What Is a Short Class Built For? Future Tiger Kids (Ages 3–6)

Short answer: Future Tiger Kids classes are short on purpose, at about 30 minutes. Class moves from a quick lesson introduction and an activity into kung fu drills, a game that reinforces the skill, and a closing talk about the month's character topic.

Parents of 3- to 6-year-olds sometimes ask whether about 30 minutes is "enough." Here's what a short class is built to do.

Why does a shorter class suit ages 3 to 6?

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children under 6 have a short attention span and learn best by exploring, experimenting, and copying others. It advises keeping instruction limited and show-and-tell, with playtime built in.

Little kids do their best work in short, clear chunks. A class that's built around that keeps the focus on learning, not on waiting.

What happens in a Future Tiger Kids class?

The class follows this basic order:

• A quick introduction and activity. The instructor introduces the lesson, then leads an activity that puts it into practice.
• Kung fu drills. Kids practice the kung fu material for the lesson.
• A game. The game reinforces the skill they've been practicing.
• A character talk. Class ends with a talk about the month's character topic.

For more on what younger and older kids learn, see what kids learn in Future Tiger Kids versus Tiger Kids.

Is about 30 minutes enough?

For this age, the goal of class isn't to fill time. It's to give kids a good experience of learning something, so they want to come back. Movement runs through most of class. For how fitness fits in, see Is Kids Kung Fu a Workout? What Fitness Means in Class

We never demand home practice. Class is one part of a child's week, alongside play and family time.

What comes after Future Tiger Kids?

Around age 7, kids move into Tiger Kids. Those classes use the same basic schedule, with longer sections for elementary and middle school students who can handle the longer format. Partner work comes once a coach sees a child is ready. We strongly encourage that step, since it builds on everything they started in Future Tiger Kids.

If your child is shy or full of energy, see Is Future Tiger Kids a Good Fit for a Shy (or High-Energy) Preschooler?

What don't we promise?

We don't promise better attention, school readiness, grades, or any medical benefit. What we can say is that classes are short on purpose and taught by coaches who watch and help.

Who teaches, and how do I ask?

Karen Boyer leads the program, and the Boyer family has taught it since 2007. Karen started Tiger Kids with a hope that kids would grow in confidence, health, and character as they learn kung fu. For more, see Who Teaches Tiger Kids?

Have a question about whether a short class fits your child? See current class options, or email karen@victorydefensesystems.com with your child's age and the area you're looking in.