Act one: Great action in progress. The kids just love it and are into it, heart and soul, arms and legs as well. There are breaks in between for refreshment and then it’s back to some more action. Act two: Suspense... A different kind of activity follows and then another...and then it’s curtains with the music.

If you’re wondering which movie this is all about, well, it really isn’t. It is no gym either. It is just another class at Jelly Beans, where the kids are having a ball. The action is not fist-fighting, but purely interesting and intelligent physical activities and games. Did you say, starting it young?

Meera Ashar’s Jelly Beans at Koramangala is Bangalore’s first and only centre for physical development to provide movement education for children through trained instructors and the right equipment. The aim, to help children grow into self-confident and healthy individuals.

The participants: Tiny tots between 18 months to six years, all of whom get age-appropriate structured physical activity programmes, ideal for their physical and mental development.

Jelly Beans is Meera Ashar’s baby. Professionally trained in innovative teaching of movement skills in pre-school children and under the technical expertise of Bazgym School of Gymnastics, Singapore, Meera says, “As far as after school activities are concerned, developed countries have so much to offer. That set me on the road to thinking about starting one here too and Jelly Beans was born. I have about 11 sessions per week and there are about 50 kids,” she adds.

At a time when you see play schools at every street corner, Jelly Beans is a welcome change. “But this is purely after-school activities,” Meera adds, “it is based on a widely practiced programme that involves the development of motor skills and fitness habits for children.” The truth is, these skills do not end with childhood but will reflect through out their lives. 

The structured activities for children lead to physical and intellectual development. “Physical activities apart, it instills confidence and self-esteem too. The programmes are on the standards followed internationally,” adds Meera. Jelly Beans focuses on developing foundation skills in children. There is overall physical training and development. Well for one, you can see children exploring different types of sports, apart from cricket, for a change.

Each class has one trained adult assigned for seven children. The equipment is custom-made to meet safety standards and interiors are child-friendly.

Meera explains, “The skills start at foundation level. There are a whole lot of games. But the most important thing is it is non-competitive. The activities emphasise self-improvement, participation and co-operation.”

The centre offers age-appropriate programmes for different age groups which include Rolly Polly: 18 months to 3 years; Weany Beany: 3 plus to 4 years; Jelly Belly: 4 plus to 5 years; Giggle Wiggle: 5 plus to 6 years; Sporties: Giggle Wiggle evolves to go through each sport.

Meera adds, “At Jelly Beans, the child identifies skills through a skill travel map. The first step begins through a guide map that identifies physical skills for children and traces development. Locomotor skills involve walking, marching, galloping, jumping, hopping, running, crawling, skipping, leaping, chasing, fleeing etc.”  The objective, to help children move.

Speak of stability skills and there is turning, twisting, bending, stopping, rolling, balancing, transferring weight, jumping and landing, stretching, curling for effective body management, body control and flexibility. The object of control skill is manipulation of objects through throwing, catching, rolling, kicking etc. Sport skills take the children through basketball, football, golf, hockey, and volleyball.  

Meera, who is the chief instructor of the centre, is also trained in innovative teaching of movement skills in pre-school children conducted by Dr Carol Leitschuh, School of Kinesiology, Centre of Early Childhood Education and Development, University of Minnesota, USA. The other instructor, Harini Kota is a Montessori-trained teacher and a hockey coach.  

Meera says, “As the programme goes on, you see a difference in the child. She or he develops better self-confidence. The child does not refuse to come to the forefront as he or she is used to these activities.”
Jelly Beans could be a great stress buster for adults as well as you watch these kids getting de-stressed!
For details contact: +919980255267/ +91 80 41655267. www.jellybeans.in