year olds 5 & 6 year olds 7 to 9 year olds 10 to 14 year olds Within each age group, children show growth and development in four fundamental categories: Physical Intellectual Emotional Social Within each category, children show distinct characteristics that define their stage of development. That’s where Tring Martial Arts Instructors can help. We can help a child to foster proper growth and development because we understand what to expect, and what-not to expect in each particular category, and in turn helping them to learn and grow in a more age-appropriate manner. We use various skills, games, instruction and learning methodologies honed over more than a decade of martial arts instruction to foster a greater sense of achievement within each child, empowering them with the right tools for growth, rewarding them for their efforts and allowing parents and carers to understand that they are continuing to learn despite their individual development needs. This blog article will discuss the Social Education of children aged 3 & 4 years and 5 & 6 year olds. 3 to 4 Years Old Children They are typically very self-centred, also due to their limited vocabulary their common method of communication is mainly physical OUR EXPECTATIONS – we expect that this age group at some points during our classes will: Mocking each other, such as when their class mate follows (or copying) Physically touching other people to show excitement Physically touching others when they are angry OUR GOALS in each class is that the children should: Showing restraint when others are being silly Showing RESPECT for other people’s personal space Using their words to express their anger 5 to 6 Years Old Children They enjoy the spotlight, but tend to lack proper sportsmanship and will often cheat to win. OUR EXPECTATIONS Will get upset when they do not win, get over-excited when they do win, and cheat if they can get away with it. Try to get as much of the instructor’s attention as possible, such as interrupting them when they are speaking Boys prefer to work with boys, and girls with girls OUR GOALS Demonstrate good TEAMWORK in competitive situations Show self-control as a means to earn RESPECT from the instructor such as raising their hands to ask a question rather than interrupting them or others. Be more open to work with others of the opposite sex. Please see our other Blog articles where we discuss the Physical, Intellectual and Emotional Education of Children at Tring Martial Arts. The Instructors at Tring Martial Arts are experts in child development and we recognise that some children will perform above or below the expectations of their age group, and since 2005 we have trained ourselves and our staff to educate everyone considering their emotional, physical, intellectual and social needs. Contact us today on 01442 795001 or see our website.