I signed up for the toddlers and tykes class because I wanted my son to have an opportunity to work on gross motor skills and to do something different. In my mind this was going to be more like gymboree style where we do a lot of floor stuff and just working on moving bodies around. Instead I think this is a class for people who REALLY want their kids to get into gymnastics and potentially become an Olympic gymnast.
The class is split up into three rotations. The first is floor exercises such as walking across low beams, hoping along tape (etc.). You then move into bars. Kids are suppose to crab walk across bars, flip over the bars, and do other quite complicated gymnastic moves on bars not on the ground. The class ends with trampoline skills.
Personally, I found the class not really geared towards toddlers. The class says it is for 18 months - three year olds, but I couldn't imagine taking my child in at 18 months to this class. I watch the coach telling us what they wanted the kids to do some of these times and my jaw hits the floor. They are asking them to do handstands by putting hands down and walking their feet up mats, do specific types of jumps on trampolines, do flips over bars, etc. Like real gymnastic moves. Some of the kids were able to do it, but for most they just play and run around. I kind of wish the class was more welcoming and open to people who aren't hardcore gymnasts.
The instructors were nice enough. I think one of the challenges with working with this age group is you have to be the right person to do it. I used to work as a camp counselor for many years, and I totally knew I wasn't the prek/k group counselor material. The instructor is basically just walks us through each exercise then lets us have at it. She gives some praise every once and a while, but that is about it. No real hands on help with some of the more complicated moves or modifications for kiddos not ready to do back rolls and crab walks across parallel bars.
I also have found the front office to be a bit unwelcoming. My first day there I came in and no one was working the front desk. I had no idea where I was going or what I was doing. Someone finally showed up, but paid no attention to me. There is no hello, goodbye, or have a nice day.
I think if you are serious about gymnastics, this place is great. If you just want your kid to have some fun, burn off some energy, and work on gross motor skills, maybe look elsewhere. read more
