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

The last thing most parents are thinking about this time of year is swim lessons.  Admittedly, even me.  Who was thinking about it?  Little (A).  He adores swimming and although we had decided to wait on lessons, he kept asking.  The decision not to sign up this fall was made after a conversation I had with Ashley the Condors Swimming Director.  Under her care and that of her qualified coaches, (A) has grown from a child who was afraid of swim classes, into a swimmer.  He loves the water, adores lessons, and now knows 3 strokes.  He is like a fish.  Despite the love of the water, we decided not to register because he was starting full day kindergarten.  He had been in a half day pre-school program up until now and the fear was that it would be far too much for him.

(A) started asking in September.  “When can we go back to swim class mommy?”.  The same answer kept coming out of my mouth… “In a few months when you are used to the full day, I don’t want you to be too tired.”  He kept on asking.  Finally, when the latest schedule came out for November-December I gave in and reached out to Ashley.

We had a long conversation and discussed my fear that it would be too much again. Ashley was a great help.  We decided that he could continue with lessons, and that instead of twice a week he would just attend once a week.  This way he gets some instruction and water time without the two day a week commitment.  I understand that this is not the preferred schedule because as with any skill, much more progress comes with repetition.

What is amazing about these fall/winter classes is how few people take advantage.  Many of the groups have 1-2 students in them in contrast with the late spring and summer classes where there are 3-4 students per group.  There are also a decreased number of groups which means there is more room to swim.  This also makes it easier to get your preferred days and times.

(A) has been attending and loving every minute of it.  He is getting very individualized attention and despite the limited exposure he is learning.  I am more glad that over the winter months he won’t FORGET, what he had already learned, even more so that he will continue to love the water.  With the once a week, he looks forward to it every time, it never becomes work and he is reinforcing a life skill that is so very important.

Sign up for the upcoming session begins this week check out the schedule below.  Remember if you have a scheduling conflict or concern to reach out to Ashley, as she can work with you.  We look forward to seeing you there!!

More information about Condors can be found on their website: www.condors.org

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.  Dance Central donated to the Gabi Rocks Neuroblastoma Party last year.  All opinions expressed are my own.

When (A) was born I was neurotic (more than I am even now believe it or not). He needed to be signed up for all sorts of classes; music, gym, art, you name it. I had always intended to do the same for (E), but as we all know, we can’t plan everything. (E) had a few small health hiccups and needed lots of different types of care. This made me afraid to sign her up for too many classes… Now that she is 2 and has overcome the majority of her issues I decided it was time to start getting her into some activities.

I was looking for a great active class for her and stumbled upon Dance Central’s Mommy and Me Dance Class for 6m-2y. We figured this was the perfect time to try it because as a teacher I am off for the summer and can do the class with her. Additionally, I have been watching their programs having decided to take (E) there for dance after they donated a year of classes to (A)’s schoolmate Gabi a year ago (see post). I have said since then that I wanted to be associated with a dance school who cared for children this much.

The class is run by Ms. Melissa who is fantastic with the kids. She has found ways to reach the kids and get them to remember how to do many of the different activities that we do in class.

The class requires parents or caregivers to be active participants so it is important that the accompanying adult be able to lift and tumble around a bit. That’s how the class begins, with us tumbling around together a bit (E) loves to do this (even more if we turn so she can see herself in the mirror).   This is followed by a few music numbers with hand motions (classics like wheels on the bus etc.). Aware that this age group doesn’t sit well for long we follow up with some “races” of different kinds that are geared towards strengthening the participants and helping with coordination.

The students then get to move on to an adorable little obstacle course, that ends with an individual trampoline (turned toward the mirror to (E)’s pleasure). To wrap up the class Ms. Melissa brings out some cool props to play with and everyone earns stickers when they sit quietly and wait patiently.

This is a great first class for (E). We even had two of our friends sign up and come along. The class is about 45 minutes, and in that time even attending just once a week (E) is already learning the routines and knows what to do if I say “hands in glue”. I no longer have to hold her on the balance beam (but still have difficulty tearing her away from that trampoline or mirror for that matter).

We liked our first class so much that I had (E) try the class that is the next level up (2.5-4y) to see if she could handle it (No). They allowed her to try the class for free, and then afterward Ms. Melissa called me personally to talk to me about how she had done in the class, explaining the skills that (E) needed to acquire prior to enrolling.

I found Dance Central to be organized and accommodating, offering days for make-up classes should you go away on vacation for a bit. Even better is the cost of their programs. As many of you know, children’s classes can be VERY costly running an average of $20 a session. These sessions were less, so I wasn’t worried when we signed up, thinking that it was a fabulous bargain and an experience no matter what. We really had nothing to lose.

I am so very glad we went. We had a real blast. I cannot believe that the class is almost over! I am currently looking into the options for continuing this fall (there is mommy and me on Mondays and Saturdays). I love the feel of this place, it’s so friendly and family oriented, and the class was super fun too!!

For more information on Dance Central and all that it has to offer check out their website: http://www.dancecentralpa.com   or give them a call at: (845) 627-0595  Now is a great time to inquire, although there is no registration fee for the Mommy and Me class, there is for their more advanced classes and the fee is half off until tomorrow 8/21/2015.

Dance Central’s Fall Schedule

Sidenote:

Make a day of it! The quaint town of Pearl River has so much to offer, one day after class (E) and her two friends (and mommies) decided to go grab a cup of coffee somewhere local. We walked over to Jane Café where the girls had juice boxes and cookies, while the mommies had cappuccino. We had such a blast that this became a weekly ritual.

Photo Credit:  Kate Garland of Kennedy Grace Photography took these beauties… She happens to be the talented mommy of one of our gals. ;o) She happens to have some back to school and fall farm minis coming up take a look!!! http://www.kennedygracephotography.com/

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own. 
This kept resonating with me while I was observing class at The Workout Place.  It’s more than just a karate class, and Sensai Arnie makes sure that it’s apparent.  It’s truly amazing to me how many different lessons are taught in just one class.  You see, I am a bit of a Star Wars buff, and what I find appealing about the Jedi order is that being a Jedi is not about having a light saber and fighting the sith, it’s a balance, it’s about peace, it’s a way of life.  Similarly, becoming a member of The Workout Place is more than joining a class, it’s a community just like being a Jedi and here’s why.

(A) and I showed up early for class.  I am not a fan of being late and I wanted to be able to introduce Sensai Arnie to (A) as well as talk about being in the class to take pictures and not being intrusive.  When we arrived Sensai was cleaning up.  After introducing himself to (A) he asked if (A) would help him.  Right to work they went cleaning cubbies together.  Sensai is great with kids, he is sort of like a Sesame Street Character.  He finds ways to connect with them on their level, while respecting them and making them feel super important, because they are.

As the other students started arriving, (A) began to get a little nervous.  His confidence from before started to slowly melt away.  The students and parents noticed and each introduced themselves to (A) and encouraged him to go and have a good time.  He wasn’t ready.  All I could think was “great this is going to work out well.”  I remained calm and Sensai Arnie told (A) that when he was ready he should just jump right in, don’t worry about it.  Sensai greeted each student and asked them if they were good this week, and if their rooms were clean (music to my ears).  He holds them accountable for what they do at home and at school as well.

So (A) sat with me as I took pictures in the beginning.  All of the other students know exactly how these classes work.  They know how to line up and get ready.  So much so that a student who is good and responsible gets to lead not only the warm-up but then some of the different activities later on in class.  This is not dependent on ranking (although there are a few things that are) it depends on your willingness to volunteer and take pride in leading.

As class continued (A) became more comfortable and finally jumped in.  He did very well for his first time, and for being one of the youngest students there.  While students practiced their forms a fellow student even took him in the other room and worked with him for a while.  (A) had to be reminded a few times to sit correctly while waiting (patience, yes he needs to learn patience) but I was so very impressed at how focused he was.  He had to be, that’s the atmosphere in the class.

Students for the next class began to arrive near the end of class when the students played a few games (all strategically geared toward specific skills).  The older students who would participate in the next class, jumped in without prompting and helped Sensai set up and run the games.  They kept the line moving and encouraged their younger mates.

What Arnie is teaching doesn’t end there.  In his fun and enthusiastic way he is always embedding a myriad of lessons.  Work harder, work as a team, the easy way is not always the best way, follow directions, lead confidently.  A particular lesson that sticks out in my mind is the reward for working hard.  Students arrive with piggy banks and at the end of class they earn pennies for doing well.  It doesn’t end there.  On the windowsill on the side of the lobby there are three large jars, to teach the students to give back to great causes.  One for animals, one for people in need, and one for cancer research.  Students can choose a charity and put their pennies in it, and more of them do than don’t.  It’s not a requirement to put them in there, but they choose to.  (A) chose the Cancer jar.

(A) had an amazing time at class, demanding that we return this week.  We are, and here’s why.  I love watching him concentrate and listen the way he did last week.  I love the lessons that he is learning.  It is more than just the usual respect and confidence that you would look for in a regular martial arts class. It is so much more.  Sensai is dedicated to developing the whole child, mind, body, soul.  They are responsible for their own actions, in class and outside of class.   They pick one another up when help is needed.  This is a place I would like for my son to be. UPDATE:  (A) has been attending class here for the past month and I am beyond impressed.  He has learned much and even led his first exercise the other day.  Several people have attended introduction classes on my recommendation and were so impressed that they have signed up. 

If you are interested in checking out a class at The Workout Place, contact Sensai Arnie at: 845-624-2244 to schedule a free trial.