Classes for Kids – Page 4 – Rockland NY Mom

My Sweet Pea- Keeps Getting Better!

Posted on August 11, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

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

If you love good service and quality as much as I do, then you are already a big fan of My Sweet Pea Children’s Boutique in New City (click for my account of my first visit). If you haven’t been there yet, go the next time you need a special gift for that special little one and you won’t be disappointed. In fact, tell her I sent you.

They have such a good thing going that the owner Sheri has big plans, starting this September (2014). Would you like to be in on the secret (or not so secret since there is a big sign out front)? My Sweet Pea is moving to a larger location, yes you heard correctly, larger. At the boutique’s new address (14 N. Main Street, New City; the Dunkin Donuts/Carvel Shopping Center) Sheri will be able to carry MORE wonderful merchandise (including Halloween Costumes!), while still providing you with the type of personal attention that you have grown to know and love. In addition to the expanded product line, there will also be more accessible parking, a more spacious, comfortable store, and expanded availability (7 days with more hours). Sold yet?

A sneak peek at the new store!

In addition to the amazing services that My Sweet Pea already provides (cakes, favors, customization, personal shopping, theme décor, registries, extended hours when necessary to name a few), there will be children’s arts and crafts classes, and cake decorating classes for mommies and daddies!

My Sweet Pea Boutique presents Classes by Katy, a series of project-based craft and cake-decorating workshops for children and adults (and yes we will check both of them out, letting you know what we thought). Children ages 18 months -14 years are invited to select from craft workshops focusing on projects from silly hand-made creatures to personalized wall art (schedule to come). Cake decorating classes will cover basic to advanced decorating techniques, for both children and adults. These will be taught by a certified Wilton instructor. Classes can be purchased either individually or in multi-class packages. Have a Girl Scout Troop that needs a badge, or a birthday party to plan? Yeah, they can do that too. Please call for more information 845-638-BABY (2229), including class dates, times, prices, and themes.

A little tease of the room where the new classes will take place!

With the new store coming along all we can do is sit back anticipate all of the new goodies we will find when we get there. The “soft” opening will be sometime in September and the “hard” opening will be in October, just in time to pre-order your Holiday gifts. They are currently still open at their old location 159 S Main through August as they begin to prepare for the move so don’t fret if you need something, Sheri and her staff are always there!

As a side-note Sheri’s other business SOHN Real Estate (845) 639-HOME (4663) will be moving along with My Sweet Pea (see below) but more on that later :o).

MY Gym Yorktown Heights

Posted on July 23, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are the opinions of one of our mommy reviewers Jamie.

Parents in Westchester and Putnam Counties have a facility absolutely worth a visit. (S) (my two year old hurricane) and I (Jamie) had a wonderful morning at My Gym, Yorktown Heights. We were invited to attend a class and explore the very clean environment that is this establishment. For those in Westchester and Putnam counties, this is definitely a place worth a visit; they gave (S) a really fun morning while teaching him listening, exercise, and music skills all at the same time.

We arrived a little early and I was very pleased to see the staff going from station to station, toy to toy, sterilizing everything. (S) could not get his shoes off fast enough and was giddy with excitement as they opened the gate and turned him loose into paradise. They have all types of equipment for the children to explore like a ball bit, climbing wall, slide center, high bars, balance beams, etc. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but notice how the facility would be appropriate for children both older and younger than my own, which prompted me to start looking over their class offerings. This place is not just for little kids. There are all types of sports activities and drop off classes being offered for older kids, sibling classes appropriate for a range of ages, and beginner classes for babies just starting to explore their physical potential.

One of my favorite parts about visiting My Gym Yorktown Heights was watching all the children come running in with a smile. Every one of them couldn’t wait to get in and they all knew who their “teacher” was. As each child arrives, the staff is quick to come help get their shoes and socks off and walk them onto the floor. This was especially helpful to those parents who had more than one child with them. The children are given about 7 minutes of “open gym” to explore before the class begins. This exploration time is very important as the gym changes their layout and event set up every week. Each time the children arrive at class, they are having a new experience.

(S) jumps into the pit of balls during open gym.

The structured class starts off with a circle time and all the children and parents come together for stretches, hellos, and introductions. This particular class had children ranging in ages from 23 months to 3 1/4 years. The kids are kept interested in their warm up with fun dance music that even gets some of the parents, myself included, waving their arms and stomping their feet. The kids all sing a song together about a horse which made (S) laugh hysterically and then the whole group dances in a circle to a special “numbers rumba.” There is a lot of positive energy coming from the head instructor, Anthony, and he clearly has control over the group as a leader and facilitator.

Anthony and (S) during warm-ups.

Anthony then shows us how we are going to work on our “practice skill of the week”, a forward roll. The younger children are taught to protect their necks while some of the older children were working on getting all the way over. The skills were taught in a way that involves caregivers so that we can go home and continue practicing with our children. Once we were done working on our forward rolls, the kids were free to roam the gym in an open setting called “Adventure Time” during which the staff quickly sets up for “Skills Stations” which also change each week. This week the kids worked on upper body strength and strengthening core muscles by swinging on rings, pulling their legs up, and even some beginner gymnastics for the older children. Each child waits for a turn and all the children and parents cheer together as each classmate completes their work on the rings.

(S) works on his skills on the rings!

Next up was swings!!!! Clipped to safety wires that can hold 100 pounds on EACH rope is a swing set heaven. There are big kid swings, swings that move in circles, swings shaped like airplanes, and swings that look like trains. The parents are reminded to keep the swings “low and slow” and that children must be 30 months old to swing on the larger swings. Even though everyone is having a blast, safety is still the primary concern at My Gym in Yorktown Heights. During this time Anthony set up another fun riding station called the slippery ice ride. This is a riding toy that slides down a slight incline and lands the child into the ball pit. At first (S) was terrified, but once he realized that he landed in the balls he was all for it!

Once the swings are taken down the kids were asked to return to their circle for a “surprise”. Today’s surprise was a Frisbee for each child to hold and play with. The instructors used this as an opportunity to give them a lesson on shapes (circle) and music (play it like a drum). This was also a great way of getting everyone back together for some quieter fun before officially ending the class. Once the toys are put back away, a formal goodbye song is sung together while the staff prepares to help the parents get the children’s shoes and socks back on.

If that hour didn’t sound like enough fun for the kids and grown-ups, My Gym Yorktown is located in a great shopping center with all different kinds of restaurants, ice cream shops, and a large grocery store. (S) and I made a morning out of it and stopped into Panera for some salads and soup before returning home. My favorite part of the class? (S) was asleep the second I pulled out of the parking lot!

For information about MY GYM Yorktown Heights Contact Anthony at (914) 302-7705 and check out their website: WWW.MYGYM.COM/YORKTOWNHEIGHTS .

ROCKLANDNYMOM READERS – USE OUR SPECIAL CODE TO RECEIVE $25 OFF OF THE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AND/OR 10% OFF OF BIRTHDAY PARTIES BOOKED USING THE CODE: RNYM AT MY GYM YORKTOWN HEIGHTS. CLICK HERE FOR THE COUPON, AND BE SURE TO COMMENT ON THIS POST WHEN YOU USE IT!

Art Class Really is an ADVENTURE!

Posted on April 11, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, (A) and I attended a free trial, which is available to all. All opinions expressed are my own.

(A) and I had the extreme pleasure of checking out a class at Art Adventure on Saturday Morning. What an awesome experience! I have been looking for an art class to take (A) to for quite some time. I was very excited at the idea of the studio. My expectations were far surpassed by what my son and I experienced! Art Adventure offers children’s classes, as well as classes for older kids, parents’ night out opportunities, “sip and paint” for grown-ups and also birthday parties. It’s safe to say they offer it all. The thing is, they aren’t just doing “activities” with your kids. They are really teaching them bits of art at each turn. Oh my, the fun they had while doing it! There is a freedom at Art Adventure, a great safe feeling, children are encouraged to try and create, with few limitations.

As someone who spends insane amounts of time researching and “Pinning” crafts to do with children, there are many that I have wanted to try, but have not because I cannot fathom taking care of the mess afterwards. Here was an opportunity to do all of those things, and not pay the price at the end!! Even though parents stayed, there wasn’t really much for us to do. The kids who take the class often knew the drill, and newcomers fit right in. The class that we attended had 12 students in attendance varying in age from about 2-4, each accompanied by an adult. There was still plenty of room, even with a few strollers. Upon arrival there were 8 stations set up around the room for the students to experience. The theme of the day was “Secondary Colors”. I didn’t even know what these were until after class (purple, green, and orange). Long-sleeved smocks are provided (if you have ever had a child come home from school wearing paint you are very happy about this), or you can bring your own. Eric Stormes (certified art teacher with extensive background) and Super Eileen (who disclosed that she was also a super hero after (A) introduced himself as one), jumped right in with the secondary color explanation and the students were off. All students began at the same station, where they painted tape-resist color fields’ art. Each student had a paper that was pre-taped for them in different shapes, no two were the same.

After the initial painting there were several different stations to visit, all with the same color scheme, but using various different tactile mediums. The kids were allowed to move freely, at their own pace and experience each of the stations. The teachers floated around the room helping the students, refilling supplies when needed, and asking questions of them about their projects. Names were written on art pieces and put aside to dry for later, and then we hit the fun mother-load. The last station that the kids all participate in was by far the most fun I have seen kids have in a long time. They got to smear secondary colored shaving cream all over a table, and then of course on themselves. It was no-holds-barred entertainment for both adults and children. Their joy was genuine. Definitely not something I would have let (A) do at home, but I am sure glad that I got to see him do it.

Cleanup was easy, with a large wash basin and a step stool readily accessible. (A) was sad to go, I had to convince him that everyone was leaving (although no one was pushing us out the door). I have to admit that I kept trying to clean up and had to be told that I did not have to several times. I felt extremely guilty that I came, made a mess, and was leaving it. It was kind of nice though. He was even able to repeat to me what secondary colors were on the way home (I guess he really was listening).

I would not hesitate to recommend Art Adventure to anyone. It was clean, fun, educational and safe. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The kids had a blast and still took away a little bit of learning in addition to their new masterpieces which (A) was very proud of.

Super Eileen helps (A) put on his smock.

Eric shows (A) how to paint fields’ resist.

(A) balloon paints at another station.

(A) and some classmates work in the free paint area with different textured rollers.

GLOOP! This stuff is so cool!!! It is a liquid until you touch it then it turns into a solid!

Eric brings the fun up to a whole new level with shaving cream!

No holds-barred fun, they were loving it!

For more information on Art Adventure and the classes that they offer visit their webpage: http://www.artadventureny.com/ and like them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/artadventureny1

Sifu Says…

Posted on March 14, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

If you are looking to teach your children respect (earning and giving), leadership, perseverance, patience, concentration, and conflict resolution, then go visit The Fire Mountain School in Nyack, NY. If on the other hand you are looking for street fighting, trophies or fight to the death tactics this is probably not the place for you.

I took (A) to a mixed age Kung Fu class and was amazed by what I saw there. As I had previously mentioned, (D) and I were very interested in Martial Arts for (A), so the whole family came along.

When we first walked into The Fire Mountain School we were greeted by Ed the school owner and Sifu. (A) asked to step on the mat and was given the ok. Sifu proceeded to show (A) where his spot was on the mat for the class, it was marked with a piece of tape. (A) immediately took responsibility for that spot, happy to have a place that was “his”. As the other students began to arrive I was a little nervous. (A) was the youngest one there by about two years, the oldest was 6 years his senior, how would he fare? Let me lay to rest any concern from this point on. Sifu began by letting me know that at (A)’s age it is difficult to concentrate for lengthy periods of time, and that he doesn’t push them. That he would try to encourage him to participate, but that it was important for him to jump in when he felt comfortable and ready. I was really glad to hear this, it’s the same philosophy I take with my super young soccer players. Don’t push, make it fun, and let them find their way.

The older students accepted (A) as one of them and took on the chore of role model happily. They showed him how to begin class and spoke to him as an equal. Class began and (A) followed along. He did pretty well I think, he tried to keep up and watched his older classmates intently. There were times when he ran off of lost focus, Sifu, kept class moving along and invited (A) back in when the time was right. He even used (A)’s running around as a tool for helping the other students remain focused.

Sifu speaks softly, and with authority. The students want to learn from him, they appreciate his praise, this is clear. Sifu Ed asks them about their days, about school, and asks if anyone has anything interesting going on over the weekend. His words are chosen carefully, and he is attentive to each student. I was on several occasions surprised and impressed by the little lessons he snuck in when the students were unaware. At one such time, a student was having some difficulty remembering the next motion in the progression. Another student wanted to jump in and help. During this time, of course, the student who was leading the sequence was getting flustered and wanted to give up. Sifu reminded the helper that part of being a good leader is also being a good listener, being patient, in addition to giving others the proper respect and time. This is how Sifu Ed goes about incorporating important life lessons into his half hour classes. Sifu had the leader go through the sequence in his mind. After a moment the young man was able to remember and recover beautifully. Sifu Ed then took time to reflect on the process. He stated that if you think calmly, and give yourself time (patience and perseverance) you can get through a difficult situation and recover. While Sifu speaks of these things the whole class stops and listens, and not because they have to. I have rarely seen young boys so calm, so captivated, including my 3 ½ year old. He wasn’t able to stay put for all of the lesson, but I am so glad that he experienced it.

The class wasn’t all JUST life lessons (if you can say just). There was lots of fun too. They worked on their Kung Fu sequences, and also had some silly fun. (A) was a HUGE fan of this part. The practiced going across the floor first as a frog, and then as a bear. The older boys were very impressed that (A) was able to do this. In between sequences, they also played “Sifu Says”, a concentration and listening activity cleverly disguised as a game. (A) was pretty much done at this time (attention span of a gnat and all) and Sifu Ed noticed. He stood behind (A) and helped him to listen and perform the activities.

(A) had a blast, (D) and I were impressed, (E) really thought that the frog hopping was amusing (seriously all smiles the whole time). This experience reinforced what we had previously thought, we like the messages and lessons that are taught in Martial Arts. We want them to be a part of our children’s lives. As (A) is currently aging out of one of the other classes he currently attends, we have already decided that this is one he will be picking up.

For more information on The Fire Mountain School visit their website at: www.thefiremountainschool.com and/or check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheFireMountainSchool.

The Fire Mountain School is running a special for Readers of RNYM See Below!

(A) and the rest of the class stand ready on their spots.

Sifu helps (A) with his form as a classmate leads the sequence.

(A) and the class work on their sequence.

A little fun, frog jumps!

Sifu Says!

Sifu aids (A) in his concentration and direction following.

The Benefits of Yoga, Little Shanti Style…

Posted on March 1, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

I visited Little Shanti Yoga with my son (A) and daughter (E) a while back, and ever since then I have been looking for an excuse to go again. I have been happily watching schools and centers book class after class with Little Shanti. I finally caught up with Wendy at the Congers Community Center where she does a mixed age class for older age children (without mommies). Boy am I glad that I did!

This class was such a pleasure to attend. The class was made up of girls (although it was not limited, this is the group that signed up) ages 7 through 13. It was clear that the girls were excited to be there because each and every one bounced through the door ready to participate. They knew the drill. The girls walked in and put their shoes on one side of the room before heading over toward the mats (two yogis even brought their own. When Miss. Wendy was ready to begin the class eagerly followed her lead. They were respectful and happily tried every pose, even those that were super difficult. The atmosphere was great. I was relaxed just watching.

The theme of today’s class was very relevant to the month of February, it was opening your heart. Miss. Wendy started the class asking how everyone was doing and speaking to specific girls about what they had been up to and what was going on with them. She welcomed questions and comments, it was a great opportunity for each girl to be heard and speak. I could tell by watching that each and every participant felt valued and comfortable. When it was time to begin the Yoga part of the class Miss. Wendy asked about who was watching the Olympics. Some girls raised their hands. Miss. Wendy then went on to discuss the benefits of Yoga for athletes, for focus, flexibility, strength, and coordination. She pointed out that it was not only good before but also after a competition.

The class then picked up steam. Miss. Wendy and the class went through a number of different poses and positions, some of which they had done before and others that they were trying for the first time. Often, when they repeated a pose that they had already done, like “cupid’s arrow” Miss. Wendy would kick it up a notch and challenge the group to do a more difficult version, in this case, to do it while standing. The class accepted the challenge with ease. Throughout the 60 minute class Miss. Wendy returned to poses that opened up their hearts, and ribcages allowing the participants to stretch and breathe deeper. One position that the class really enjoyed was when Miss. Wendy taught them to work on the wall and climb up with their feet. This was really a fun time for the class. Everyone was able to do it and those who got it a little faster helped others out.

At the end of their time together the girls looked more relaxed than when they came, you could tell they had enjoyed themselves. Parents arrived to pick up their daughters and had lovely things to say to Miss. Wendy about the class. Many of them asking if she would be doing more sessions with older kids. When I left I felt more relaxed and calmer than when I had arrived, and that was without participating. I really enjoyed this class, as I did with the Mommy and Me class that I attended previously.

What I loved about this class:

The sense of belonging in the class.
Age and ability doesn’t matter, all of the girls had a great time and were able to participate with ease.
The calm atmosphere.
The easy acceptance of challenge.
The connections made to athletics as well as academics, and/or stress relief.

For more information about Little Shanti Yoga visit Miss. Wendy at: http://littleshantiyoga.vpweb.com/

Miss. Wendy checks in with the class in the beginning.

Cupid’s Arrow

The class works on flexibility.

Miss. Wendy kicks it up a notch, by having them do “cupid’s arrow” standing.

Wall work, where posture is emphasized.

This pose was a class favorite!

The class settles down at the end to concentrate and relax.

Private sessions ridiculous or rewarding?

Posted on February 24, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

RBI Sports offers many exciting opportunities for training. One of their services are their private baseball lessons. After our group class it was clear how new to the sport (A) was and the he could use a little more practice on his basic skills. So we scheduled a session with Jason. In the back of my head I was wondering how effective a personal training session would be for a 3 ½ year old, but I thought, why not try?

Jason tackled all of the necessities for a child of (A)’s age. Balance, coordination, ATTENTION, all while making it fun and relating each skill to baseball.

What a fantastic time we had! Jason took the first few minutes to feel (A) out for his interests and to see what type of motivation he best responds to. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that (A) likes to please adults and that he considers himself a super hero! (When asked what his name is he responds “Super (A)!). Jason then used this information throughout the session to keep (A) on task and to relate each instruction to something that (A) loves. (A) was able to hone many of the basic skills required to be successful in baseball. To reinforce each skill Jason would model the appropriate way to do it, then connect it to an area of interest. He would correct (A) when necessary and then ask (A) to repeat the correct form by correcting Jason’s stance. (A) soaked it up like a sponge.

When it came time to work on batting Jason even agreed to take turns. (A) had decided that it was so much fun, that Jason should get to try too! Although we were not the only athletes in the facility, he was never distracted (and that’s for an entire hour!). At the conclusion of the lesson, Jason showed me some great activities that I can do with (A) at home to reinforce the skills and to help him to continue to improve.

Jason did an amazing job with (A) but another thing I wanted to call attention to is the atmosphere at RBI. As a parent this is so important. The other athletes stopped to wave and smile at my little guy, parents did too. Coaches stopped to speak to him. While batting and finishing up a High School Softball team was waiting in the wings. They began to watch him, asked his name (Super (A)) and then cheered him on for the rest of the session. He was so proud! We both left there feeling so lighthearted and happy! It is worth noting that (A) had never played baseball before the group and private sessions at RBI. He had played some catch (or watch the ball go by and then chase it), and attended two Boulders games. As a result of these two sessions at RBI my son has requested that we put up a tee and practice area in the basement, which we of course did. He requests to go down and play often. In fact, if you ask him what his favorite sport is he replies baseball (much to his soccer coach mommy’s chagrin). He had a blast, and I would suggest it to anyone who was looking for a sports class for any child, of any age.

Check them out online http://rbisports.net/ to see their newest offerings including camps and give them a like on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/RBI.Sports.Academy. They can also be contacted at info@rbisports.net or 845-268-9900.

Jason gets to know (A) at the beginning of class.

(A) enjoys himself while learning the basics of fielding.

Jason corrects some of (A)’s form.

Looking like a pro already!

Check out that follow through!

A few little corrections had (A) playing like he has been at it for years!

Jason and (A) joke around while learning.

Jason shows (A) how to bat.

Check out that contact! Notice the group forming in the background. What you can’t hear is that they were all cheering him on ! What a fun atmosphere!

Jason humors (A) by taking a turn hitting.

Have a class or service you would like for RocklandNYMom to review? Email us at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com !

The MY GYM Family

Posted on January 15, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to visit a class at MY GYM. All opinions expressed are my own…

This week I had the honor of reviewing a class at MY GYM Nanuet. This is a special review for me because my son (A) actually attends class there; he has now for two years. Under their guidance he is thriving. Even though he attends with my mother in law while I am at work, they are like an extended family. When my daughter (E) had some health problems over the summer and (A) reacted by having separation anxiety and not wanting to attend class, they were worried and called me to check up on him. They also went the extra mile and put my account on hold for when he was ready to return. That just doesn’t happen everywhere you go.

Jasmine and Liz are fantastic! The kids love them, and so do the parents. I cannot say enough good things about them. They know each attendee on a personal level, likes, dislikes, and personalities. They are always positive, and have the ability to get kids and parents to be comfortable with the most nerve-racking of tasks. Even hanging upside down on a rope. It is clear that they understand the body mechanics behind each skill that they teach, as well as the psychological implications; including self-esteem building aspects.

Their schedule of classes as well as complete descriptions for each can be found online. They have something for everybody, including classes that overlap in age so that if a child is a little bit ahead or behind the curve there are different options for your child. The classes increase in independence as the children grow which is so nice to see, especially since (A) was there when the classes were mommy and me. He is now in a class where he participates on his own :o). The gym also offers two sessions of “Practice and Play” which are open gym sessions. So (A) goes 3 times a week some weeks. In addition to regular GYM classes, they also offer an introductory sports program, birthday party packages, camps, and parent night outs.

Since (A) attends already, I visited a different class. The one I chose was a Gymsters class. This class typically begins around 23 months and is the bridge class between mommy and me, and becoming independent. What fun we had, it was a great group of kids and parents who were there. They were all very participatory, one student even jumped in and helped Jasmine with the opening movements during circle time.

During class Liz and Jasmine seamlessly lead the attendees through a series of different skills, sometimes together and others that are separate. There is always something for the kids to do, and no standing in line. There is often fun music that accompanies the skill, and in conjunction with the attitudes of the instructors really helps the kids to get into the activity. Many of the kids were performing skills that they were uncomfortable with at first with no problem (including a head stand on a balance beam). Interwoven into the activities are many “teachable” moments where they practice some core educational skills with the students. These include but were not limited to; spatial relationships (over, under, through, in, above), counting, and colors. This is all while still working on the basic physical skills of balance, timing, and coordination.

Most importantly (although all of the aforementioned are priorities) the kids love it. They really have a good time. They make friends there, and build relationships with each other as well as the instructors. The parents who attend are open and inviting, cheering on not only their children but those of the others in the class. Everyone walks in and out of the gym with a smile (plus a sticker and a stamp or two). In short, I highly recommend MY GYM to anyone who is looking for a gym class for their child. It is a fantastic value with the potential for 3 visits a week, and the smiles make the experience priceless.

For more information or to see their current offerings for MY GYM please visit their website http://www.mygym.com/nanuet , call (845)624-0811 and check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/mygymfun .

If you have a business or service that involves children and would like for RocklandNYMom to review it please contact MJ at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com.

Jasmine begins class by leading circle time.

A student helps lead the warm-up.

During rotations, Jasmine helps a student with a somersault and Liz helps another on the balance beam.

The tunnel is a group favorite!

The class delights in Jasmine and Liz’s antics!

Liz and Jasmine seamlessly tell the class a story.

Liz helps a student in her headstand.

A student takes advantage of some time after class to jump!

There are so many fun obsticles to play with at MY GYM!

Students work on balance as well as color recognition and listening skills.

A student receives his sticker and stamp!

RBI Sports A Real Home-Run!

Posted on December 30, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a “Future Sluggers” class. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Today we had the opportunity to check out a “Future Sluggers” class at RBI Sports in Valley Cottage, NY. RBI sports is a baseball and softball training facility. They hold small classes like the one that we attended, have personal training, hold birthday parties, mini-camps, and also run a sports camp over the summer at the JCC in West Nyack, NY. I was really looking forward to checking out this class because of my coaching background. I love to see how coaches approach different sports with the younger kids. So when given the opportunity to check this one out, I jumped at the chance.

The “Future Sluggers” class is an introduction to baseball for boys ages 4-7. The purpose of these 50 minute sessions is to teach the children the basics of the game which include: fielding, running, throwing, hitting, and the kid favorite; sliding. This is accomplished in a small group setting with a ratio no larger than 8:1.

As this was (A)’s first experience with baseball I inquired about equipment. All that a player needs to participate is comfortable clothing, sneakers and a good attitude. RBI has gloves and bats that players can borrow, and the knowledgeable staff will even help you to pick out your equipment when the time comes to purchase your own.

Erik, our coach was fantastic with (A) from the start. This was the last of a four class session that was finishing up and the other players had already been there. When we first walked in (A) was a little shy. Coach Erik introduced himself right away and told him that he could join when he was ready (which of course he was moments later). He really made (A) feel comfortable and got him to try it out.

As the class began, Erik hit it out of the park. He broke down the fundamental skills of the game into manageable pieces that the kids could digest. Erik gave them many ways to remember the specific body positions necessary for mastery with little reminders such as “thumb to thumb” and “pinky to pinky” for fielding. The atmosphere was light and fun. The kids really enjoyed being there, and it was evident that they were learning. The players who had been there for 4 weeks were able to tell Coach Erik how to replicate the positions when asked, and then put them into practice with ease.

After working on the basic fielding skills they played a bit of a mock game where all players had a chance to bat and run the bases. The other “team” worked on fielding. The fielders were given dots to stand on that showed them the correct places to stand in relation to the bases. No one was tagged out, they practiced fielding the ball and throwing to first base. All players got to run the whole progression of the bases and were allowed to slide into home. This was a great culminating activity for the session. The kids had a blast and would have played all day long it seemed.

RBI Sports has lots of space with state of the art equipment, and even though there was a private session going on right next to our class the players were not distracted. You didn’t even know that they were there. There is also a seating area right outside of the cage where parents can sit and watch. A very nice environment, the parents and staff were all super friendly, stopping to chat and welcome us. Al Conti the owner of RBI said that they have great parents and that they love that many parents stay and watch. They welcome the idea that the parents are learning the necessary skills and correct fundamentals that their child will need for success in the sport.

For more information on RBI Sports please visit their website at www.rbisports.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RBI.Sports.Academy. They can also be contacted at info@rbisports.net or 845-268-9900.

Coach Erik shows the class the fundamentals of fielding above the waist.