JW Tumbles – Rockland NY Mom

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was invited this month to attend a class at JW Tumbles in Hillsdale, NJ. Although this is technically not Rockland County, it is super close to several areas, including Pearl River. This was reinforced by the children who were in attendance, some of whom were from Rockland.

JW Tumbles offers many different level classes ranging from 4 months to 4 years. They also host birthday parties, kids night outs, and have camps with different themes each day. Open play is offered every weekday and select weekends (check website for schedule). Open play is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and weekday open play is always free for those enrolled in class. This open play allows kids a chance to play in the gym; a safe and clean environment free from the cold or heat. To participate, continuous supervision of a parent is required.

The class I attended with (A) was a mixed age class of children ages 2.5-4.5. This class ran from 4:30-5:30 pm. The timing of this class is a good option for parents who work and would still like to get the benefits of a gym class for their children. JW Tumbles has a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere about it. (A) who is sometimes shy when we first go somewhere, had no hesitation and participated from the get go.

When we first arrived the kids were allowed to run around a bit and try all of the equipment, which was a huge plus for (A) who had not been there before and wanted to explore. This was a great exercise in socialization as (A) made a few friends and had a great time during his exploration. Class started with introductions in a circle format and then the class moved quickly onto skills. All of the necessary skills for a children’s gym class were covered nicely throughout the hour, with the participants moving from one activity to the next with ease. Skills focused on included balance, coordination, climbing, and two gymnastic skills (donkey kicks and pike position on the bar). The students know the drill and eagerly await the next activity. While the teachers are setting up, they quietly move off to the side and explore the equipment again, returning when called the first time.

While practicing skills teachers (there were 3) moved from child to child and assisted them in completing the task. One such time was while students were working on their donkey kicks. While the children practiced climbing a rope ladder, teachers spotted and encouraged each individually letting them climb at their own pace to their own comfort level. When the participants moved on to the bar, the teachers split the bar in two so no children had to wait a long time, they offered the right amount of aid for each student’s ability and comfort level.

Class was ended with some bubbles (a child favorite at any age). The kids were given ample time to chase and pop, and then gather their belongings to head home. Everyone left with big smiles, another great afternoon.

I had to tear (A) away as he wanted to continue to climb and play for hours. I was worried about the time of the class being an issue, I was fearful that he would fall asleep on the way home and we would be completely off of his routine. It was not necessary for me to worry, he was great all the way home and ate a great dinner (he had worked up quite the appetite).

For information on classes and other services that JW Tumbles Hillsdale offers, visit http://hillsdale.jwtumbles.com or call (201) 453-3010

One of the teachers works with (A) on his donkey kick.