Certificates and awards help tell the story of everything a child has achieved
As a coach or an instructor, it may be easy to look at a child’s gymnastics fitness performance, see the way they are growing in class, and marvel at all they have learned and all they have achieved. But for parents — and more importantly for children — that kind of progress can be much harder to see.
That’s why certificates and awards are such important tools in nurturing your little gymnasts.
What it means for the children
For children, having something they can hold on to that is a symbol of their achievement is a wonderful motivator. Whether it’s a stamp on the wrist or a “report card” outlining everything they learned, it is a reminder of all of their hard work.
Sometimes as adults we can forget, because “earning” becomes something associated with so much of our world. But for children, really earning something is still a wonderful, pure feeling.
A sports achievement certificate for kids which explains their progress helps a child re-tell the story of their gymnastics experience. They may not remember every specific activity (especially days or weeks later) but that piece of paper gets to be a reminder of how far they have come.
What it means for the parents
Of course every parent wants to know that the money they are spending on their child’s gymnastics program is paying off, and some may get frustrated when their child responds with “I don’t know” every time they ask what happened in class.
A detailed child fitness certificate lets parents know all the learning that goes into the fun. Sure, games are great but did you know your son or daughter is learning body awareness and practicing positioning?
Remember: for families, these programs are an investment of time and energy, as well as money. And knowing what skills their child is learning allows parents to not only see results but feel like a larger part of the experience, as well.
That’s also why awards ceremonies at the end of sessions are great. Everyone gets their moment! The child gets that reinforcement that comes with achievement and recognition, and everyone else including moms,dads, grandmas and grandpas — get to share in the pride of that moment.
Certificates and awards should be about what is being learned, not mastered. Highlight what’s in your programs, what you’re doing and what the children are learning mentally, socially, physically and emotionally just by participating.
Whether you do it at the end of each session or as a part of every class, recognition of any kind — be it a certificate or a sticker — is a wonderful way to engage parents and help your little gymnasts see and acknowledge how much they have grown!
From Darlene “The Bean”
