We have come to the 10th session of our pre-fellow class sponsored by Gymnademics. Here’s 10 things Kate has taken away with her after a term.
1. She is able to follow the actions of the songs.
When she first started out, she had no clue how it works and she would just sit there and absorb everything. Now, she knows how to sing all the words to the reply and do the actions.
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| “Kate, Kate, are you here?” |
She can sing the words and pat her tummy at the same time.
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| “Yes, yes, I am here” |
She is responsive and can understand what is expected of her. I think that is very impressive at 16 months (if I can say so myself). Don’t remember the other 5 being able to do that. But then again, she is the 6th child after all!
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| Ringing the bell at the end of the greeting song |
2. She can walk the balance beam with just 1 finger assistance.
At her first lesson, she wasn’t even able to put one foot in front of the other. Teacher Aly had to assist her in placing her feet one after another on the beam and she was very unsteady.
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| Just keep looking straight, baby |
Midway through the 10 lessons, she slowly improved and could place her feet one in front of the other with us holding both her arms for support. Now, she only needs to hang on to one of our fingers to steady herself.
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| Steady does it |
She can even turn her head and be a ‘kay-po’ to see what her friend is doing.
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| “Something more interesting going on?” |
3. She allows the teachers to handle her to do the gym exercises.
Previously, she refused and would just watch the other kids. The teachers encouraged us to practice the ‘wheelbarrow’ with them at home as it helps to strengthen their arms, hands and finger muscles which is important for many skills, including writing.
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| ‘Wheelbarrow’ |
4. She discovered music (And I discovered that she loves music!)
She’s always wandering off to the corner to play with the bells and tinkle on the piano. We have a piano at home but it had never occurred to me before to let her play on it. I just started to introduce it to her at home and she loves it.
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| Watching what is happening yet can’t resist the bells |
5. I have learnt a lot from the teachers as they are very knowledgable and willing to explain.
The teachers shared with us that this is the wrong way of sitting as this posture puts unnecessary stress on the lower spine. Now that I am aware, I am able to correct her.
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| Kate tends to sit in this posture |
6. She has made a friend.
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| Let’s make music together |
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| One straight ‘A’s student and one trying to distract her |
7. She loves the teachers.
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| Tactile awareness |
Most of the teachers have either a degree or diploma in Early childhood education, psychology or are trained as child play specialists.
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| “And we reach up high!” |
Every lesson, they get to swing on the trapeze as it improves their grip and expands their lungs. She tried the trapeze during her first lesson but refused to do it anymore after that.
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| Watches from afar |
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| Inches towards the action |
Teacher Aly wanted to gradually get her to lose her fear of the trapeze by just giving it a hi-5. But Kate’s not having any of it!
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| Runs away when it’s her turn! |
Well to be precise, the pictures for this post were taken on the 9th lesson. (I didn’t want to wait till the very last lesson just in case something unforeseen cropped up and I am unable to fulfil my review obligations). On the 10th and final lesson, lo and behold, Kate suddenly overcame her fears and happily swung on the trapeze! Just like that. This reminded me that we should never give up on them in any aspect as they will surprise us one fine day.
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| They do 5 swings each time |
Well, the only thing is that she’s still a wanderer… (while the others are engrossed in what the teachers are showing them).
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| Anyone come to catch me back yet? |
9. But it’s without a doubt that she had lots of fun.
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| Wheee! |
10. And.. she’s really proud of herself.
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| I think i’ve done well 🙂 |
These 10 lessons have also reinforced for me that to have quality output, you first need to have quality input. At Gymnademics, they focus on all the developmental areas including visual competence, auditory competence, tactile competence, mobility, language, and manual competence.
Gymnademics
Safra Toa Payoh
293 Toa Payoh Lorong 6
#02-01
Singapore 319387
Tel: 62590307
Disclaimer: Gymnademics has sponsored Kate a term of lessons. They have also sponsored the giveaway. All opinions are my own.