The room is filled with floating bubbles and the sound of voices singing. Two-year-old Brandon pops a bubble between his hands with two claps. And his peer, Sarah, stands nearby popping her own bubbles with her fingers, hands and face. Brandon watches Sarah closely then pops a bubble with his nose, shouting in her direction, “got it!” For the next minute, the two are relishing the social encounter they have created as they pop bubbles with their noses. It’s not the excitement of popping bubbles that seems to intrigue these children most, but the reciprocal interactions they are engaging in.
What makes the playgroup setting so effective is that it offers an arena for your child to practice social skills with peers but with the security of having you close by for guidance and reassurance. Participating in Gymboree Play & Music programs allows you to expose your child to peers in a social environment.
Gymboree offers an array of developmentally appropriate play, music and art classes for you to enjoy with your child. Creative activities, equipment, toys and props change from class to class to ensure maximum challenge for your child, whether 4 weeks or 4 years of age. Trained Gymboree teachers facilitate activities for you to experience with your child, and introduce children to parallel play activities that will eventually evolve into cooperative, self-initiated play.
Through theme-related activities, Gymboree supports the child that is beginning to pretend, and supplies you with ideas for how to engage in pretend play which involves you in the learning process. Not only can a Gymboree slide and tunnel set-up provide large motor activity, in your child’s mind, it can become a submarine “under the sea” to crawl through or a “monkey island” at the zoo to climb on.
Gymboree toys and props like balls, hoops, scarves, beanbags and bubbles serve as tools to enhance your child’s pretend play and his ability to problem-solve and connect with peers. In the Gymboree environment, your child can learn social skills, practice sharing, explore new thoughts and make friends. You can develop networks with other parents and learn new songs and activities to share with your child.
Play is a powerful thing for both you and your child. It emerges on its own but your involvement and guidance play an important role in your child’s social and cognitive development. Opportunities to play are really opportunities to learn. During play children learn and practice social skills, develop cognitive abilities like problem solving, and refine language skills. Renowned psychologist, Jean Piaget, summed it up best: “play is a child’s work.”
Find more information on Gymboree classes, schedule & offerings on their website and on Facebook.
