Providing a range of fun activities and social interactions for our children is an important task for all parents. However, as you probably know, keeping this up on a regular basis can be difficult even at the best of times!
But the good news is our Minis toddler soccer classes are the perfect way to give your little ones fun and engaging activities on a regular basis and achieve their age-appropriate developmental milestones along the way.
Created by Early Childhood specialists, these toddler soccer classes address four essential areas of growth and development that are fundamental for children. And best of all parents can use the same activities learned in the classes to engage and enhance development in fun ways at home and during the holiday periods.
Designed to be non-competitive and to foster each toddler’s natural growth and development, these classes focus on fun activities for kids. And parents watching a class will see smiles, hear laughter, and witness kids interacting with each other in ways that can expand from soccer to other activities and friendships.
Let’s take a closer look at the four growth and development areas as well as the ways that our Minis soccer classes help kids to improve physical development, build confidence, and develop all-important social skills that will create a solid foundation for life.
Gross Motor (Physical) Skill Milestones
Using fun drills and activities, toddlers learn how to control their bodies through running, jumping, starting, stopping, and becoming comfortable with movement. Kids love to challenge themselves, and our coaches are there to create opportunities for kids to experience individual and group success in a non-competitive environment.
In addition to gross physical movement, toddlers also learn how to kick and throw a ball, how to catch a ball, and how to balance and stand on their tiptoes. With increased physical awareness and comfort, toddlers are more confident in moving about in their environment on and off of the soccer pitch.
Social and Emotional Milestones
Playing soccer and interacting with the other children in the class provides a wealth of social and emotional growth opportunities. Toddlers see what other children and adults do and say, and they learn how to play and interact with others in a structured and safe environment.
Most toddlers start to have some separation anxiety at about 18 months, and structured activities where they feel safe can help to alleviate this natural tendency. For most toddlers, separation anxiety fades at 24 months, and they are more autonomous and self-aware by 36 months.
Language Development Milestones
Interacting with other toddlers and adults through soccer helps kids to develop their language skills, adding unique words and a larger vocabulary. They also learn specific terms, speak in more complete sentences, and convey more complex ideas and concepts to others.
Cognitive Milestones
Participating in drills and practice in a fun and engaging way, is an effective way for toddlers to learn to follow directions and multi-step exercises, which is an important cognitive milestone for all children.
The classes also help children to talk about things across time, such as what happened in the past, as well as learning how to group items by size, shape and colour.
While soccer may be better known as a sport for teens and adults, it’s an effective way for toddlers to develop these 4 fundamental areas of growth. Plus, toddler soccer is one of the best ways for children to build their self-esteem and gain the confidence to try new things in all areas of their life.