Jenna's Gymnastics

This past spring we signed Jenna up for gymnastics class.  She loved the class, so we continued them through the summer.  The instructor teaches the kids different techniques and then monitors their progress individually.  They then progress through different levels at their own pace as opposed to all being lumped together.  We liked that approach and thought it would be good for her to work on her coordination, especially with her height. 

We've already seen some improvements in her, not just physically, but also with her social skills.  This is the first structured class she's been a part of, and I've noticed she's made definite progress in learning to wait her turn, sharing the equipment so others can have a turn, listening to the teacher, and following directions.  Physically, I've definitely seen an improvement with how well she controls her body, especially with somersaults and "head stands." 

Here are some pictures I snagged of her in her class throughout the past few months:

She loved flipping around the bars.

The rings were a favorite and she often would put her legs through the holes and then sit up on them...which isn't allowed.  So she's stick to just putting her legs through to the knees and swinging on them.

She jumped from the lower bar to the higher bar...

...and then flipped over it.

They jumped on the trampoline every class.  In the beginning she flopped all over the place, but became more controlled in her jumping as well. She learned to bounce, land on her bottom, and pop back up to her feet.  She also learned to bounce, land on her bottom, and pop forward onto all fours.

They also worked on the balance beam at each class.  There were four beams put together into a square and each side they were to work on a different technique.

The rope swing was another favorite of hers.

Her completed Level 1 chart.  After they complete each level, they get a picture taken with their instructors.  The guy on the right was her FAVORITE.  He only worked in the summer because he's a teacher during the school year, but you can tell he works with kids.  He was great!  Plus, his "name" was Dribble, which Jenna loved.

Below are three videos from her classes:

So we've debated whether to sign her up for the next session, but instead decided to let her try ballet for a year.  Ballet is once a week from Sept-May and then there's a recital at the end of the year.  Plus, the cost of a year of ballet is the same cost of an 8-week session of gymnastics!!  Jenna's REALLY excited about ballet, and has already started "practicing" at home.  And...she's teaching Grant ballet as well.  Oh boy!  :)