Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Guin's Classes
I found a few places that offered trial classes. And since we hadn't decided what was next after taking almost a year off from dance, we signed up for a free class of gymnastics and and one for swim. Last Friday she had her 30 minute toddler swim without flotation lesson. The teacher was surprised with her interest and lack of hesitation. She encouraged us to continue exposing her to water to maintain this as well as strengthen her skills. With or without enrolling, taking class now or later, they said she seems to have an interest and awareness to really enjoy water activities. Yeah! She takes after mommy :) oh, a little more detail about her experience... She wanted to go on the large slide that even some older kids were afraid of. They let her at the end of class. She had a blast and didn't want to leave. So much so she cried and became sassy. I had to explain this pool was just for class and that we have to practice and play elsewhere. Between Guin's fussing and Adelaide chatter and playful shrieks we were the loudest group in the waiting/watching area. Oh well. She had fun and wanted more. I learned I could have prepped her better so I will do so next time. Today we went to the gym for a 45 minute lesson. They stretched, ran, hung from bars and rings, flipped over bars, balanced... They did a whole lot! I watched and grew more excited about the offerings. I was really impressed with Guinny trying new things, waiting her turn, and watching the demonstrations. I did notice she caused a slow down during the circuits and that toward the end of class the teacher was carrying her. When the kids were released from class Guin stayed in the doorway not wanting to leave. The teacher let me know Guin had the strength (I think could use more work on balance and flexibility) but not the commitment for some of the activities. She encouraged me to work thru this phase of 'I can't'... Instead use 'i'll try' along with action. She said Guin didn't want to leave but didn't want to participate toward the end. Overall I was super impressed with day 1 of a brand new activity, at a new place, with new people. She was a little pouty but she got herself ready and we left after a small delay.
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What a great idea trail classes! I hope the year off from dance class doesn't prove to have slowed her down in settings such as class participation and being social with others. Her sometime shyness peeks it's head a bit but her personality at the age of almost 4 also has refusal and a allot of sass... I think learning to wait her turn, participate when expected and go and come to class in a timely fashion will indeed help G a whole lot, and that doesn't even count the experience in the class itself!
ReplyDeleteGuin's crying when we had to leave the pool wasn't so surprising, when she has ever swam before she was certainly allowed more then 30 minutes in the water! Also at her age she is still in the phase of the water being fun and for play... The seriousness of a swim class and it's lessons will take some time to sink in... As far as Adelaide's playful shrieks and loud chatter I think it was adorable! Guin's crying was unfortunate but understandable; however her sass definitely needs to be worked on... I sometimes in the past (when not very well / healthy) would get very nervous in this kind of setting, that is to say when being the object of some stares I would normally get overly anxious, but Catie you are such a super mom, you handled everything in stride; I can learn allot from you... But I was also a champ, like the girls I gave it my all and had a smashing good time :) I'm so glad I got to come watch Guinny swim!!!
Well I sure wish I could have been with you and the girls for G's gymnastics trail class; and too for her first regular class the following day... I hope the "I can't" was replaced with "I'll try" or at least soon will be... As far as slowing down at the end of class I think 45 minutes of gym may be allot for beginners, to bad swim class isn't 45 minutes and gymnastics 30... G would love that! Yes too I find Guinny very strong, I can't believe she would need to work more on her balance or flexibility... I'm so impressed with her now... I could never do any of the things as a kid that G already does at home while playing, especially walking on her toes! Guinny is very committed when she sets her mind to something (maybe a bit of this is stubbornness) and I think as she falls in love with gymnastics her commitment will blossom even more...