How to help DC learn to obey and participate in classes?

tigger1800

I took DS to his first real "class" tonight and it really freaked me out.  Maybe I waited too long to start him in things like this, I don't know...

He's 2yrs 9 months old. He had his first tiny tot's gymnastics tonight.  Its a class for 1.5 to 4 year olds.  There were only 4 kids total in the class: 2 older girls and a really little girl (maybe only 1.5).  DS really enjoyed the class but he was SO difficult. The "coach" had them start out by running and jumping in the foam pit, and he loved that, but he wanted to keep doing that even when the moved on to other things.  He wouldn't sit in the circle to do stretches and wouldn't wait his turn for the balance beam and the trampoline.  It wasn't like he was being naughty, he just doesn't "get it" since he's never taken a class before and he doesn't go to daycare or MDO or anything (I WOH, but he goes to his Nana for daycare all week, just with DD). 

 I was so embarrassed. I spent most of time chasing him around and trying to keep him from getting taken out by the older kids practicing their routines (the gym has kids of all ages practicing at the same time in different areas).  It was just too much stimulation for him with all the bars and foam pits and he didnt' get why he couldn't just run and play like he can at the park.  I feel even worse because he's only 2 1/2 but he's 90th percentile for height, so he was the same height as the 4 year old so I"m sure people just thought he was naughty   I dont' want to have the naughty kid in class, but I dont' know how to help teach him to follow the class.  Just keep reinforcing and putting him back with the group? I didn't want to punish him because he wasn't doing it to be naughty, he just didn't understand what he was supposed to do and he is a VERY high energy kid, which doesn't help.

 Any advice for how to make the next class go better?  Thanks!

KoriBrett

He's just not old enough yet. ?DD did the same crap in her ballet class - she ran around & did her own thing instead. ?She just wasn't ready for it.?

marrymemylove

GL!

I find those things just don't work for DS and never did. But he will do the same kinds of activities just beautifully at daycare. The difference? 10 kids all doing the same thing, close in age, peer pressure and no parents to distract/get attention from.

I spied on him once (came early and the visiting gym teacher was still there). I was surprised at how compliant he was but I put it down to the above.?

LeoChic

I would say if this is his 1st class than give it a couple more classes to see if he calms down.  I bet the first time he was just overly excited with everything being new!  At almost 3 though he should be able to grasp the concept of a group activity pretty quickly.  I would not just drop out of it but work with him until he gets it.

DD just started a similar gymnastics program last week.  She's almost 3 and basically does the same thing -- she runs around doing her own thing.  But that is how this class is structured so it isn't a big deal.  The instructor just walks around and helps kids with wherever they are and if they run off then she moves to the next kid.

tigger1800

Thanks guys...I just felt like a horrible parent, especially when one of the moms made a kind of snotty comment about "it must be his first time in a class"...to which I replied, yes it is, and I think he's doing pretty well for a 2 year old..but I was just so embarrassed...

oparcm

dd started gymnastics at 1 1/2 and we did the parent/child classes until she was 2.9 (she was moved into the 3 year old class early).  There are so many kids who do exactly as your son especially during the first class.  Gymnastics places are very interesting places and kids are curious.  I'd keep going and just go over the rules before his class. 

co18co

I definitely think it's the norm.  Esp. with boys.  DS does his own thing at Gymboree half the time, then the other half, he'll pay attention.  I like that they are flexible enough that nobody cares if he's jumping like a maniac on the trampoline when everyone else is dancing.

 

As it becomes more familiar, I am guessing he'll thrive in the routine of things.  DS has recently started to notice if they skip a portion, or change a song, etc.  It just took awhile.  Do NOT be embarrassed...we're all there on a regular basis!  Especially with a little boy in a glass of girls!

tigger1800

Yeah this one was much more structured.  They were doing stretches in a circle, and then an obstacle course with bars and a balance beam and these big foam climbing thingeys and like 10 feet away there were high schoolers practicing really complex gymnastics, so I had to be really careful when he kept running off because he was getting in the other kids ways.

 I"m sure i'll stick it out, its only 3 more sessions...I think I just might try to find him a more relaxed program to start with where he can be a little more free while he learns to participate.  He was really good with the things he got, like hopping like a frog, walking on tip toes, and doing the "bear walk", but he just didn't get the whole "group" thing.

hopefulmom

He will eventually catch on and he IS old enough.  What you might want to do next time (if possible) is get him i a day class when older kids are not doing their routines.  My DS goes to a gym class (maybe 12 kids) but they are all around the same age (2-4).  He doesn't always do what everyone else is doing...unless I make him (which I don't always).  The teacher isn't concerned that he doesn't "follow the leader" all the time.  She really praises him when he does get involved though and that has helped.  I think your little guy will eventually "get" it but it will take a few classes.  Have a little talk with him before you even get there (like right outside the door).  It is amazing what they understand.  I can usually get my DS to do things if I tell him "a secret".  He loves to have me whisper in his ear and I usually whisper things like...go do this, don't do that, etc.  It has really helped.

shopgirl78

will it help if you leave the room?   Our dance/tumbling class don't allow the parents in (3-4 yr olds) b/c it is a distraction to the children.