What Is the Big Dipper in Gymnastics?

The Big Dipper is a gymnastics program for young children. The age range for acceptance into the program varies according to the academy. Some take children as young as 3 years into the sessions, while others enroll them after they have turned 5. This preschool gymnastics training level aims at helping kids develop core fitness, upper-body strength and confidence from a young age.

  1. Setup

    • While every gymnastics school has its own setup for the Big Dipper program, the classes usually run between 60 and 90 minutes, two days a week. Sessions may be for boys and girls or there might be separate sessions for each gender. The curriculum is often based on the USA Gymnastics KAT preschool program.

    KAT

    • USA Gymnastics is a nonprofit organization that regulates gymnastics as a sport in the United States. The organization introduced the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers in 1995. KAT is a certification program for gymnastics instructors interested in teaching preschoolers, including those in the Big Dipper program. The curriculum focuses on developing social skills through participation in partner and group activities. The children practice skills for the vault, bars and trampoline, as well as for tumbling.

    Physical Skills Developed

    • Generally, the Big Dipper preschool program develops upper-body strength, coordination and balance as the children have fun hanging from monkey bars, jumping on the trampoline and walking on the low beams. Kids also practice jumping over obstacles with two feet, skipping and galloping as they learn to move from one place to another with agility and grace.

    Other Skills

    • To successfully participate in the Big Dipper program, children have to learn to listen to the teacher’s instructions and take turns at the different stations. These social skills will help them through life no matter what career and lifestyle they decide to pursue. As young gymnasts learn new skills, their success also increases their self-esteem and confidence. In addition, to progress, they have to learn to concentrate and remain aware of every step in each move they perform. These emotional and cognitive skills are essential for them to succeed not only in gymnastics, but in whatever else they encounter in life.