Since 1985, we have always had a wait area for parents and friends to watch. We encourage parents to watch the class, see the progress in their child, and see the value in the programs we offer. With COVID Lockdowns and Restrictions, we made several changes to ensure we could provide a safe environment for our students and staff. One of the biggest change has been closing the Wait Area and adopting the Drop and Go Procedure.
While it has been met with mixed reviews from parents, families understand the precaution – and we appreciate the support. See below THREE reasons why Drop and Go is benefiting your child:
SAFETY:
As mentioned, the move to close the Wait Area was about limiting exposure to students as they enter JAI Martial Arts. It helps us provide a safer space for your child, and everyone else training.
CONCENTRATION:
With all of the disruptions with COVID Lockdowns, children found themselves at home a lot. Schools were closed, after school activities cancelled, and everything switched to online learning. All of this encouraged kids to stay inactive and sit in front of a screen – the complete opposite to what most kids would be doing.
By taking away the distractions in the wait area, children are beginning to focus more on the class, and less on the faces and noises coming from parents and families. While it’s a process, we’re slowly re-capturing their attention.
CONFIDENCE:
Aside from the Blocking, Kicking and Punching, Martial Arts is about teaching students to be confident. Confidence doesn’t mean they want to fight people, but rather they are confident in themselves.
When it comes to our younger students, a lot of them are still developing their confidence (something that our program can help with). When they see their parents in the wait area, it’s very common (and very easy) for them to want to go back and be with them. They end up leaving the class early as they feel more comfortable being with their parent.
We’ve found that since removing the wait area, it’s helped our younger kids a lot! We’ve had many parents tell us that “they need to be there during the class”, because their child struggles when they go to Pre School, Kindergarten, or other activities. Martial Arts helps BUILD confidence and the Drop and Go process is a tool that helps to develop it.