Kai's Gymboree Class

I have been wanting to find a social outlet for Kai and had been looking for classes for him. We have decided not to do preschool this fall (a decision that I'm quite happy with actually) but I did want him to try some sort of once a week class so that he could learn how to interact and follow instructions. I offered Kai a gymnastics class and was told "NO!". So, we looked at Gymboree and he was very excited about a music class. As I was going to sign him up for a trial music class he saw an advertisement with kids holding balls. All thoughts of music left his head and he only wanted to take the "ball class". So we signed him up for a trial Sports class where they teach basketball, volleyball, etc. Wednesday was our trial class and Kai was SO excited all day. In fact, when it did come time to leave for class, I lost Kai while I packing the diaper bag. Turns out he had gone to the garage and was waiting by the car! We got to class only to find out that this month they are learning GYMNASTICS! Ugghhh! Poor kid. Kai had a great time at class and enjoyed all of the fun toys that there were to play with. He didn't really interact with any of the kids, just the parents on the sidelines, and he certainly didn't follow instructions, wait in line, or take turns, but he had a blast!

Playing around before class

The obstacle course at the very beginning of class

The free-for-all and just moments before he got knocked over

"Touch your toes"

After class and the only dinner he would eat (ice cream, strawberry
sauce and whip cream.....Yumm!)

Mom's Input: While Kai enjoyed himself thoroughly, I was disappointed with the class. There were about 15 kids in the class (turns out there's no enrollment limit)and 2 instructors who couldn't seem to see more than 4 feet in front of them. The kids that waited in line and took their turns (all 4 of them) got both teachers' undivided attention. The remaining children were running free-for-all around the entire gym. At one point in the beginning I stepped in (holding Finn) to try and help Kai figure out what he was doing. One of the teachers saw me, and "helped him" for the next two minutes and then it was over. One hour of Kai running free in a mini-toy heaven. Of course he had a good time. The teachers were even completely oblivious to the other bigger boy that knocked Kai over. Yep, not a happy momma! I was actually quite upset and shocked that it was a "drop-off" class. No one was watching him at all and they would have had no idea had he just ran right out. Imagine if I had just dropped him off! At 10 minutes before the hour was up, the instructors decided it was time for a potty break. I stepped in and asked Kai if he wanted to leave. He didn't and quickly asked me what they wanted him to do so that he could stay. At that point he started following instructions a bit and participating slightly in the class. I got a couple of good videos from that. But, we will not be going back to class. I'm disappointed because I'm not sure where else to look for classes for him. I think I'm going to take a break for a couple of more months and maybe once school is back in session these types of classes will be less crowded. Let's hope so!