Rachel's Taking Classes

Last month, Rachel started taking Yoga/Creative Movement Fusion at Yoga on the Square (Regent Square just before Frick Park) every Friday morning from 9:30-10:15.  The first two sessions she needed mommy (day 1) and daddy (day 2) to be in the room with her.  The third session, we talked it up all week that she was going to do yoga with the children while mommy sat with the other mommies.  I sat by the window so she could see me, she was fine for awhile, but then wanted me.  The instructor asked me if I'd move because it was distracting to Rachel.  When I did, Rachel started crying.  I went in for a few minutes and during transition, I told Rachel I had to use the restroom, she said, "Go potty, Mommy!"  and I didn't have to go back in the room.  The fourth session, there was no incidents, and Rachel stayed focused the entire class.

Two weeks ago, Rachel started tap class (http://www.allaboutdancestudio.com/schedules.html).  She didn't listen very well the first week.  About halfway through, I thought we were a bit premature for this sort of class.  The instructor encouraged me to try another week and to not be in the room.  She said that Rachel was too comfortable with me in there and hence the not listening part.  I was willing to give it a try.  So, another week talking it up about how she was going to do tap with the children while mommy sat with the other mommies.  Since she had experienced this already in yoga, she was very willing to go in the room without me and it was reported she followed along quite nicely.  So, we bought the tap shoes, leotard, tights, and are submitting the class registration tomorrow.  Wednesday morning (10-10:30) classes are 16 weeks in the Fall and 16 weeks in the Spring, with a recital in May.

Last night, Rachel and I started Music Together at the Wilkins Community School (http://www.mtfirstnotes.com/musictogetherclasses.html) which is located just before Regent Square.  We will go every Monday evening 6-6:45.  She loved the teacher and seemed to enjoy all the songs and instruments and being able to freely roam the room.

Now, when we drive by each of these venues, Rachel says, "I want to go to Yoga, or Tap, or Music..."

Even though the week is filling up, I'm thinking about adding a gym class (http://gymkhanafun-px.rtrk.com/default.asp).

The intent behind all of these classes is multi-purposed.

1. I think it is good for her to experience a structured environment that is not home/with mommy and daddy.
2. We are thinking of delaying pre-school until 4 instead of starting at 3 years old, so these kind of classes are a substitute to the tradition pre-school setting.
3. When she does start school, the transition should be smoother since she is used to not having her parents around all the time.
4. Keeps her interested.
5. We can learn more about what kind of person she is, what kind of things she likes, etc.
6. Setting up a consistent schedule should also make it easier for her once the baby is born.
7. This is selfish, but I love hearing how wonderful Rachel is. :)