The Spectrum SKILLZ program builds physical agility, control, and resilience to help kids excel. Introducing the Internationally Acclaimed Spectrum SKILLZ Program!
This program was designed to target children on the spectrum for ages 7 and up. The program introduces specialized skill-based training for children who have limited physical, intellectual, social, and/or emotional abilities. With that said, more emphasis is placed on building fundamental skills training with a strategic balance of Martial Arts.
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INTRODUCING THE 8 SPECTRUM SKILLZ
By understanding the needs of these children, we have selected 8 skills that make up the Spectrum SKILLZ Program:
1. Awareness – This skill helps kids develop awareness of their environment, how to better control their bodies, and how to better manage time.
2. Detailing – Spectrum kids can have amazing detailing in specific areas, and this skill helps them use that quality to develop great martial arts technique, as part of a team.
3. Observing – The Observing skill helps kids on the Spectrum learn how to pay attention to the things and people around them in a meaningful way while also developing their active memory.
4. Listening – This skill is broken into four sections that help kids develop great listening skills: active listening, empathetic listening, critical listening, and informational listening.
5. Communication – This skill is designed to help kids effectively convey what they are feeling. We do this by developing eye contact, using body language, practicing communication with a partner, and when appropriate, using voice control and modulation to express how they are feeling.
6. Retention – The retention skill helps the kids develop long term memory, working memory, and short term retention of information otherwise consider “less important”.
7. Durability – Sometimes kids on the autism spectrum also experience physical challenges. The Durability skill helps kids develop their physical strength and the mental discipline to follow through on difficult tasks.
8. Determination – This skill helps with the emotional and intellectual challenges kids face when they are put under pressure by helping them develop a positive mindset while also guiding them to success as they push through the objective challenges of a martial arts class.
OUR GOALS FOR EACH STUDENT:
They tattle on others without accepting responsibility for their own actions.
They have a hard time coping with losses and setbacks and may not demonstrate good sportsmanship.
They don’t remember what you or their teachers tell them and struggle with paying attention.
WE TAKE MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!
We use elements of traditional Martial Arts curricula to build skills that are appropriate for children on the spectrum. This means that your child will learn and grow at a pace that is fun while being challenged enough to help foster development.
The best part is that the Spectrum SKILLZ program will equip your child with skills that they will utilize in every area of their life!
YOUR CHILD WILL GROW WITH EVERY CLASS!
Our Spectrum SKILLZ program works with kids to teach them how to accept responsibility for their actions, to manage negative emotions, and to pay attention to instructions and advice from their instructors. Our program teaches kids Awareness, Communication, Retention, and Determination in a way that allows them to build confidence. These skills translate from our martial arts studio school- and to your home.
BUILD FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Older kids have better control than young ones, but they still may struggle with precision and accuracy.
The Spectrum SKILLZ program builds on earlier martial arts training to help kids gain control of their bodies and build strength while improving their balance.
IMPROVE FOCUS
Kids are easily distracted and may have difficult focusing on tasks and situations.
We teach kids to tune out distractions and focus on one thing at a time – something that’s increasingly challenging in today’s electronic world.
PERSISTENCE & DETERMINATION
Kids develop persistence ad the determination to see their goals through to the end.
When they’re learning a new skill, kids may be afraid or give up easily instead of risking failure.
Spectrum SKILLZ students learn to conquer their fears and persist even when they feel like giving up on a particular challenge or assignment.
RESPECT & SELF CONTROL
Students learn how to disagree politely and to resolve disputes respectfully.
Many kids struggle with learning how to express disagreement without being rude or angry.
Our Spectrum SKILLZ program teaches kids to speak up without disrupting others, and to figure out ways to resolve their challenges within the confines of the program’s structure.
Adrian De Silva
Awesome instructors and place to train for kids in the area If you live in the Saint Pete's area this is where to bring your kids for not just the best martial arts but life training Skillz!
Brooke Breland
We signed our 5 year old up for the free trial over the summer to try out something new and keep him active during the summer. He absolutely fell in love with it and asked if he could go every day! The curriculum is perfectly geared toward each particular age group. The instructors are so engaging and committed. The skills and confidence our son has gained just in a few short months are priceless. Our summer activity has quickly become part of our regular year round schedule and I foresee him continuing for years to come. OTM rocks!!
Jessica Hodosky
Just started but I can tell the school is amazing and the staff are very nice and attentive! My daughter seems to love it too!
Cydney Swindle Tuten
The best money that our family has invested in the development of our child! As an early childhood educator, I am very picky about extra curricular activities! On the Mat is the model for positive reinforcement! They treat everyone like family! We are so grateful that we are there and only wish we had found them sooner!
Michelle Dolak
Our family can't say enough about On The Mat! Master Melody and her awesome team of Ninjas are like a parent's secret weapon. Our son goes to practice Tae Kwon Do, he ends up learning about character, respect, self-control and other priceless virtues! The family environment and friendships fostered at this club have added a beautiful dimension to each of our lives. I have as much fun catching up with friends each week as Robert Paul has on the Dojo. We are grateful to be apart of such an amazing program.