The History

Recent studies from the USA have highlighted a worrying trend towards sedentary lifestyles in children. Traditional playground games requiring a good deal of physicality, are being replaced by the television, computer and video games. Follow-up British studies have concurred with the American studies which have led to the coining of the phrase "video generation".

The link between sedentary lifestyles and coronary heart disease (still the developed world's biggest killer) has long been accepted. The current trend towards sedentary lifestyles is therefore all the more alarming. We should therefore encourage our children towards an active lifestyle as early as possible. The more enjoyable an activity can be, the more likely it is that participants will adhere to it.

The Classes

Mini-Rangers is an activity programme for three to six year olds. Although the classes may contain an element of co-ordination practice and academic learning, the focus for all classes is on physical exercise. Through a combination of gymnastic activities, playground games and martial arts training. The classes provide an outlet and focus for the children's energy, whilst safely strengthening their growing bodies and most importantly, showing them that fitness is fun!

Discipline

The discipline required for co-operative play is proactively encouraged, reinforced and rewarded. Clear guidelines regarding safety and etiquette are set and one must expect the instructor to be firm.

At this age familiarity is very reassuring and therefore the class format will contain some elements which will continue and develop each week.

Don't expect too much from your child too soon!

Some children may take several weeks to become familiar with the venue, the personality of the instructor and the format of the classes. Parents and guardians are welcome to join in with their children and please feel free to do this if it helps encourage your child. A few tears from some children are inevitable on occasion; be sympathetic, but try not to over react - the children will react in kind.

Award Scheme

Our unique award scheme has been developed in line with the National PE Curriculum which highlights the importance for all children to experience a degree of success. The tasks cover a range of skills from fitness exercises to gymnastics and the martial arts. Awards are presented in the form of bronze, silver or gold diplomas.

Uniform

Karate suits are available through your instructor. The uniform helps provide a greater sense of identity for the children and this in turn adds to the overall enjoyment.

Medical

If your child has any medical condition which may affect their participation, please report this to your Instructor.

Your Instructor: Rob King has an honours degree in Sport Science and is a qualified School PE Teacher. He worked for eight years at the Douglas Bader Sports Centre in Oxford, where his duties included gymnastic classes, children's parties and holiday activity courses. Rob is a qualified Black Belt Karate Instructor (EKGB), Gymnastics Coach (BAGA) and Sports Acrobatics Teacher (BAGA).