This week is…..
FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS WEEK
@ Jump Start Plus:
FOCUS SKILLS
THIS week we worked on moving our body forwards and backwards while rolling, hopping, lever hopping and so much more!
Why forwards and backwards week?
It’s important for preschool gymnasts to learn how to move backwards because it builds body awareness, coordination, and balance while also teaching them safe ways to fall or roll. Since most kids are more comfortable moving forward, practicing backwards helps prepare them for future skills like back rolls, walkovers, and eventually back handsprings. It also supports brain development by challenging coordination and motor planning in new ways. Overall, backward movement builds confidence, safety, and strong foundations for higher-level gymnastics.
Next Week: Tumble by the Number
8/25/25-8/30/25
Meet our Preschool Staff!
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Miss Rachel!
Howdy! I’m Miss Rachel! I was an OG student at Jump Start. I started teaching my own classes when I turned 15!
When I’m not in the gym, you can find me at school, working on a Human Development and Family Science degree, or on stage performing in a local theatre production. I love to travel, play guitar and be outdoors!
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Miss Anna!
Hi! I’m Miss Anna! I am a freshman at ICC studying business. A fun fact about me is that I was homeschooled until my senior year of high school. When I am not teaching, you can find me in the office.
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Miss Izzy!
Hi, I’m Miss Izzy! I love being in the gym, teaching, and seeing all of my friends and gymnasts every day!!!
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Miss Reese!
Miss Reese is such a fun and outgoing coach. She is incredible with all classes but she really shines in the toddler gym!
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Miss Maia!
Miss Maia has been coaching at JSP for over a year. She is such a positive coach and loves to celebrate every victory!
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Miss Alyssa!
I'm Miss Alyssa! I'm 17 years old and I'm a junior at Richwoods High School. A fun fact about me is I used to take tumbling and gymnastics class at Jump Start!
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Miss Jenny!
Hi! I’m Miss Jenny! I’m a sophomore at Bradley University studying to become a Psych Nurse! A fun fact about me is I have 3 dogs at home! I teach toddler and pre-k/kindergarten classes at Jump Start. I can’t wait to meet you all!!
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Miss Zoey!
Hey! I’m Miss Zoey! I am currently a senior at Richwoods High School. A fun fact about me is that I did gymnastics for 7 years!
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Miss Claire!
Hi my name is claire! I am a sophomore In highschool and did gymnastics for 10 years.
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Miss Annabelle!
Hi, I'm Miss Annabelle! I'm a junior at IVC highschool and a fun fact about me is that I did gymnastics for 10 years. I can't wait to meet you all!
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Miss Kyndal!
Kyndal is a Junior Elite competitive tumbler for JumpStart Plus/CITT. Kyndal began tumbling at CITT when she was just 2 years old and was always so excited to attend classes each week. She competed for the first time just days before her third birthday! After 13 years in the sport, Kyndal now tumbles at the gym 5 days a week and still enjoys learning new skills and being in the gym with her teammates. Kyndal is a Sophomore at Midland High School where she is cheerleader and a member of the student council. Kyndal enjoys teaching the preschool classes and sharing her love of tumbling with the next generation of tumblers at JumpStart Plus.
About our “Totally Toddler” Program
Walking to 3 1/2 Years (42 months)
Totally Toddler is a movement exploration and education program specifically designed for children who are just beginning to walk through 42 months. Through instructor-led guided play, students are exposed to activities that build strength, coordination, spatial awareness, social skills, and independence. Our toddler gym, perfectly sized for this age group, provides a fun and safe environment for our youngest students to begin learning gymnastics and celebrate exciting discoveries.
About our “Jungle Gym” Program
3 1/2 to 5 Years
Come tumble in the jungle with us! Jungle Gym classes offer preschoolers 3 1/2 - 5 years old an awesome opportunity to develop a positive outlook on physical fitness and learn gymnastics in a safe, fun learning environment. Creative circuit-based lesson plans combined with educational themes focus your child’s natural energy while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination in addition to promoting cognitive and social development. In addition to learning beginning gymnastics on all men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics events and trampolines, Jungle Gym classes teach other sports-related skills and prepare children for the academic environment. By using scaled down equipment and progressive, age-appropriate development, Jungle Gym classes are an enjoyable experience for every preschool child.
