The girls started taking classes at The Little Gym in August, and I can't believe the progress they've made in six short months.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Learning and Growing at The Little Gym
I'm always amazed at how much my girls learn and grow on a monthly basis. Things that seemed crazy-difficult for my girls at one point seem easier with the blink of an eye. Although things in my world stay fairly consistent, their worlds change constantly. It's an important time for them to be learning and growing, physically, emotionally, spiritually.
The girls started taking classes at The Little Gym in August, and I can't believe the progress they've made in six short months.
My oldest was just starting on backbends when she started at Little Gym. She was scared to go from standing to backbend and didn't have the arm strength (or confidence in herself, really) to attempt a back walkover. After six months of coaching and encouragement from the awesome instructors at The Little Gym, she can do a back walkover from a standing position! I've also noticed significant improvement in her handstands, cartwheels and confidence on the beam. I loved gymnastics as a kid but beam always got me. I was so, so afraid of falling off! My oldest performs handstands, cartwheels and pirouettes on the beam with extreme ease these days. Color me impressed!
My middle daughter has also made huge strides thanks to The Little Gym. She is a true middle child, generally struggling to find her voice when she is neither the first nor the last baby. She has really found her ability to shine at The Little Gym! She races into class each week, eager to participate in all the activities with her peers. She has gone from barely able to do a somersault to working on handstands and cartwheels. She loves the bars and beam and is really starting to blossom as a gymnast! She loves the encouragement she gets at The Little Gym!
My youngest daughter is also my boldest. There is neither fear nor hesitation in her eyes when it is time to practice a new skill. She will attempt any flip, jump or turn you suggest- and she usually won't let you help, either. The Little Gym has given her a safe, fun environment to hone her gymnastics skill with proper guidance and instruction. She walks around singing songs she's learned at The Little Gym and is always recounting stories of incredible Little Gym feats- from awesome beam dismounts to crazy spinning around on the mats. Her cartwheels are coming along nicely (especially for a 3-year-old!), and I'm always amazed at how much bolder she grows each week!
I'm so impressed with how much my girls have grown under the guidance of the awesome staff at The Little Gym. I love how much they look forward to class each week, and I love their excitement when they master a new skill. It's amazing how far they've come in six months at The Little Gym- and I can't wait to see where they are in six more!
The girls started taking classes at The Little Gym in August, and I can't believe the progress they've made in six short months.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Alternative Preschools: Education Outside The Classroom
It's that time of year again... Time to start thinking about where your kiddos will attend school next year!
I'm trying not to have a major panic attack wondering whether or not my middle daughter will get into the Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. She so desperately wants to join her big sister there. And we won't find out until April. Deep breaths. Big, deep breaths.
But I still have one in preschool. And I'm looking at non-traditional programs for her. Because sometimes learning doesn't happen in a traditional classroom. And there are some awesome programs out there, if you are willing to drive (and pay, let's be honest).
So, here they are. Some very awesome programs that aren't too much of a drive that will foster your child's learning in a non-traditional way!
Zoo Preschool at the Fort Worth Zoo (https://www.fortworthzoo.org/education/camps-programs/zoo-preschool/)
Zoo preschool is offered during the school year for kiddos ages 3-5 (you must be 3 by September 1 of 2017 to enroll for next year). Classes meet once per week on the day of your choosing, from 9 to 12 or 1 to 4. Tuition for the year is $850 (zoo members will receive a discount). Curriculum is based around animals.
Zoo Preschool at the Dallas Zoo (http://www.dallaszoo.com/education/camps-classes/preschool/)
Dallas Zoo's preschool runs on a semester basis, fall semester and spring semester. Classes are held Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. The theme for this semester's class is From Apes to Zebras, the animal alphabet. Non-zoo members cost is $490 per child for the 13-week semester (this semester starts 2/17). Class on March 3 is held at the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park. For kiddos age 3-5.
Nature School at River Legacy (http://riverlegacy.org/nature-school)
This program comes highly recommended by a number of local moms. Classes are held weekly and divided by age. Classes are offered for kids ages 3-4. Class goes on for the duration of the school year; there is a new 4 year old class that meets twice weekly. Kids interact with nature each class, weather-permitting. Child to teacher ratio is 9-12 kiddos and 2 teachers. From the website: Kids get a "balanced curriculum encourages a hands-on, minds-on exploration of nature – enhanced through music, art, literature and dramatic play.'
Museum School at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (http://www.fwmuseum.org/museum-school)
While the schedule for the next school year is not yet available, the museum does offer a preschool class for kiddos ages 3 to 5. Each week kids get to learn and discover new and exciting things at the museum. Classes and times vary but are available daily. Check the website mid-February for information for next school year.
Early Childhood Education at the Perot Museum (http://www.perotmuseum.org/events-and-programs/early-childhood/index.html)
The Perot Museum in Dallas offers mom and me classes that center around art for kiddos ages 18 months all the way to 5 years. Each week has a different theme where kiddos can create masterpieces to take home. You can pay per class. $20 per kid, $10 per adult. Members receive a discount. Classes are held Monday for 3-5 year olds, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the younger ones.
Cooking Classes at Taste Buds Kitchen in Southlake (http://tastebudskitchen.com/southlake/kids-cooking-semester-classes/)
Taste Buds offers weekly classes for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Come weekly for 6 weeks and let your kiddo learn about kitchen basics. Offered Mondays 9:30- 10:30 am. $165 for a 6-week semester.
Preschool ABC Art at Van Grow Art Studio (http://www.vangrowstudio.com/schedule.htm)
Weekly classes take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Classes are one hour, and kids can be dropped off (but you are welcome to stay). Crafts are designed to be completed without help. $72 for four once-weekly classes.
Check all the above websites for information about registering for next school year. But be quite quick about it- many of the classes fill up within days of registration opening!
There are also lots of great classes in the area that happen on a one-time or once-monthly basis. The Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth and the Dallas Museum of Art both offer great drop-in art classes to enjoy with your tot. the CR Smith Museum near the airport also has great activities for kiddos that go year round! Central Market Fort Worth has some fun parent/child cooking classes if that's your thing- they are quite pricey though!
I'm trying not to have a major panic attack wondering whether or not my middle daughter will get into the Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. She so desperately wants to join her big sister there. And we won't find out until April. Deep breaths. Big, deep breaths.
But I still have one in preschool. And I'm looking at non-traditional programs for her. Because sometimes learning doesn't happen in a traditional classroom. And there are some awesome programs out there, if you are willing to drive (and pay, let's be honest).
So, here they are. Some very awesome programs that aren't too much of a drive that will foster your child's learning in a non-traditional way!
Zoo Preschool at the Fort Worth Zoo (https://www.fortworthzoo.org/education/camps-programs/zoo-preschool/)
Zoo preschool is offered during the school year for kiddos ages 3-5 (you must be 3 by September 1 of 2017 to enroll for next year). Classes meet once per week on the day of your choosing, from 9 to 12 or 1 to 4. Tuition for the year is $850 (zoo members will receive a discount). Curriculum is based around animals.
Zoo Preschool at the Dallas Zoo (http://www.dallaszoo.com/education/camps-classes/preschool/)
Dallas Zoo's preschool runs on a semester basis, fall semester and spring semester. Classes are held Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. The theme for this semester's class is From Apes to Zebras, the animal alphabet. Non-zoo members cost is $490 per child for the 13-week semester (this semester starts 2/17). Class on March 3 is held at the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park. For kiddos age 3-5.
Nature School at River Legacy (http://riverlegacy.org/nature-school)
This program comes highly recommended by a number of local moms. Classes are held weekly and divided by age. Classes are offered for kids ages 3-4. Class goes on for the duration of the school year; there is a new 4 year old class that meets twice weekly. Kids interact with nature each class, weather-permitting. Child to teacher ratio is 9-12 kiddos and 2 teachers. From the website: Kids get a "balanced curriculum encourages a hands-on, minds-on exploration of nature – enhanced through music, art, literature and dramatic play.'
Museum School at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (http://www.fwmuseum.org/museum-school)
While the schedule for the next school year is not yet available, the museum does offer a preschool class for kiddos ages 3 to 5. Each week kids get to learn and discover new and exciting things at the museum. Classes and times vary but are available daily. Check the website mid-February for information for next school year.
Early Childhood Education at the Perot Museum (http://www.perotmuseum.org/events-and-programs/early-childhood/index.html)
The Perot Museum in Dallas offers mom and me classes that center around art for kiddos ages 18 months all the way to 5 years. Each week has a different theme where kiddos can create masterpieces to take home. You can pay per class. $20 per kid, $10 per adult. Members receive a discount. Classes are held Monday for 3-5 year olds, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the younger ones.
Cooking Classes at Taste Buds Kitchen in Southlake (http://tastebudskitchen.com/southlake/kids-cooking-semester-classes/)
Taste Buds offers weekly classes for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Come weekly for 6 weeks and let your kiddo learn about kitchen basics. Offered Mondays 9:30- 10:30 am. $165 for a 6-week semester.
Preschool ABC Art at Van Grow Art Studio (http://www.vangrowstudio.com/schedule.htm)
Weekly classes take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Classes are one hour, and kids can be dropped off (but you are welcome to stay). Crafts are designed to be completed without help. $72 for four once-weekly classes.
Check all the above websites for information about registering for next school year. But be quite quick about it- many of the classes fill up within days of registration opening!
There are also lots of great classes in the area that happen on a one-time or once-monthly basis. The Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth and the Dallas Museum of Art both offer great drop-in art classes to enjoy with your tot. the CR Smith Museum near the airport also has great activities for kiddos that go year round! Central Market Fort Worth has some fun parent/child cooking classes if that's your thing- they are quite pricey though!