Why Gymnastics or NinjaZone Should Stay in Your Child’s Routine Even When "Big School" Starts

My little man on his first day at "Big School"

When Big School Starts, Everything Changes

When your child starts school for the first time, it can feel like your whole world changes. As a parent, you are suddenly making decisions about everything — from which school they will attend, to what activities they will do, what childcare arrangements you will need, and even which lunchbox to buy (and yes, that one really matters).

When my son started school, we tried our best to keep some things the same for him. Because for them, everything is changing.

They have spent years in the comfort of kinder or daycare, with familiar routines, people and places.

Then suddenly, it is big school:

• Unfamiliar place

• Unfamiliar people

• New rules and expectations

• New clothes

• New ways to eat

• New times to leave and get home

  
  

That is why choosing one or two things to keep consistent can make a big difference. It helps your child transition into Prep as a more settled, confident learner.

Why a Third Place Matters

Research shows that children benefit from having a third place — a space that is not home and not school, but somewhere they feel safe, supported and welcome. For many children, this is a sporting club. For others, it might be Scouts, church or a community group.

Gymnastics or NinjaZone at EKGA could be your child’s third place.

Here is Why It Is Worth Continuing

Familiarity Our venue is known to them. They know where to put their shoes and water bottle, where to line up, and how to enter confidently.

Consistency Classes begin on 12 January, giving your child a chance to settle into a routine before school starts.

Safe Space They know the rules, the boundaries and what to expect. That predictability is comforting.

Familiar Faces Coaches like Madison, Megs, Ruby, Jacinta, Vivian, Caleb, Jess, Katia and Sergey are often seen in both preschool and after-school classes.

Flexible Scheduling We run classes seven days a week — after school, Saturdays and Sundays — so you can easily fit them around your work and family schedule.

School Readiness Focus During Term 4, our preschool classes are specially designed to support school transition. We include extra school readiness activities to help children feel confident and prepared for the expectations of Prep.

Why Gymnastics Skills Matter for School

Here is something many parents do not think about: school playgrounds are very different from kinder. They are bigger, faster-paced and often more chaotic. Gymnastics and NinjaZone teach children how to fall safely, land properly and move confidently — skills that are incredibly valuable in the school playground.

If your child is starting school next year, consider keeping Gymnastics or NinjaZone as their constant. It might just be the anchor they need in a sea of change.