Practice Makes Perfect!
If you were asked the question, "How do you get better at something?", what would your answer be? Most of you would probably say, "PRACTICE!"
 
Something new this Season at The Little Gym for all of our age groups is something called POPs. This stands for Personal Outside Practice.  Each and every week, each age group is given an optional POP to reinforce the learning that occured in class.  This may be playing "Can you Guess?" Animal games for our Parent/Child age groups, Giving Mom or Dad "10" (that's 10 situps, 10 pushups and 10 jumping jacks) before going on the computer for our Grade School aged classes, or even performing "Soup Can Curls" while mom or dad is making dinner.
 

 
(Way to go girls!!!!)
 
The result???
More repetition of skills which leads to better retention of skills and stronger muscles.  These POPs also allow the children to get a "Brain Boost" while away from The Little Gym, encourages parent involvement, and keeps the children active at home (especially with cold weather on its way!!) Finally, this is just another example of how The Little Gym makes LEARNING FUN!!!
 
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Expressing Emotions
This past week, our PreK classes practiced expressing emotions through every element of class.  They pretended to be sad, angry, happy, excited, nervous and more!  Expressing emotions can be difficult for children to do and our theme helped the children practice in a fun, stress-free environment. 
 
Below you will find a video of our PreK Dance classes expressing emotions through Creative Movement!  What a great way to not only express different emotions, but learn that they can express them through dance, and become more comfortable performing.

Do you want to help your child practice expressing emotions or help you better understand your child's emotions? Here are a few links that provide activities for toddlers/preschool aged children to help express emotions in a positive, fun manner, just like we did at The Little Gym!
 
 
 
3) Understanding Your 2-Year-Old's Mood Swings
 
4) Preschool Theme - E is for Emotions
http://education.preschoolrock.com/index.php/curriculum_themes/preschool-theme---e-is-for-emotions - Although this site is designed for Preschool Teachers, you can do many of the activities at home.
 
Here are also a few books that you and your child may enjoy reading together to help express emotions:
 
1) What Are You So Grumpy About? - Tom Lichtenheld
 
2) A is for Angry - Sandra Boynton
 
3) Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Ray Cruz
 
4) If You're Happy and You Know It - Raffi
 
5) There's a Nightmare in my Closet - Mercer Mayer
September Parents' Survival Nights!

Are you looking for a night (or two!!) out without the kids? Drop them off at The Little Gym for Parents' Survival Night! 

 

Saturday, September 10th - 6:30-10:00

and

Friday, September 30th - 7:00-10:00 (NOTE TIME CHANGE for FRIDAY PSNS!!!)

 

All children ages 3-12 years (must be toilet independent) are welcome and  are guaranteed to have a blast! Open to both Members and Nonmembers. Call (330) 467-5050 to register or sign up online. Spots fill very quickly!

 
Members: $25 for 1st child, $10 for each additional child
Non Members: $30 for 1st child, $12 for each additional child
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