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December 2010 Moms
MrsDe2008
member
Gymboree class was a big disappointment. :/
MrsDe2008
member
I took Sam to her 1st Gymboree class yesterday and wasn't too impressed with what they had to offer. Anyone else feel this way?
It was Sam and 2 other children. She was the youngest at 21 months...the other 2 kids (a girl and boy) were closer to 27 months. Sam was exploring and checking things out cautiously and the other 2 kids were just whizzing by her. The other 2 kids already knew each other from previous classes, so it's understandable they would play together, along with the closeness in age, but I felt like Sam was left out to play on her own. The other 2 women that were with the children obviously knew each other, so they were chatting it up most of the time with the instructor. As for the instructor, she had no control or structure in the class. I had asked if I should guide Sam into paying attention, but she said no, so the kids were just running around the room most of the time. When she would want their attention, it would last about 2 seconds and then they were off. I felt like the instructor would give up and then just start talking to the other women. I'm sorry, but I can't see paying $70 a month for some open play when my kid can run around her yard and get the same play. I would have thought it would be better. ooh well.
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Re: Gymboree class was a big disappointment. :/
We did a free class at The Little Gym and it was really structured and well run. I really liked it, but it was a 30-40 minute drive and cost way too much for us (about the same as the class you are in though.)
I think it was probably disappointing because of the small class!
We don't have Gymboree here, but we have Rolly Pollies and it actually does sound a lot like that, but tons more kids. The instructor shoes us what to do, and then all the kids just go run around and do their own thing. They do come together a few times throughout to do circle time, but it's mostly "on your own." I actually prefer it because my son will NOT follow a routine for 45 minutes and it would be a nightmare. We went to a more structured music class before and he just won't follow along for that length of time, so I actually prefer the "free for all" with a tad of structure.
Thanks for the feedback ladies!
I've never heard of My Gym, but I will have to look into it. Not sure if there is one around here. Thanks!
I would agree with this. DS has been doing gymboree since this spring and the pace and structure of the class does tend to vary a bit depending on how many kids are in the group and what their interests are.
Also, don't feel bad that your DD wasn't interested in participating in the activities. She may need a little bit more time to get comfortable in that environment. DS just stood back and watched the first few classes he went to, then he started exploring more, finally just recently he started actually participating in the activities and songs. He's often a little slow to warm up to new places and activities, so I'm glad we kept going and gave him a chance to warm up to it. I've seen him grow a lot since he's been going.
Those are just my experiences with the program. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Hmm, it might have been the instructor. I took DS to one Gymboree class and it was definitely more structured than what you are describing! We did a music class when he was about 11 months old. The instructor sang songs and interacted with the kids most of the time, but also had them play on their own for a bit. There were only 3 or 4 kids total. I thought it was a fun time, but wasn't sure about spending $70/month for it.
In addition to Little Gym, you also could check out JW Tumbles. Not sure if they have any near you though.