How TMA Instructors take into account the emotional development of children in our classes (Age 4-6) – A Parents Guide

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 Emotional Education of children aged 3 & 4 years and 5 & 6 year olds. 3 to 4 Years Old Children They typically have strong preferences and fears therefore they will normally act out of bounds when their emotions get out of control. They build most their confidence through fair play OUR EXPECTATIONS – we expect that this age group at some points during our classes will:- Run off the mat when they have anxiety Shut down when something either scares them or doesn’t go their way Have “slow brakes” when they are excited OUR GOALS in each class is that the children should: Overcome anxiety on the mat by not running off when they are nervous or scared Follow Directions and persevere through an activity even if they are initially emotional Sit still even if they are excited 5 to 6 Years Old Children They are in tune with their emotions, but will act silly when they are nervous or excited. They build most of their confidence through making their HEROES proud OUR EXPECTATIONS Act silly, even when they know better, especially when working with their peers Act silly or scared when they have to act out something OUR GOALS Maintain DISCIPLINE when working with others Demonstrate CONFIDENCE when performing activities that require “acting” such as stranger awareness or bully prevention role play in class. Please see our other Blog articles where we discuss the Physical, Social 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.