Ballet Class-Oh No!
trewhittjoy
I am so unsure about what to do! My three year old is quite a
dancer. She is very good at it, too (not just my opinion:)) When
we are shopping--she is dancing. At home or at play--she is
dancing. She has rhythm, she will change her moves with the beat or
music style. She has grace, she can do beautiful hand and leg
movements in perfect ballet style just like in her videos (even up
on her toes--I discourage it).
Some time ago, I thought, what a great idea for her to take a
toddler dance class. She would be able to socialize with other
toddler's (she craves interaction) and she could "learn" more about
the subject that I know basically nothing about. She was excited
and talked about the class quite often (though "we" often brought it
up first).
Now I am having second thoughts. Actually, someone in this group
had said that the classes are highly overrated (when I casually
mentioned it during a dilemma with the pacifier). We have already
registered, but the class does not begin until late August.
My main issue is that I thought the class would be geared more
toward play (it is called Imagidance). But, upon reading the info
at registration I found that parents can only observe
during "parents week"(three months later) and there will be a
recital. Well, I feel like this is more like a real "class" and my
child will be EXPECTED to perform some sort of a routine. This
seems to take away from the fun in my opinion. She is only three
and I wonder if this is a lot to ask of her? I am guessing that she
will have to stand/sit/pose upon request and since I won't be there
I won't be able to observe her reaction to these requests. I also
won't know if the teacher uses manipulation or whatever else to get
satisfactory results. My mind is thinking of scenarios such as; "I
told you to go to the bathroom before class (it is written on the
paperwork), so you will have to learn to hold it", or "if you want
to be a ballerina, then you will HAVE to do this."
I have heard that most classes don't allow parents to sit and
observe. I don't know if I am being paranoid. What do you think?
At this point, do you think I should leave it up to my child or
should I tell the teacher that something has come up and tell my
daughter that we will wait until she is older to take classes? What
if my daughter is adamant about taking the class, then what? Most
of the time she can be persuaded with a better offer (ie. let's go
to the park instead).
What have I done???!!
TIA for advice
dancer. She is very good at it, too (not just my opinion:)) When
we are shopping--she is dancing. At home or at play--she is
dancing. She has rhythm, she will change her moves with the beat or
music style. She has grace, she can do beautiful hand and leg
movements in perfect ballet style just like in her videos (even up
on her toes--I discourage it).
Some time ago, I thought, what a great idea for her to take a
toddler dance class. She would be able to socialize with other
toddler's (she craves interaction) and she could "learn" more about
the subject that I know basically nothing about. She was excited
and talked about the class quite often (though "we" often brought it
up first).
Now I am having second thoughts. Actually, someone in this group
had said that the classes are highly overrated (when I casually
mentioned it during a dilemma with the pacifier). We have already
registered, but the class does not begin until late August.
My main issue is that I thought the class would be geared more
toward play (it is called Imagidance). But, upon reading the info
at registration I found that parents can only observe
during "parents week"(three months later) and there will be a
recital. Well, I feel like this is more like a real "class" and my
child will be EXPECTED to perform some sort of a routine. This
seems to take away from the fun in my opinion. She is only three
and I wonder if this is a lot to ask of her? I am guessing that she
will have to stand/sit/pose upon request and since I won't be there
I won't be able to observe her reaction to these requests. I also
won't know if the teacher uses manipulation or whatever else to get
satisfactory results. My mind is thinking of scenarios such as; "I
told you to go to the bathroom before class (it is written on the
paperwork), so you will have to learn to hold it", or "if you want
to be a ballerina, then you will HAVE to do this."
I have heard that most classes don't allow parents to sit and
observe. I don't know if I am being paranoid. What do you think?
At this point, do you think I should leave it up to my child or
should I tell the teacher that something has come up and tell my
daughter that we will wait until she is older to take classes? What
if my daughter is adamant about taking the class, then what? Most
of the time she can be persuaded with a better offer (ie. let's go
to the park instead).
What have I done???!!
TIA for advice
Laura Beaudin
I don't know how others might respond but if it were my daughters, it
would be a resounding NO. Until they can properly express themselves
and describe what goes on in more than mere yes or no questions, I'd
not accept leaving them alone.
Have you considered calling and letting them know that this might be a
deal breaker? See what they say.
Laura
would be a resounding NO. Until they can properly express themselves
and describe what goes on in more than mere yes or no questions, I'd
not accept leaving them alone.
Have you considered calling and letting them know that this might be a
deal breaker? See what they say.
Laura
On 7/29/07, trewhittjoy <trewhittjoy@...> wrote:
> I am so unsure about what to do! My three year old is quite a
> dancer. She is very good at it, too (not just my opinion:)) When
> we are shopping--she is dancing. At home or at play--she is
> dancing. She has rhythm, she will change her moves with the beat or
> music style. She has grace, she can do beautiful hand and leg
> movements in perfect ballet style just like in her videos (even up
> on her toes--I discourage it).
>
> Some time ago, I thought, what a great idea for her to take a
> toddler dance class. She would be able to socialize with other
> toddler's (she craves interaction) and she could "learn" more about
> the subject that I know basically nothing about. She was excited
> and talked about the class quite often (though "we" often brought it
> up first).
>
> Now I am having second thoughts. Actually, someone in this group
> had said that the classes are highly overrated (when I casually
> mentioned it during a dilemma with the pacifier). We have already
> registered, but the class does not begin until late August.
>
> My main issue is that I thought the class would be geared more
> toward play (it is called Imagidance). But, upon reading the info
> at registration I found that parents can only observe
> during "parents week"(three months later) and there will be a
> recital. Well, I feel like this is more like a real "class" and my
> child will be EXPECTED to perform some sort of a routine. This
> seems to take away from the fun in my opinion. She is only three
> and I wonder if this is a lot to ask of her? I am guessing that she
> will have to stand/sit/pose upon request and since I won't be there
> I won't be able to observe her reaction to these requests. I also
> won't know if the teacher uses manipulation or whatever else to get
> satisfactory results. My mind is thinking of scenarios such as; "I
> told you to go to the bathroom before class (it is written on the
> paperwork), so you will have to learn to hold it", or "if you want
> to be a ballerina, then you will HAVE to do this."
>
> I have heard that most classes don't allow parents to sit and
> observe. I don't know if I am being paranoid. What do you think?
> At this point, do you think I should leave it up to my child or
> should I tell the teacher that something has come up and tell my
> daughter that we will wait until she is older to take classes? What
> if my daughter is adamant about taking the class, then what? Most
> of the time she can be persuaded with a better offer (ie. let's go
> to the park instead).
>
> What have I done???!!
>
> TIA for advice
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
Mara
Hi,
I have studied the essence of dance and movement for
some time now - and I also have a little dancer, my
youngest son who is almost 3.
This is just my personal opinions after studying for
some years - but I truly believe that each person
(especially the ones that are natural dancers - some
are more easy with the voice or the mind) has their
very own 'dance' that, when they follow the movement
they feel inside and are completely hemselves, will
be, ideally and with some 'work (or awareness)' be in
complete harmony with other dancers in the same space.
The best thing I believe you can do at this time is to
just expose her to lots of different music, especially
the classics, that she will enjoy moving to. Take her
to concerts - outdoors preferrably - where she can
dance to her hearts content and also meet other kids
informally.
The problem with formal dance lessons is that they
'might' take away that natural exuberance and her
trust in what she already knows. And real dance has
nothing to do with learning steps and movements.
Ballet at one time was alive, when it was born of the
urge to move (with God, inspiration -see Nijinski and
Isadora Duncan), but once you try to replicate what
came natural to one person, it becomes 'dead'.
She already knows, the trick is now to not have her
loose it by making her think that dance is whatever
some teacher tells her to do.
There are ways to strenghten her 'dance' experience -
maybe I can elaborate in another post if you are
interested -
What to do with the class - I would not commit to it
if you are worried about the money - ask if she could
do a trial lesson somewhere. At that age that should
be possible. And then, if she is 'begging' to go back
it might not do too much harm at her age. It will most
certainly not teach her things about dance she does
not already know -
Good luck,
(if you are in MA ours little ones could dance
together sometime :-)
Mara
--- trewhittjoy <trewhittjoy@...> wrote:
Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.
http://tv.yahoo.com/
I have studied the essence of dance and movement for
some time now - and I also have a little dancer, my
youngest son who is almost 3.
This is just my personal opinions after studying for
some years - but I truly believe that each person
(especially the ones that are natural dancers - some
are more easy with the voice or the mind) has their
very own 'dance' that, when they follow the movement
they feel inside and are completely hemselves, will
be, ideally and with some 'work (or awareness)' be in
complete harmony with other dancers in the same space.
The best thing I believe you can do at this time is to
just expose her to lots of different music, especially
the classics, that she will enjoy moving to. Take her
to concerts - outdoors preferrably - where she can
dance to her hearts content and also meet other kids
informally.
The problem with formal dance lessons is that they
'might' take away that natural exuberance and her
trust in what she already knows. And real dance has
nothing to do with learning steps and movements.
Ballet at one time was alive, when it was born of the
urge to move (with God, inspiration -see Nijinski and
Isadora Duncan), but once you try to replicate what
came natural to one person, it becomes 'dead'.
She already knows, the trick is now to not have her
loose it by making her think that dance is whatever
some teacher tells her to do.
There are ways to strenghten her 'dance' experience -
maybe I can elaborate in another post if you are
interested -
What to do with the class - I would not commit to it
if you are worried about the money - ask if she could
do a trial lesson somewhere. At that age that should
be possible. And then, if she is 'begging' to go back
it might not do too much harm at her age. It will most
certainly not teach her things about dance she does
not already know -
Good luck,
(if you are in MA ours little ones could dance
together sometime :-)
Mara
--- trewhittjoy <trewhittjoy@...> wrote:
> I am so unsure about what to do! My three year old____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat?
> is quite a
> dancer. She is very good at it, too (not just my
> opinion:)) When
> we are shopping--she is dancing. At home or at
> play--she is
> dancing. She has rhythm, she will change her moves
> with the beat or
> music style. She has grace, she can do beautiful
> hand and leg
> movements in perfect ballet style just like in her
> videos (even up
> on her toes--I discourage it).
>
> Some time ago, I thought, what a great idea for her
> to take a
> toddler dance class. She would be able to socialize
> with other
> toddler's (she craves interaction) and she could
> "learn" more about
> the subject that I know basically nothing about.
> She was excited
> and talked about the class quite often (though "we"
> often brought it
> up first).
>
> Now I am having second thoughts. Actually, someone
> in this group
> had said that the classes are highly overrated (when
> I casually
> mentioned it during a dilemma with the pacifier).
> We have already
> registered, but the class does not begin until late
> August.
>
> My main issue is that I thought the class would be
> geared more
> toward play (it is called Imagidance). But, upon
> reading the info
> at registration I found that parents can only
> observe
> during "parents week"(three months later) and there
> will be a
> recital. Well, I feel like this is more like a real
> "class" and my
> child will be EXPECTED to perform some sort of a
> routine. This
> seems to take away from the fun in my opinion. She
> is only three
> and I wonder if this is a lot to ask of her? I am
> guessing that she
> will have to stand/sit/pose upon request and since I
> won't be there
> I won't be able to observe her reaction to these
> requests. I also
> won't know if the teacher uses manipulation or
> whatever else to get
> satisfactory results. My mind is thinking of
> scenarios such as; "I
> told you to go to the bathroom before class (it is
> written on the
> paperwork), so you will have to learn to hold it",
> or "if you want
> to be a ballerina, then you will HAVE to do this."
>
> I have heard that most classes don't allow parents
> to sit and
> observe. I don't know if I am being paranoid. What
> do you think?
> At this point, do you think I should leave it up to
> my child or
> should I tell the teacher that something has come up
> and tell my
> daughter that we will wait until she is older to
> take classes? What
> if my daughter is adamant about taking the class,
> then what? Most
> of the time she can be persuaded with a better offer
> (ie. let's go
> to the park instead).
>
> What have I done???!!
>
> TIA for advice
>
>
>
>
>
Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.
http://tv.yahoo.com/
trewhittjoy
<<"I don't know how others might respond but if it were my daughters,
it would be a resounding NO. Until they can properly express themselves
and describe what goes on in more than mere yes or no questions, I'd
not accept leaving them alone.">>
That is how I feel, but I was afraid I was being overly protective. I
would be nearby, so safety would not be a concern. But, I am afraid
of the things someone might say to her that could hurt or influence
her in some way. In other words, I would not want someone to tell her
something that would result in harm to her inner self. I frequently
intervene with family and friends as it is.
Joy
it would be a resounding NO. Until they can properly express themselves
and describe what goes on in more than mere yes or no questions, I'd
not accept leaving them alone.">>
That is how I feel, but I was afraid I was being overly protective. I
would be nearby, so safety would not be a concern. But, I am afraid
of the things someone might say to her that could hurt or influence
her in some way. In other words, I would not want someone to tell her
something that would result in harm to her inner self. I frequently
intervene with family and friends as it is.
Joy
trewhittjoy
I was afraid that would be the problem. I really thought the class
would be for freely expressing themselves, until I read the
pamphlet. I want her to enjoy herself. I will just wait until she
is older.
Gosh-we live in AL (for now). Hope to move back to Denver CO in the
future--lived there 6 months and loved it.
Good Luck with your little dancer! I hope he always finds joy in it
as well!
Joy
<Hi,
<I have studied the essence of dance and movement for
<some time now - and I also have a little dancer, my
<youngest son who is almost 3.
<This is just my personal opinions after studying for
<some years - but I truly believe that each person
<(especially the ones that are natural dancers - some
<are more easy with the voice or the mind) has their
<very own 'dance' that, when they follow the movement
<they feel inside and are completely hemselves, will
<be, ideally and with some 'work (or awareness)' be in
<complete harmony with other dancers in the same space.
<The best thing I believe you can do at this time is to
<just expose her to lots of different music, especially
<the classics, that she will enjoy moving to. Take her
<to concerts - outdoors preferrably - where she can
<dance to her hearts content and also meet other kids
<informally.
<The problem with formal dance lessons is that they
<'might' take away that natural exuberance and her
<trust in what she already knows. And real dance has
<nothing to do with learning steps and movements.
<Ballet at one time was alive, when it was born of the
<urge to move (with God, inspiration -see Nijinski and
<Isadora Duncan), but once you try to replicate what
<came natural to one person, it becomes 'dead'.
<She already knows, the trick is now to not have her
<loose it by making her think that dance is whatever
<some teacher tells her to do.
<There are ways to strenghten her 'dance' experience -
<maybe I can elaborate in another post if you are
<interested -
<What to do with the class - I would not commit to it
<if you are worried about the money - ask if she could
<do a trial lesson somewhere. At that age that should
<be possible. And then, if she is 'begging' to go back
<it might not do too much harm at her age. It will most
<certainly not teach her things about dance she does
<not already know -
<Good luck,
<(if you are in MA ours little ones could dance
<together sometime :-)
<Mara
would be for freely expressing themselves, until I read the
pamphlet. I want her to enjoy herself. I will just wait until she
is older.
Gosh-we live in AL (for now). Hope to move back to Denver CO in the
future--lived there 6 months and loved it.
Good Luck with your little dancer! I hope he always finds joy in it
as well!
Joy
<Hi,
<I have studied the essence of dance and movement for
<some time now - and I also have a little dancer, my
<youngest son who is almost 3.
<This is just my personal opinions after studying for
<some years - but I truly believe that each person
<(especially the ones that are natural dancers - some
<are more easy with the voice or the mind) has their
<very own 'dance' that, when they follow the movement
<they feel inside and are completely hemselves, will
<be, ideally and with some 'work (or awareness)' be in
<complete harmony with other dancers in the same space.
<The best thing I believe you can do at this time is to
<just expose her to lots of different music, especially
<the classics, that she will enjoy moving to. Take her
<to concerts - outdoors preferrably - where she can
<dance to her hearts content and also meet other kids
<informally.
<The problem with formal dance lessons is that they
<'might' take away that natural exuberance and her
<trust in what she already knows. And real dance has
<nothing to do with learning steps and movements.
<Ballet at one time was alive, when it was born of the
<urge to move (with God, inspiration -see Nijinski and
<Isadora Duncan), but once you try to replicate what
<came natural to one person, it becomes 'dead'.
<She already knows, the trick is now to not have her
<loose it by making her think that dance is whatever
<some teacher tells her to do.
<There are ways to strenghten her 'dance' experience -
<maybe I can elaborate in another post if you are
<interested -
<What to do with the class - I would not commit to it
<if you are worried about the money - ask if she could
<do a trial lesson somewhere. At that age that should
<be possible. And then, if she is 'begging' to go back
<it might not do too much harm at her age. It will most
<certainly not teach her things about dance she does
<not already know -
<Good luck,
<(if you are in MA ours little ones could dance
<together sometime :-)
<Mara
Susy Goins
My 4 yo daughter is part of a Creative Movement class. The ages range from 3
- 5. She loves it. We are not allowed in the classroom except during the
parent observation day. But there is a wondow many parents look through. And
the door has glass panels.
Have you seen the studio in which the class is conducted? If there is no
peep hole, then yes, be worried. If there is something through which to
peer, though, you can watch. The point of keeping parents at arm's length is
to keep distractions to a minimum.
We also had a recital for the whole Dance School. The teacher was on stage
and moving with the children. The children were focused on her. It was low
pressure and very well done.
Expression through one's body is very important and channels a child's
energy in creative ways. It is fine to be concerned, but I would say check
out the dance studio first.
Susy in Everett
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
- 5. She loves it. We are not allowed in the classroom except during the
parent observation day. But there is a wondow many parents look through. And
the door has glass panels.
Have you seen the studio in which the class is conducted? If there is no
peep hole, then yes, be worried. If there is something through which to
peer, though, you can watch. The point of keeping parents at arm's length is
to keep distractions to a minimum.
We also had a recital for the whole Dance School. The teacher was on stage
and moving with the children. The children were focused on her. It was low
pressure and very well done.
Expression through one's body is very important and channels a child's
energy in creative ways. It is fine to be concerned, but I would say check
out the dance studio first.
Susy in Everett
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Laura Beaudin
What I found interesting is how any child will dance from a young age,
even if they've never seen it or been exposed to it before.
I was reading something a few weeks ago that explains it. Apparently,
music stimulated the motor center of the brain which is why toddlers
are so inclined to dance and move to sounds and music.
Laura
even if they've never seen it or been exposed to it before.
I was reading something a few weeks ago that explains it. Apparently,
music stimulated the motor center of the brain which is why toddlers
are so inclined to dance and move to sounds and music.
Laura
On 7/30/07, Susy Goins <susypgoins@...> wrote:
> My 4 yo daughter is part of a Creative Movement class. The ages range from 3
> - 5. She loves it. We are not allowed in the classroom except during the
> parent observation day. But there is a wondow many parents look through. And
> the door has glass panels.
>
> Have you seen the studio in which the class is conducted? If there is no
> peep hole, then yes, be worried. If there is something through which to
> peer, though, you can watch. The point of keeping parents at arm's length is
> to keep distractions to a minimum.
>
> We also had a recital for the whole Dance School. The teacher was on stage
> and moving with the children. The children were focused on her. It was low
> pressure and very well done.
>
> Expression through one's body is very important and channels a child's
> energy in creative ways. It is fine to be concerned, but I would say check
> out the dance studio first.
>
> Susy in Everett
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
The Victors
My 2 year old is really showing signs of possibly being interested in
gymnastics. She will grab things above her head and lift her feet off of
the ground and swing for minutes. This includes the dinning room table, my
in-laws bar, or the gazelle (exercise machine). I am looking for a good
place to take her without paying a fortune. We are a one-income family with
all it implies. My 6 year old took ballet at the community college a couple
of years ago and is now interested in doing it again, and my 10 year old is
looking to learn some pop dancing such as the type they do at Top Hat. I am
trying to allow them at least one elective a piece, but I need to find
somewhere that we can afford, perhaps one that is based on a sliding scale.
If anyone can recommend a place, please forward it too me. We are members
of the YMCA (qualified for a partial scholarship) so I am going to check
since most of their classes are available at a discount or lower cost. What
is a Creative Movement class, I have not heard of these. My 2 year old
turns three in October, so this is something we might be interested in.
Thanks!
Melissa
_____
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Susy Goins
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 12:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re:Ballet Class-Oh No!
My 4 yo daughter is part of a Creative Movement class. The ages range from 3
- 5. She loves it. We are not allowed in the classroom except during the
parent observation day. But there is a wondow many parents look through. And
the door has glass panels.
Have you seen the studio in which the class is conducted? If there is no
peep hole, then yes, be worried. If there is something through which to
peer, though, you can watch. The point of keeping parents at arm's length is
to keep distractions to a minimum.
We also had a recital for the whole Dance School. The teacher was on stage
and moving with the children. The children were focused on her. It was low
pressure and very well done.
Expression through one's body is very important and channels a child's
energy in creative ways. It is fine to be concerned, but I would say check
out the dance studio first.
Susy in Everett
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.25/926 - Release Date: 7/29/2007
11:14 PM
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.25/926 - Release Date: 7/29/2007
11:14 PM
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
gymnastics. She will grab things above her head and lift her feet off of
the ground and swing for minutes. This includes the dinning room table, my
in-laws bar, or the gazelle (exercise machine). I am looking for a good
place to take her without paying a fortune. We are a one-income family with
all it implies. My 6 year old took ballet at the community college a couple
of years ago and is now interested in doing it again, and my 10 year old is
looking to learn some pop dancing such as the type they do at Top Hat. I am
trying to allow them at least one elective a piece, but I need to find
somewhere that we can afford, perhaps one that is based on a sliding scale.
If anyone can recommend a place, please forward it too me. We are members
of the YMCA (qualified for a partial scholarship) so I am going to check
since most of their classes are available at a discount or lower cost. What
is a Creative Movement class, I have not heard of these. My 2 year old
turns three in October, so this is something we might be interested in.
Thanks!
Melissa
_____
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Susy Goins
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 12:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re:Ballet Class-Oh No!
My 4 yo daughter is part of a Creative Movement class. The ages range from 3
- 5. She loves it. We are not allowed in the classroom except during the
parent observation day. But there is a wondow many parents look through. And
the door has glass panels.
Have you seen the studio in which the class is conducted? If there is no
peep hole, then yes, be worried. If there is something through which to
peer, though, you can watch. The point of keeping parents at arm's length is
to keep distractions to a minimum.
We also had a recital for the whole Dance School. The teacher was on stage
and moving with the children. The children were focused on her. It was low
pressure and very well done.
Expression through one's body is very important and channels a child's
energy in creative ways. It is fine to be concerned, but I would say check
out the dance studio first.
Susy in Everett
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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Meredith
--- In [email protected], "The Victors"
<dvictor1@...> wrote:
a class - she knows what she wants to do. Big muscular movements.
You might want to check out several playgrounds both with the
equiptment in mind and also the mix of regular kids. Mo liked to be
able to watch other kids do things and then try them herself, so we
looked for playgrounds where there were regular climbers.
If outdoor play isn't feasible due to weather, look for ways to
create more opportunities for whole body play indoors - adult
exercise equiptment is often good for that just bc of the relative
size difference. Its also possible to get good deals on used
equiptment at yardsales and thrift stores. The one thing I'd look
into getting new is a big exercise ball - they're a blast! Just pick
up the legos first ;)
critically about this kind of statement. There's a lot of societal
pressure to make these kinds of assumptions about younger and
younger kids, but they aren't realistic and don't really foster a
closer relationship. There's a Huge jump in assumptions and
expectations between "active 2yo who likes to climb" and "interested
in gymnastics".
Think about it this way...if your 2yo were the type to dash off at
any given opportunity, would you say she was "interested in track?"
If she loved to throw, would you say she was "interested in
baseball?"
It may be that you've gotten comfortable with the idea of classes
from your older kids, but a 2yo doesn't need a class. She just needs
to play.
---Meredith (Mo 5.5, Ray 13)
<dvictor1@...> wrote:
>in
> My 2 year old is really showing signs of possibly being interested
> gymnastics. She will grab things above her head and lift her feetoff of
> the ground and swing for minutes. This includes the dinning roomtable, my
> in-laws bar, or the gazelle (exercise machine). I am looking fora good
> place to take her without paying a fortune.I'd take her to more playgrounds, actually. She doesn't really need
a class - she knows what she wants to do. Big muscular movements.
You might want to check out several playgrounds both with the
equiptment in mind and also the mix of regular kids. Mo liked to be
able to watch other kids do things and then try them herself, so we
looked for playgrounds where there were regular climbers.
If outdoor play isn't feasible due to weather, look for ways to
create more opportunities for whole body play indoors - adult
exercise equiptment is often good for that just bc of the relative
size difference. Its also possible to get good deals on used
equiptment at yardsales and thrift stores. The one thing I'd look
into getting new is a big exercise ball - they're a blast! Just pick
up the legos first ;)
> My 2 year old is really showing signs of possibly being interestedin
> gymnastics.I wanted to comment on this, specifically. Its good to think
critically about this kind of statement. There's a lot of societal
pressure to make these kinds of assumptions about younger and
younger kids, but they aren't realistic and don't really foster a
closer relationship. There's a Huge jump in assumptions and
expectations between "active 2yo who likes to climb" and "interested
in gymnastics".
Think about it this way...if your 2yo were the type to dash off at
any given opportunity, would you say she was "interested in track?"
If she loved to throw, would you say she was "interested in
baseball?"
It may be that you've gotten comfortable with the idea of classes
from your older kids, but a 2yo doesn't need a class. She just needs
to play.
---Meredith (Mo 5.5, Ray 13)