What’s the Difference Between Crème de la Crème’s Gymnasium and Creative Movement? How do the Learning Objectives Differ?

A fundamental part of early childhood is moving and being active. Brain research suggests that being active stimulates cognitive growth as well because when energy is exerted, children can focus better, sleep better and stay on task for longer periods of time. Further, when children are provided diversity in their movement it impacts their vestibular (balance and spatial orientation for coordinated movement) and proprioceptive (movements that send messages to the brain of the bodies position in space – self-awareness) senses.

Exertion + Exercise = Physical & Cognitive Growth

            Crème de la Crème’s gymnasium is a space where large gross motor movements take place such as racing, climbing, kicking, jumping and so forth. These movement types help develop strength and coordination as well as an opportunity to really exert one’s self. Some of our learning objectives include collaboration with peers and sportsmanship so children have a well-rounded education in that space.

Exercise + Collaboration = Physical & Social Growth

          Our Creative Movement Studio is meant for more controlled physical activity such as yoga, dance, meditation, balance beam and dramatic play. These opportunities help children understand how to purposefully manipulate their bodies, fine tune physical skills, and introduce mindfulness into their movement. According to The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley (2019), “Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentile, nurturing lens.”

Movement + Mindfulness = Physical & Metacognitive Growth

Parenting Tip: When being active with your children, express how the different types of movements make you feel as you do them.

Running as fast as you can is exciting and builds your strength and coordination.

Yoga makes you feel relaxed and calm.

Model the language so that children can better understand how the body and brain and heart are all connected.

Dr. Masek
VP of Education