What Our Kids Learn Through Taekwondo Classes
My grandson starting taking Taekwondo classes in Kindergarten. During his first year of classes, he became passionate about:
- the kicks
- punches
- physical fitness games that required cognitive thinking while completing a pattern of activities
Becoming Culturally Sensitive
As my grandson worked through his program, he became more culturally sensitive when learning the Korean words for the various moves. A significant experience is the spirituality and respect the children learn for others that is reinforced in all individual and group activities. This respect is reinforced when my grandson:
- Learns how to bow and make eye contact with his instructor and with his classmates when starting an activity
- Is taught courtesy and self-defense when completing his kicks and punches
- Becomes respectful of others and the environment
- Is taught how to center himself in in relation to others and the environment
Learning Core Values and Confidence
When considering the relevance of what my grandson and peers are learning in class and how this applies to their daily lives, I have observed that:
- Kids become more respectful with their teachers and peers at school and with their family at home.
- They feel more self-confident when managing their emotions and care for their body.
- The children are taught to seek support from their teachers and other adults when threatened by another child acting out.
Overall, Taekwondo has helped my grandson become more confident in managing daily life stresses.
Much success in helping your children become self-confident in their daily lives!
Joyce
Copyright © 2019 by GenParenting
Joyce Iwasaki has over thirty years of educational experience working with diverse students in grades from preschool through high school. Joyce’s extensive background includes teaching elementary school, serving on early childhood advisory boards, and advocating for educational initiatives as a legislative aide. During her tenure as a legislative aide, she helped create legislation that allowed incarcerated mothers to keep their newborn babies with them while in prison. Additional legislation was enacted to allow incarcerated pregnant mothers to remain unshackled during labor and delivery. Ms. Iwasaki established and served as the president of an educational scholarship foundation for fifteen years. Her foundation awarded college scholarships to emerging student leaders who provided service to their schools and communities. Joyce is active in performing arts and cultural organizations. She also provides ongoing support to her daughter and family by raising her grandson in her home.