Gym Class

A few months ago I decided I wanted to enroll Jackson in gym class.  We are so blessed to have my mother-in-law and mom watch him while Arnold and I work.  I LOVE this and wouldn't change it but he also doesn't get much time with peers.  So after some research and trial classes, I decided on My Gym in Skokie.  They sing and do some stretching exercises and then the kids are free to play on the equipment.  The teachers set up the gym differently each week so there's always something new.  They also bring out swings and other special equipment.  After free time, they teachers bring out a small ball pit and a bunch of noisy toys, and this is supposed to be "separation time" where parents hang back while the kids play.  After that the teachers do some songs with puppets, and then we sing out goodbye song.  This all sounded perfect for Jackson!  Thanks to a very generous gym membership, we have been going every Saturday for a few months now.

When we first started going, Jackson was very apprehensive to do almost anything.  He didn't want to try any of the equipment or play with any of the toys, and got upset when the teachers would talk to him.  He also wouldn't leave my side and certainly wouldn't interact with any of the other children.  This went on for a few weeks, with only slight improvement with separation and social interaction.  So I decided Jackson might do better if just Arnold took him and I stayed home.  The first week only Arnold and Jack went, there was giant snowstorm that morning and Jack was one of two students at the class.  He did great socializing and separating from Arnold, but we didn't really know if that was from the small amount of people, or no mommy.  The next week when he went with Arnold he was a little clingy, but better.  He played with other kids and on the equipment, and didn't get upset when the teachers talked to him.  Since then, he interacted and separated more every week.  Yesterday, Jack did great!  He climbed through the giant tunnel,

went down the slide,

climbed on the mats,

climbed on the ladder,

and swung in the "gondola".

He also played in the small ball bit,

and danced and kissed the sheep during music time.

He played with his friends Erik, Zara, Ryan, and another Jackson.  He separated from Arnold pretty quickly and approached other kids.  He even let one of the teachers pick him up and put him on some equipment!  I love that he is separating more and interacting!  I am a little sad that I haven't been able to watch him but I know he does better with Arnold.  In a few weeks I'll try going with him and see what happens.  Right now I'm just loving that he loves gym class!