This post is sponsored by The Little Gym. Although we did receive free services in exchange for a review, all thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.
As a mom, I love finding fun activities around town for kids, especially if they help with learning and development. That’s why I was excited when I heard about The Little Gym and the programs they offer. Not only do kids have a great time playing and meeting new friends, but each class is structured to encourage learning concepts that are perfect for their age. It’s just the right mix of “play and learn!” I couldn’t wait to try it out with my 2-year-old daughter, Elind!
First Day Impressions
Upon arriving to the gym we were greeted by Emily who was both friendly and upbeat, and made us feel very welcome. The facility was bright and colorful, and there were TONS of mats, padded climbing structures and equipment just for kids. My daughter, Elind, was immediately intrigued and couldn’t stop looking at everything there was to offer!
Also, major plus … on our first day I walked in with a POTTY (not your traditional carry along, that’s for sure)! My daughter is a potty snob and will not use any other restroom (least of all a public one). The staff was extremely accommodating. No one looked at me like I was insane. They helped me find a special place for it out in the open so if she needed to go she’d have easy access. This was the first of many kind gestures they showed me and my daughter during our classes.
Understanding My Daughter’s Comfort Level and Abilities
I have the most clingy child you will ever meet in your life. She will not leave my side, let alone my lap half the time — and if she does, chances are she’s plopped herself into YOUR lap, or climbed into YOUR arms. She simply wants to be held ALL. THE. TIME.
I don’t think I fully realized my daughter’s constant need to be close to someone until our experience at The Little Gym. It opened my eyes up to my child as far as her abilities and some things she may not be ready for.
And you know what? That’s okay.
The instructors didn’t push Elind to complete activities she wasn’t ready for or comfortable with. They did just the right amount of encouraging to get her interested in the class and actually wanting to try things without clinging to someone. It was baby steps at first, but week-by-week, by the end of each class, her comfort level grew and she was doing more things on her own.
What Class Are REALLY Like
At an hour long, you don’t have to worry about your child getting overwhelmed. And classes are broken down into different age groups, so the skills and concepts learned are just right for your child’s motor skill development. My daughter recently turned 2 years old and was in the “Beasts” class (geared towards 19-30 months). Here is what a typical class was like…
Opening Circle Time
At the opening of each class everyone sits in a circle, there’s a welcome song that the kids and parents all sing together, and everyone says their name (little ones too)! It was great to get to know the kids your child will be playing with, as well as make some new mom friends! Then each child is handed an object to explore (such as maracas or a ball) as part of a group activity.
Now here is the really awesome part: If your little one doesn’t want to sit still in your lap (like a lot of curious tots), it’s no big deal. They want to go climb on the mat? Go ahead! Swing on the bars ? Cool! Exploration is encouraged, and no one chastises you or forces you to chase your child down to sit still for an activity. There’s an awesome understanding of their development for whatever age and stage they are at.
Exploration
After circle time, children are able to explore wherever interests them. This really helps teach them to play independently. And because they have time to check out things on their own, they are more focused later in the class when it’s time to complete a group activity instead of being distracted by all the fun equipment. It was Elind’s favorite part of the class, and she’d take my hand and lead me wherever her heart desired.
Learning Activity
Each week has a different theme and focus, so the next part of class worked on learning those skills. And they were FUN activities the kids were interested in. One day it was helping your child flip on bar. Another day it was walking along the balance beam pretending to be a caterpillar. These type of exercises really help children learn to follow directions, as well as work on coordination.
Closing Circle Time
After the organized activity it’s time to wind down the class with circle time and a closing activity (bubbles anyone?). Several of the kids didn’t want to leave because they were having such a great time!
Try It For Yourself
Let’s face it, there are dozens of programs out there you can choose from — but what makes The Little Gym special is they don’t have a “one size fits all” approach. They truly understand that every child is different, and there’s a different need for each child and family. They work with your child’s individual comfort level and interests to ensure they are enrolled in a class they enjoy and has just the right amount of challenge to help them grow at their pace.
This is definitely a program I would encourage parents consider joining with their children. My only regret is I wish I had known about it sooner!
(Oh and by the way, they also have parents survival nights! Who doesn’t need that?!)
To find The Little Gym closest to you, please reference our list below…
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The Little Gym of Columbia, SC
4420 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 738-1115
The Little Gym of Lexington, SC
5347 Sunset Blvd., Suite C
Top Spin Plaza
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 951-7235
Giveaway!
The folks at The Little Gym were gracious enough to offer one lucky reader a month of free classes! Experience for yourself the personal touch and learning opportunities offered that we loved!