BUDOKWAI TODDLERS

Our Philosophy

At Budokwai we believe in allowing your child to explore and develop at his or her own pace. The purpose of all our activities is to focus on "enjoying the process" rather than producing a perfect end result! Through our art and gym sessions we aim to create a fun and engaging experience for you and your child in a friendly and positive environment.

What happens at a Budokwai toddler gym session?

All toddler classes are 50 minutes long, led by two instructors and require parent/nanny participation.

The activities listed below are the core elements of the Budokwai toddler class. Each instructor will use these elements in your session (at different levels depending on the age group) plus use relevant ideas of their own. We respect that each instructor has his or her own unique style and personality and it is important to express that. Each group will have a different dynamic so the instructor will do their utmost to introduce you to activities that they feel suit your particular group. We provide a combination of novelty and familiarity.

Developing our confidence, co-ordination, rhythm pitch and listening skills, we sing we dance, we scream we shout, we use our instruments to shake it all about. We build up our strength with obstacles and races, and usually wear happy or mad crazy faces! We learn to spot the puppet animals each week on the farm and get lost in a sea of colour on the parachute with mum. With bubbles and a twinkle star to end each session with glee, just enough time to sing goodbye, thank goodness I can go to sleep!!

Core elements

• We always welcome you and your child with our very own Hello song
• Action songs – we learn a wide variety of both classic and contemporary songs repeating our Budokwai "core classics" each week.
• Through repetition we understand the process of learning and retaining. The child's confidence grows gradually as he/she becomes more familiar with the tune and action. It's a joy to see the progression which usually leads to most children deman

  

  ding their own songs!!
• Races/obstacles – Jumping over and under, balancing, running, weaving through
  tunnels, building stamina and physical fitness.
• Hoops, bean bags and balls to explore (construction for 2-3yrs learn to build with Lego and
  Puzzles)
• Parachute- Games and fun (visual and sensory experience)
• Puppets - Old Macdonald animal puppets plus jungle and Zoo animals
• Bubble mania
• We never let you go without singing goodbye!

The role of the parent/nanny/carer
As a parent or nanny you get to be a child all over again! When you enter the world of play as a team it gives the child reassurance and leads to a healthy emotional development. Budokwai toddlers view the parent/nanny as an active participant and play mate.

Respecting our Space

Our Magnificent Space is…

Simply the best!!

This beautiful purpose built dojo boasts the following attributes:

• 160 metres square of soft padded sprung floor.
• Wooden slatted walls
• High ceilings
• Lots of natural light
• A brand new heating and air conditioning system

The Budokwai dojo provides the perfect safe and spacious environment for your child to have fun

At Budokwai we believe that both time and space are very precious. In order to maintain a safe and clean environment for our play time together we ask you to respect the following rules:

• It is vital to sign in at reception each time you visit us (Health & safety/Fire regs)
• No shoes to be worn in the dojo
• No hot drinks (only drinks allowed are children’s plastic beakers)
• No food (adults or children’s)
• No mobile phones please
• No talking during structured session time (please talk at free time periods)
• Nappy changing facilities are situated in the female changing room opposite reception.
• Nappies are to be changed in this area only and put into the special bin provided.
• Due to space single buggies are to be parked in the male changing room only and double ones in the female changing room. Please respect that other classes (female only) are taking place during the morning and the ladies need the space to change.