Tummy time is an essential component for babies to promote sensory, visual, and motor development. You can begin doing tummy time with your baby as soon as you leave the hospital. For a newborn, start small with a few minutes of tummy time a day. By three months, try having your baby doing tummy time for a total of one hour. Don’t worry, that hour can be broken up into small sessions throughout the day.
For some babies, tummy time is not their favorite activity. Your baby may cry while on his/her tummy—it’s completely normal. Your baby just feels uncomfortable trying something new. If your baby seems distressed try tummy time at another time during the day. Preferably after a good nap and a full belly!
The Benefits Of Tummy Time
Your baby should continue tummy time until he/she begins to crawl sometime between 7 to 9 months of age. By placing your baby on his/her stomach, it will build the necessary muscles to begin crawling.
Tummy time benefits your baby in the following ways:
Helps build neck, back, and core muscles
Builds muscles to help a baby reach milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking
Baby develops his/her tactile sense (sense of touch) during tummy time
Increases body awareness as baby shifts and adjusts his/her position during tummy time
Helps develop baby’s sense of balance and movement when he/she is placed into different positions
Develops hand and eye coordination
5 Tummy Time Activities To Try
1. Face-to-Face: This activity thrives on closeness with your baby. Start by laying down on a couch with your upper body slightly inclined, then place the baby on his/her tummy against your chest. Baby will lift and turn his/her head to see you. You can encourage your baby to lift his/her head by making kissing sounds or singing a song.
At first, your baby will only be able to lift his/her head for a couple of seconds. But over time, the length of time will increase as muscles are being built. Remember, practice makes perfect! This tummy time activity can be modified in difficulty when you see your baby doing well at a slight incline.
Simply, lay yourself flat on the floor and place your baby on your chest tummy down. This is a much difficult position for your baby. Always remember to keep a hand on your baby to prevent him/her from rolling!
2. Water Play: Place your baby’s upper body tummy side down on a nursing pillow or boppy. Take a baking or sheet pan (with edges) and put lukewarm water in it. Don’t worry you don’t need it too deep. Just add enough water to keep your baby entertained. Then add ball pit balls or small rubber duckies. I’ve found ball pit balls work the best for this activity because they are extremely light and will float. This activity will help keep the baby calm during tummy time, plus increase your baby’s sense of touch and vision.
3. Sensory Bags: Sensory bags are amazing for tummy time because they lay flat. To make a sensory bag for tummy time, take a gallon size Ziplock bag, and try some of the following combinations:
Clear hair gel with large buttons
A piece of white craft paper with 5 to 6 drops of paint. This allows your baby to mix colors without the mess!
4. Reading Time: Tummy time is the perfect time to read to your baby. Instead of reading to your baby sitting up, place your baby tummy down on a nursing pillow, and lay in front of your baby. This will help your baby turn and leave his/her head to see what story you are reading.
5. Black and White Books: Because babies do not fully see an array of colors until 4 to 6 months, contrasting colors like black and white are attention-grabbing for a baby during tummy time. You can make your own black and white images or purchase a baby book made up of black and white images. These are simple images of everyday objects like apples and boats. Many contrasting color books are designed to be folded out so every page is visible to your baby. You can either place the black and white images on the floor face up or place the images or book standing up. This will help your baby strengthen his/her neck and back by lifting the neck to focus on the images.
Don’t forget to have fun with tummy time! When babies first start tummy time, it can be uncomfortable for them because they lack the neck and back strength to keep their heads up. But with more practice, a baby will gain the strength to keep their head up longer to meet essential milestones. Thankfully, tummy time doesn’t have to be a struggle for your baby. It can be fun when adding in these entertaining tummy time activities into your baby’s everyday life!
Liz Talton is writing for the Speech Blubs blog. Her son received an autism evaluation, so she decided to start advocating. She is a creator of Pitter Patter of Baby Feet, a website dedicated to anything related to motherhood. She received a master’s degree in forensic psychology and mental health.
It happens every year. Seattle kids are thrilled to be out of school for mid-winter break, but two hours into it they’re singing the “I’m bored” blues. Not this year, kids. Seattle is home to some of the best mid-winter break camps around. From art classes to science workshops to circus acts, there is a mid-winter break camp for every kind of Seattle kid. Scroll down and call now to book a spot—these camps fill up fast!
Arts Aloft
Arts Aloft
The weather might call for rain outside, but things will be sunny inside at Arts Aloft as your young artist explores "Art From Different Cultures." This year, the class will virtually go to India to learn how to draw the Taj Mahal, paint elephants on canvas and make clay. Then, campers will visit the Aztecs to make masks, explore the Art of Japan where they will paint on silk, learn calligraphy and paint Japanese landscapes. Finally, they'll venture into the Amazon jungles to learn how to draw and paint animals. Sign up to attend all four days or just a day or two. It's going to be a blast!
Arts Aloft 3302 E. Spring St. Seattle, WA 98122 206-920-2015 Online:artsaloftforkids.com
Arena Sports
Arena Sports
Who wouldn’t want to play dodgeball, soccer and capture the flag over mid-winter break? We guarantee the kids will have more fun at Arena Sports than they will being dragged to the office with mom or dad over break. Arena Sports has five locations for mid-winter break camp, including Magnuson, Redmond, Issaquah, SODO and Mill Creek.
Dates: Feb. 19-22, 2019 (Feb. 14, 15 & 18 at Redmond). Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for full day; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. for half day. Early drop off and late pick-up available. Ages: 3-12 Cost: $59/day for full day camps; $39/day for half day camps
For kids who love to explore, experiment and discover new things, a week-long camp with the Pacific Science Center at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is the perfect choice.
Legends of Polliwog Pond (Grades K-1 for $410) Campers will be encouraged to help their team members follow a map and find the treasures of the wetlands. As a group, kids will solve puzzles and explore their surroundings during this outdoor expedition.
Winter Survival (Grades 2-3 for $410) Kids will learn safety skills as well as how to use a compass, read a map, paddle the Mercer Slough waterways and build a shelter.
Trash or Treasures (Grades 4-5 for $460) Kid will bypass the rules of "reduce, reuse and recycle" and will go straight toward creating new things out of old junk, including making paper and creating crafts out of old t-shirts and more.
Dates: Feb. 18-22, 2019 Times: 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Afternoon extended care is available. Ages: Grades K-8 Cost: Varies. PSC members will receive an extra discount.
Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center 1625 118th Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98005 425-450-0507 Online: pacificsciencecenter.org/camps
Play-Well TEKnologies - Seattle
Play-Well TEKnologies
There’s something about LEGOs that makes kids feel like belting out "Everything is Awesome” when sitting down to build and create. So what better way for your LEGO lovers to spend their free time over break than doing the thing they love most, creating with LEGOs at Play-Well Teknologies.
Super Hero Engineering with LEGO (Ages 5-8) Save the world with LEGO Super Heroes at this camp where Play-Well instructors will guide kids as they design, build and save a city while learning how ingenuity and imagination can solve just about any conflict.
Queen Anne Community Center 1901 1st Ave. W. Seattle, WA 98119 206.386.4240 Online: apm.activecommunities.com
Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center
If you've got a budding scientist who is considering a career in the industry, a week-long camp at PSC is guaranteed to curb mid-winter break boredom. Here's is what the science crew has in store this year:
Wild Ocean Adventures (Grades K-1 for $410) It's never too early to learn about marine animals and their environment while also creating an underwater viewer. Kids can also check out real shark teeth, learn the difference between saltwater and fresh water creatures and much more.
Science Myths Busted (Grades 2-3 for $410) Here's a great way for kids to learn about urban legends. During this mid-winter break camp, kids will test out some popular urban legends—can you really slip on a banana peel, if Pop Rocks are mixed with soda will they make your stomach explode? Find out the answers to these burning questions and more.
Duct Tape Challenge (Grades 4-5 for $460) Learn about the history of duct tape, test its strength, design a messenger bag using the sticky stuff and craft 3D works of art.
App Inventors with Computing Kids (Grades 6-8 for $590) Learn how to build games and solve real world problems using App Inventor while also learning fundamental computer science concepts.
Dates: Feb. 18-22, 2019 Times: 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Afternoon extended day care is available. Ages: Grades K-8 Cost: Varies. PSC members receive an extra discount.
This year's mid-winter break camps at St. Thomas offers two completely different types of experiences for kids in grades K-2 and 3-5.
Out of This World (Grades K-2 for $455) Junior astronomers will take a virtual spaceship adventure and learn about Saturn's rings, how to build a telescope and about the stars.
Grossology (Grades 3-5 for $455) Kids will have plenty of time to get slimy, squishy, icky and sticky exploring the messiness of science. It's a rare opportunity for kids to learn about digestion, dirt and decay while also learning about real biology and chemistry.
Dates: Feb. 18-22, 2019 Times: 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ages: Grades K-5 Cost: Varies (includes lunch and snacks). Afternoon extended day care is available. PSC members receive an extra discount.
The Woodland Park Zoo is offering a unique mid-winter break camp this year for animal lovers. In addition to exploring Woodland Park Zoo in-depth, campers will explore the Zoo's world through fun activities, crafts and animal observations.
Myths and Legends Learn more than you ever thought possible about unicorns, dragons, Anansi tales, Aesop's Fables and more!
Dates: Feb. 19-22, 2019 Times: 9 a.m.-noon half-day sessions for ages 4-6; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. full day sessions for ages 5-9. Ages: 4-6 & 5-9 Cost: $230. Extended day program available from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. for $15/day.
Woodland Park Zoo 601 North 59th St. Seattle, WA 98103 206-548-2500 Online: zoo.org
Studio East
Studio East
For kids who like to sing, act and dance, mid-winter break camp at Studio East is going to be a blast this year. From musical theater to comedic acting, campers in grades K-6 will get to enjoy a mix of theater classes along with plenty of singing, dancing and art making. Both daily workshops and weekly camps are offered this year.
Studio Day Workshops (Grades K-6) Three daily workshops are available. Sign up for one or all three. Workshops choices:
Greatest Showman Workshop (Feb. 14) Students will spend the day acting, dancing, singing, and exploring circus arts with Studio East's highly skilled professional teaching staff in a fun and safe environment.
Harry Potter Workshop (Feb. 15) Act as witches, wizards, and fantastic beasts for a day of magical, theatrical fun!
Comedy & Combat Workshop (Feb. 18) Spend a day learning the art of comedy and combat from several different skilled instructors.
Heroes and Villains Play Creations (Feb. 18-22) Campers will be divided into groups by age and will participate as both playwrights and actors, performing an original script inspired by favorite heroes and villains.
Dates: Feb. 14, 15 & 18-22, 2019 Times: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Extended care options are available. Ages: Grades K-6 Cost: $90/day for workshops; $395/week for Heroes & Villains camp; $105 for extended care
Studio East Training For The Performing Arts 11730 118th Ave. N.E., Suite 100 Kirkland, WA 98034 425-820-1800 Online: studio-east.org
Museo Art Academy
Museo Art Academy
Museo is offering both pottery and art camps for budding Michelangelos and Picassos over mid-winter break. The best part? Both are designed for kids ranging in age from 5-14, so siblings can attend together.
Pottery Camp This camp is more of a one-day workshop where kids will learn a variety of pottery-making techniques and will have time to experiment with them all, including slab and coil forms, surface design, glazing, firing and even the potter's wheel.
Art Camp Campers will have four days to create a variety of visual art forms and stretch their creative juices in the art of drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.
Art Camp Dates: Feb. 18-21, 2019 Art Camp Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art Camp Cost: $459
Good to Know: Both camps include a one-hour supervised lunch hour (lunch is not provided).
Museo Art Academy 300 N.E. Gilman Blvd., Suite 100 Issaquah, WA 98027 425-391-0244 Online: museoart.com
School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts
School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA)
Kids don't need to run away to join the circus for mid-winter break. They can attend camp at SANCA instead! And since no previous classes are necessary to attend camp, it's a great place to start, if you have a kiddo who is interested in learning the art of the circus.
Circus Odyssey (Ages 6-9) Campers will develop body awareness through tumbling, balancing, ring passing and partner acrobatics.
Circus Apprentice (Ages 6-9) In this camp, kids will learn a variety of circus disciplines including acrobatics, aerial, object manipulation, clowning and tightwire.
Big Top Circus (Ages 10-17) After a week of developing skills, campers will put on a show for their families and friends.
Ringmasters (Ages 10-17) Campers will learn how to link individual skills into sequences and practice choreography.
Aerial Fundamentals (Ages 10-17) In this camp, students will practice on aerial rope, fabric, trapeze and sling with an emphasis on excellent technique.
Camps with Inclusion (Ages 6-17) This special camp will emphasize inclusion, social skills and circus skills.
Dates: Feb. 18-22, 2019 Cost: $475. $495 for Aerial Fundamentals and $300 for camps with inclusion. Ages: 6-17
Budding soccer players will want to take advantage of this ISC striking camp that will focus on different techniques for striking the ball. The camp will include workshops on driven passes, full volleys and half volleys as well as chipping, passing, first touch and learning how to bend the ball like Beckham.
The daily dash from school to soccer practice to dance lessons leaves little time for parents (and kids) to find some calm in their days. But there’s an easy way to slow down and refocus—add yoga to your family’s routine. In addition to yoga’s many benefits for adults, it can help little yogis’ physical health and mental well-being as well as increase their flexibility, strength and coordination and help them relax, focus and boost their self-confidence. If you’re ready to give yoga a try with your kids, scroll down for a list of our favorite places.
Be One Yoga aims to spark a child’s inner yogini by mixing in music, crafts, picture books, puppets and more. Kids ages 3-13 can take age-appropriate classes to help them practice yoga skills, giving them a greater sense of body awareness and interpersonal skills through balancing poses, breathing exercises and cooperative games. Classes are conveniently scheduled during adult hot yoga, so the whole family can practice at the same time.
Be One Yoga Studio 11220 N.E. 124th St., Ste. 101 Kirkland, WA 98034 425-820-9642 Online: beoneyogastudio.com
Parents can share yoga with their children or take time to unwind sans kids. Psst! Limber Yoga offers childcare during grownup yoga classes! There’s Kids and Family Yoga classes and a super-fun Toddler Yoga Play. Kids yoga is broken up into age-specific classes where kids ages 3-16 learn yoga postures, breathing techniques and basic meditations to help build confidence, teach mindfulness, and manage stress. During Family Yoga, you’ll learn yoga postures, breath awareness and creative play through movement and relaxation. Toddler Open Gym gives tykes a place to play, stretch, breathe, dance and meet new friends. It’s also a great place for mom and dad to recharge and chat with other parents.
Good to Know: Limber Yoga offers an extensive program of pre and postnatal classes, including Couples Yoga for Labor as well as Limber Babies, a mom and baby class that allows new moms to regain strength and flexibility while connecting with other new parents. See their website for more details.
This innovative, family focused yoga studio meets the needs of families at every stage of growth. Family yoga is a great way to learn poses and movement while getting quality time with your crew. Breathing, stretching, relaxing, partner poses and mindfulness exercises are taught to help calm the mind and body of kids (and their adults). Each month, YogaFamily focuses on a different theme and incorporates play, songs, and games in each class. All teachers at YogaFamily are specifically trained to work with children, so they’re experts at making classes fun and engaging.
22218 S.E. 272nd St. Maple Valley, WA 98038 206-280-1728 Online: yogafamilyinc.com
Discover Yoga teaches yoga principles to kids of all ages in a fun and engaging way, encouraging emotional growth and physical well-being. This Redmond studio offers Yoga for Pregnancy, Infant and Me Yoga, Kid Yoga, and Tween and Teen Yoga. Discover Yoga also aims to help children see the connection they share with each other, with the planet and with the universe as a whole.
Discover Yoga 15744 Redmond Way Redmond, WA 98052 425-861-1318 Online: discoveryoga.com
Yoga for Pregnancy and Infant and Me Yoga (partners are welcome) Cost: $20/2-class pass for new students; $80/5-class pass; $150/10-class pass; $270/20-class pass. Monthly and annual passes also available.
Kid Yoga (ages 3-5) Cost: $15/drop-in class; $50/4-class series
Kid Yoga (ages 6-9) Cost: $16/drop-in class; $55/4-class series
Tween and Teen Yoga Cost: $17/drop-in class; $60/4-class series
Games, music, storytelling and art are integrated into Kids Yoga (ages 5-10) at 8 Limbs’ Phinney Ridge and West Seattle studios. Little yogis will learn kid-style asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing) in a playful, supportive and safe environment. 8 Limbs also offers Tween Yoga at its Wedgwood and Phinney Ridge studios. Youth ages 10-14 will learn techniques for self-awareness and inner peace; helping them manage life situations from a place of calm and strength. Check the schedule for family yoga workshops where parents and kids can practice yoga together. You and your little ones will learn poses, breathing exercises, mediation and relaxation techniques in a fun family workshop.
8 Limbs Yoga Center – Phinney Ridge 6801 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 206-432-9609
Kids Yoga (ages 10-15). View schedule online. Cost: $140/8-week series; $98/additional sibling (parents can drop off)
8 Limbs Yoga Center – Wedgwood 7345 35th Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 98115 206-523-9722
Tween Yoga (girls ages 10-13) Cost: $140/8-week series; $98/additional sibling (parents can drop off)
8 Limbs Yoga Center – West Seattle 4546 1/2 California Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 206-933-9642
Pre/Postnatal Yoga. This mixed class is open to moms, moms-to-be and newborns. Classes embrace the perinatal journey from pregnancy through motherhood. Cost: Varies; call for details
8 Limbs Yoga Center – Capitol Hill 500 E. Pike St. Seattle, WA 98122 206-325-8221
Postnatal Yoga. This Hatha-style class works gently to regain abdominal tone and body strength while addressing pain in the shoulders, back and pelvis. Dads and newborns are welcome, Cost: Varies; call for details
Prenatal Yoga. Practice the art of relaxation through breath awareness, reduce physical tension and safely prepare for labor. Classes are ongoing and may be started at anytime. Cost: Varies; call for details
Ballard’s Kula Movement covers all the kid stages—from before birth through teen years. Relax with yoga while you’re expecting; then, join a gentle mom and baby class when your little one is just two weeks old. Once your tyke is toddling around the yoga mats, it’s time for Kids Yoga. These classes for kids ages 3-9 teach yoga though play and encourage healthy, fit lifestyles. Tween and Teen Yoga is the next step for kids ages 10-15. This yoga series not only promotes inner strength and confidence, but also teaches concentration, cooperation with others and how to regulate emotions.
Kula Movement 5340 Ballard Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 98107 206-972-2999 Online: kulamovement.com
Classes: Prenatal, Mom & Baby (2 weeks to early walkers), Kids Yoga (ages 3-9), Tween and Teen (ages 10-15)
As a child, remember when you used to grab your bike and friends and head down to the park to play on the playground for hours? The value of play is undeniable, as it is closely tied to the development of cognitive, motor, physical, and socialization skills, and it is a powerful element in the development of the total child. But what exactly happens when children play and how do the elements involved lead to more significant cognitive development?
I turned to Deborah Stevens-Smith and Jami Murdock and below is what they shared with me about the seven elements of play and how they contribute to the development of the brain and benefit learning in the classroom:
1. Balancing
Balancing, which occurs in many types of play, is essential to the development of reading and writing skills, as well as problem-solving. Kids who develop balance and stability have better body awareness, coordination, muscle strength and endurance. Learning balance also helps children with concentration, which is essential for sitting and paying attention in class and helps develop eye-hand coordination, aiding children in appropriately placing letters and words on a page as they write.
2. Sliding
Playing on the slide and sliding down helps children with spatial awareness, which aids in letter placement when learning to write, by forcing them to judge the right time to start and when to put their feet down at the bottom to stop. It also enhances balance, coordination skills and teaches patience and cooperation, as they wait in line to use the slide. As children decide how to vary the way they slide using different techniques, critical thinking skills are developed as well.
3. Brachiating
Brachiating happens as a child is crossing the monkey bars, swinging with their arms from one hold to another. This type of play strengthens the upper body and develops grip strength, while also increasing endurance, flexibility and eye-hand coordination. Brachiating helps develop fine motor skills, which are necessary for coloring, cutting, writing and painting, as well as the upper body strength required to sit with correct posture. Additionally, this form of play develops kinesthetic awareness, helping kids understand personal space and moving without bumping into things.
4. Spinning
Spinning allows children to experience shifts in their weight, develop depth perception, balance and the cause and effects of motion. Spinning is the most potent form of sensory input that the brain takes in and processes, developing decision-making skills as children must think while in motion. It also enhances vestibular stimulation, which helps the brain decide if it is ready for more learning and can process what’s taught.
5. Climbing
As children climb, they need to make decisions, solve problems, and even visualize the solution, helping them to gain confidence, learn to cope with fear and stress, and develop self-reliance. All the stretching, reaching, swinging, pulling, and pushing with their limbs improves spatial awareness and reasoning, and enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills. Climbing also helps determine a child’s hand dominance, while developing coordinated eye and head movement so that they can perform tasks such as copying from the blackboard and reading across a page.
6. Swinging
Swinging assists the proprioceptive system which involves motor planning and control, detection of the movement position of the body and coordinated movements. It also strengthens arms, legs and children’s core, as it takes a great deal of coordination to make a swing move. Additionally, swinging promotes risk-taking (in a positive way) and develops the fine motor skills needed for writing and manipulating objects.
7. Sensory Development
Sensory experiences through play can stimulate excitement, calmness and alertness that contribute back to the classroom learning environment. The different textures present when playing, such as sand or the smooth metal on slides, provides a smorgasbord of sensory experiences. This sensory stimulation builds neural connections in the brain, supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving and social interaction skills. It also enhances memory, calms an anxious or frustrated child, helps children learn sensory attributes and learning through experience!
Each of the seven elements of play aid in early childhood development that shapes a child’s future learning ability. Understanding the biological impact of these elements will lead to understanding how cognitive growth is enhanced every day through play proving that the power of play transcends from the playground to the classroom!
Anna Yudina is the Director of Marketing Initiatives for The Toy Association™, a not-for-profit trade association that represents toy companies. Currently, she’s spearheading The Genius of Play™, a parent-focused movement raising awareness of play as a crucial part of child development and encouraging families to make time for play daily.
Swimming, yoga and art museums are fantastic Portland activities…especially when you’re a baby! If you find yourself constantly searching for “toddler classes near me” then you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to the city’s littlest residents, there’s no shortage of fun activities. Check out these amazing classes that you and your baby or toddler can enjoy side by side. Read on to find out more.
Photo: Music Together of Portland
Make Some Music
If your little one loves to groove when the tunes come on, a fun-filled music class may the perfect activity. Check out one of the infant music classes at Music Together of Portland, designed for families with non-mobile, non-crawling babies. (Birth to 8 months.) In a warm and engaging environment, parents and caregivers can connect with their babies using methods such as “sound-layering,” and “purposeful touch.” Bond with your little one while building early music appreciation and supporting musical learning.
Tuition for infant classes is $150 per 10-week semester, and scholarship applications are available. Want to get the older kids involved? Music Together also offers mixed age classes for age 0-5, as well as Bigger Kids classes and Intergenerational classes with adults and seniors from Providence Elderplace. Free demo classes are available prior to each semester, but reservations are required. Dates vary, so check the website for the most current class offerings and registration options.
If you’re looking for drop-in music classes without committing to a series, try the early childhood music classes that Chirp! offers. Run by Licensed Music Therapists, these lively classes for 0-5 year olds combine music, play and movement at a variety of locations around Portland. First time families can check out a class with a $10 “test flight.” Chirp! also offers 4- and 8-class passes, as well as drop in rates. Check their website for current schedule and locations. Along with their locations around PDX, Chirp! can also bring classes to your home, school or other venue.
Embrace Your Inner Artist
It’s never too early to appreciate good art! Give your little sidekick a jump start on their art education with Baby Mornings at the Portland Art Museum. On the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., babies up to a year old and their caregivers can head to the museum for tea, coffee and a leisurely docent-led 45-minute tour through the galleries to take in the sights. The meet-up spot also has toys, books and games to keep babies entertained while they wait. $5 members and children, $19.99 non-members. Pre-registration is required, and baby carriers are recommended.
Hit the Books
There are plenty of fun story times in Portland, but here’s one just for the smallest book lovers. The petite and magical Green Bean Books on Alberta now has a new Friday morning Baby Story Time at 10:30 a.m.. (Best for ages 0-2.) With a focus on interaction and early literary skills, Baby Story Time features stories, rhyming, songs and time for play. Meet other families, pick up a few new books for your collection and don’t forget to score a few goodies from the whimsical vending machines throughout the store.
You can also head to your local library and catch one of the popular Book Babies classes with your tiny bookworm. Along with a story, you and baby can enjoy songs and play while getting to know some new friends. Before you leave the library, don’t forget to stock up on some great new stories to share together at home. Book Babies is for children from birth to twelve months. Classes vary by location, so check the Multnomah County Library website to find a class at a library near you. Book Babies is a free program, but is first come, first served, so arrive early to snag a spot.
Share Sign Language
What does your baby have to say? Enhance pre-verbal communication, learn more about what your baby is thinking and find new ways to interact at a baby sign language class. At Tiny Talkers’ Sign, Sing and Play, parents or caregivers and their little ones 9 months- 2.5 years participate in 5-week themed sessions that combine sign language with movement and music. Learn new signs, as well as strategies and tips for continuing the learning process at home.
Upper Westside Play Gym hosts Baby/Toddler Sign Language every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Build a vocabulary of signs, share fun songs and then stick around afterwards for even more good times at Open Play! Open Play is included with class cost. $5/child, $2.50 per additional sibling, cash or check. 10-class punch cards are also available. The class also has its own Facebook page.
Portland Early Learning Project offers a variety of play-based classes to introduce families to American Sign Language, all taught by licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and Deaf Education Specialists. The Baby Sign Language in Play is geared for 5/6 months- 24 months, and includes songs, play, sign practice and plenty of strategies and handouts for home. Check the Portland Early Learning Project’s website to see their full menu of class offerings and registration links.
Connect through Touch
You can never have too much snuggle time! Up the cuddles, bond with your baby, regain strength and find your inner calm with one of Doula Love’s Baby and Me Yoga classes. Babies 6 weeks to crawling and their parents or caregivers can practice yoga, explore movement and meet other families. Crying baby? Sleeping baby? Need to stop for a nursing break? No worries. It’s all welcome in this warm and supportive class environment. Baby and Me Yoga takes place Wednesdays at 1pm. Registration is required and covers one adult/baby pair. Classes are $15/drop-in, or $65 for a 5 class card.
Continue to connect with your little love at one of Doula Love’s infant massage classes. Learn techniques to enhance baby’s development, increase body awareness and build quality one on one interactions, among other benefits. These three-hour classes with breaks for baby are $60, and registration is required. Check the Doula Love schedule for upcoming classes.
Searching for more offerings? Through their prenatal and postpartum offerings, The Bhaktishop offers weekly prenatal yoga classes, as well as their Baby & Mama Yoga classes. Prenatal Yoga takes place Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Mama & Baby Yoga classes happen Tuesdays at 10 a.m. The Bhaktishop offers a variety of pricing options, including drop-in, 10- and 20-class cards, monthly unlimited cards and Yoga Passports with a choice of price level.
Find even more balance when you head over to Zenana Spa and Wellness Center. You’ll find weekly prenatal yoga classes, as well as weekly Mama and Me Yoga. Take care of your body while you get to know the newest little member of the family.
Make a Splash
Take your little fish to make some waves in the pool! Parent/child swimming classes through Portland Parks and Recreation are the perfect way to learn, laugh and splash together! In the Angelfish class, parents and caregivers with babies 6-18 months can explore the water through songs and pool activities. Practice bubble blowing, floating and more while making new friends and building water confidence. Adult must participate, and registration is required. Prices vary by location, so check the website for the latest class offerings.
New York City is known around the world as the birthplace of hip-hop. From the Boogie-Down Bronx to Crooklyn, New York has dope beats coming out of every borough. But what used to be considered an underground culture born on the streets, is now majorly mainstream. Proof?: The city that reveres Biggie and the Beastie Boys as much as the Statue of Liberty is full of places where kids as young as four (!) can learn the freshest hip-hop dance moves. We’ve rounded up just a few of our favorites here; click through to ch-check it out.
photo: Hip-Hop 4 Kids at the Ailey Extension. Photo by Joe Epstein
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater The world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theater offers Hip-Hop 4 Kids to little ones, ages 7-11. Get funky with experienced teachers who will guide your tiny dancers through basic hip-hop moves, focusing on alignment, technique and most importantly, fun.
Cost: $435; Sept 13, 2015 – Dec. 20, 2015
405 W. 55th St.
212-405-9000
Midtown
Online: alvinailey.org
Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Kids ages 10-13 will learn all of the basics of hip-hop dance, including power moves, popping, freezing and crumping to the latest hip-hop and pop music at this Park Slope cultural center. Dancers will be encouraged to come up with their own funky dance sequences based on their knowledge of the basics. Tuition assistance is available.
Mark Morris Dance Center
Brooklyn is holding its own as a cultural mecca. The Mark Morris Dance Group, located in Downtown Brooklyn, has helped put the borough on the map. Its Dance Center offers classes for young dancers ages 6 – 18, including Jazz/Hip-hop fusion and Breakdance Basics. Students learn hip-hop fundamentals as well as the elements of safety while performing.
Downtown Dance Factory
This TriBeCa studio was founded by two local moms who had a desire to offer fun and creative classes that would allow young people to express themselves through music. Kindihop, geared towards preschoolers ages 3-5, teaches the basics of jazz and hip-hop technique to the funkiest beats. Got a budding B-boy? Kindiboys teaches the fundamentals of b-boying including footwork to preschoolers. Once they’ve perfected their B-boy stance, DDF offers Jazz/Hip-hop fusion and Street Hip-hop classes for kids in grades K – 8.
American Youth Dance Theater
To say that hip-hop dance involves fast-paced, intricate steps is an understatement. Classes at this Upper East Side dance studio focus on helping kids ages 4 and up build the strength and endurance they need to keep up with the choreography. Experienced teachers work with students on learning hip-hop style and technique in a fun and creative way. Students have a chance to showcase their work at the school’s annual holiday and spring recitals.
JCC
Hip-hop is in high demand on the Upper West side the the JCC! Kids as young as four and as old as nine learn the basics, as well as strengthening exercises and choreography, while gaining coordination, body awareness, teamwork skills and more. A final show caps off every semester.
92nd Street Y For over 100 years, the 92nd Street Y has given some of the best artists a platform to showcase their work. Today, students ages 6 and up can study hip-hop technique as they learn to create their own basic choreography. The budding B-boys and girls get to show off their best moves in a final performance showcase. Older dancers (ages 12-18) can audition for the Fresh Y Crew, a Jazz/Hip-Hop performing group.
Soul Arts Academy Old school is cool at Soul Arts Academy! This downtown studio prides itself on giving students a well-rounded dance education. Students ages 6-13 learn about the history of this creative form of dance, building a foundation of basic moves that they then transform into more complex series of steps.
Lotus Creations One of the goals of non-profit performing arts organization Lotus Creations is to offer affordable dance instruction to all who wish to learn. Drop-in youth hip-hop classes, for kids ages 7-11 are offered for $10 every Saturday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. If your kids gets really good, he or she could be invited to be part of the organization’s Traveling Lotus Youth Group which performs throughout the city.
Cost: $10/class with discounts for bulk lesson purchases; Sept. 19-Dec. 19
143 Waverly Ave.
Trilok Fusion Center for the Arts
Fort Greene
646-751-7705
Online: lotuswecreate.org
Queens Dance Project
Hip-hop pioneers LLCoolJ and Run DMC hail from Queens, so this borough takes the art form very seriously. Weekly classes are available for kids beginning at age 4, and give them an education in the fundamentals of hip-hop dance. Don’t be surprised if your kids ask you for a pair of Adidas and a Kangol hat when they’re done!
Prepare to be amazed: your kids that love to swing on the refrigerator doors now have an appropriate (and safe!) outlet for their acrobatic desires. Enjoy the excitement of the circus at one of these fantastic acrobatic and trapeze studios with classes catered to kids.
Relax Mama, It’s Safety First: There’s no clowning around with safety at these studios. All venues listed are insured with certified/licensed rigging and trained instructors. Also, if you’re looking to mix up your own workout routine, classes are offered for adults too (go for it!).
Le Studio
Focused on personal growth, flexibility and fun, Le Studio offers a one-on-one empowerment program, started by a successful vet of the entertainment business. A warm, engaging environment festooned with cozy seating areas amidst hanging silks, trapeze, aerial hoop (lyra), and a mini-tight rope, Le Studio concentrates on youth programs, with the smallest tykes (age 3 & up) safely learning self-esteem and building confidence through aerial arts. At Le Studio, private or semi-private study prevails, allowing kids to work at their own pace and focus on specific skills and routines with one of their coaches, who are performers themselves. Beginner’s Recreation Classes are a great introduction to all the fun. Advanced Acrobats are for kids age 6-9 where kids with unusual strength, potential, and determination can try out for a team.
Location: 9500 B Jefferson Blvd., Culver City
Phone: 310-855-4353
Online: lestudiola.com
Kinetic Theory
“Join the circus without leaving home,” invites Kinetic Theory. 25-foot ceilings and 10,000 sq. ft. of training space in a converted Culver City warehouse summon kids to defy gravity on ropes, ribbons and static trapeze, enjoying a safe, soft landing, guided by professionally trained acrobats who are experienced performers. The school offers weekly small group classes for bouncy youngsters, 4 years old & up. Fundamentals of acrobatics, juggling and coordination skills can be combined with tumbling and hand balancing. Private instruction is also available and advanced students age 8 & up are eligible to join a performance troupe.
Location: 3604 Holdrege Ave. (at Jefferson), Los Angeles
Phone: 310-606-2617
Online: kinetictheorytheatre.com
Cirque School
Envisioned by a veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Cirque School in Hollywood offers a safe, non-competitive environment for “anybody with any body” to embrace circus arts. A 6,000 foot converted industrial loft with beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls, the studio holds weekly workshops for Cirque Kids beginning at age 7. Walking a low wire and spinning on fabric with a partner fosters teamwork like no other sport. Young ones learn balance and coordination while building strength, in an outlet that feeds their imaginations.
Location: 5640 ½ Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Phone: 424-226-2477
Online: cirqueschoolla.com
Trapeze School
A.k.a. TSNY (Trapeze School New York, in Los Angeles): with an outpost at the Santa Monica Pier, it’s easy for the aspiring trapeze artists to get into the swing of things. With a serious focus on safety, kids ages 6 & up can experience the ease of the flying trapeze ‘en plein air’ over a nice stretchy net at the Pier. At TSNY’s indoor studio at 7th and Wilshire, also in Santa Monica, kids can also learn conditioning and body awareness through classes in trampoline, silks, lyra and static trapeze.
Location: 370 Santa Monica Pier & 1207 7th St., Santa Monica
Phone: 310-394-5800
Online: losangeles.trapezeschool.com
Hollywood Aerial Arts
Named for its proximity to Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Hollywood Aerial Arts offers aerial production and design as well as instruction for all ages. Started by a trapeze and tightrope artist with more than 40 years experience, the studio has daily group classes in tissue, hoop, Spanish web (rope) and high flying trapeze. Kids as young as 4 are invited to take a leap; all participants must start with an introductory 2-hour class. Drop-ins are accommodated as space is available.
Hugo’s Gymfitness
Hugo’s packs a lot of fitness in one place, from gymnastics to rock climbing to, you guessed it, aerial and acrobatic training. Instructors are incredibly talented performers, and they’re charming and enthusiastic with kids in the weekly Kids Aerial/Circus Arts class. Held in a special area of a gigantic 12,000 square foot gym, parents can sit and watch (or cringe) as their kids (ages 6 & up) learn to flip, twirl and spin on apparatus like the hoop, cube and trapeze. Students who love to show off their skills may be invited to perform at the yearly “Hugo Olympics.”
Location: 21107 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita
Phone: 661-255-2700
Online: hugosgymfitness.com
Have your little acrobats ever hit the silks? We’d love to hear about your kid’s experiences walking the tightrope or flying through the air!
Atlanta’s after-school scene is so overwhelming it can make us parents really mourn the nap. Rest assured that we did that from ballet lunch bunches to crafty camps, we scoured the city for the top tot programs. If they have already said sayonara to their siesta, read on for a primer in afternoon activities perfect for your wee one.
2 Crafty Chicks Art Classes Two crafty chicks (with creative arts backgrounds) teamed up to share their love of art with kids with Mommy and Me classes, teen programs and after-school drawing and art classes for kids ages 5 on up. Kids head to their Decatur location to get hands-on with colorful paper, cloth, glue, pencils, paint and more to create masterpieces that are always fridge-worthy.
Details:1549 Clairmont Road Unit 105 Decatur,404-216-5574
Atlanta Ballet Dance Classes Get your kids feet moving with the pros at the Atlanta Ballet. Choose from a variety of classes from Mommy and Me and Creative Moment. Classes are available for kids as young as 3 on up to 7-years to help combine body movement and music. Even the most uncoordinated kids with little rhythm or flexibility can enjoy getting into the music once a week for 45-minutes. Kids with a dramatic flair can ditch the tutus and take their Tap, Twist and Twirl classes at the Cobb Centre for rocking rhythms. Locations very but usually take place at the Cobb Centre, Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre in West Midtown, Buckhead Centre and Powers Ferry Center.
Details: 404-873-5811 x100
Atlanta Gymnastics Center Boys and girls somersault their way through a fun afternoon with the Atlanta Gymnastics Center. Open to babies as young as 14-months on up through teenagers, there are plenty of options for young kids and grade-schoolers. Preschoolers learn body awareness balance and coordination along with a boost of self-confidence. Progressive classes serve kids ages 5 1/2 on up through 7-years to learn Olympic parallel bars, pommel horse, high bar and floor exercises. Watch your kids bounce off trampolines to help learn spatial awareness and burn off energy before dinner.
Details: 2617 Talley St, Decatur, 404-687-9911
Atlanta Workshop Players Quit telling your kids they’re being too dramatic and let them put it to good use. Kids with the acting bug can join the Atlanta Workshop Players for acting, audition techniques and video and theater production classes. Current sessions are available for 7-years on up to explore improv, musical theatre and TV and film acting. Kids join seasoned theater and TV veterans to play theatre games, learn the art of improv, get an on-camera experience and learn more about character development.
Details:8560 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 111, Alpharetta, 770-998-8111
Bricks 4 Kidz Don’t worry if your kids won’t quit playing with LEGOS. Send them to Brick 4 Kidz to develop teamwork, creativity and problem solving. Class themes range from robotics, space, construction, natural disasters and more all crafted through toy bricks and some strategic guidance from teachers. Classes take place in schools and recreational centers around the northern area of Atlanta including Tritt Elementary, Heards Ferry, and East Roswell.
Details:770-680-2455
Emory Community Swim Lessons Dive into after school fun with Emory Community Swim. Their young Starfish class teach kids as young as 2 1/2 to learn how to swim or get more comfortable in the water. Lessons focus on getting faces in the water, back floating, kicking, swim techniques and water safety. Tadpole classes teach advanced beginners ages 3 to 8 how to freestyle and backstroke while working on breathing and kicking strength. Classes are held at the Emory University Clairmont Campus and Main Campus.
Details:404-727-4081 or 404-727-2617
Engineering for Kids Got a budding engineer in the family? Engineering for Kids hosts classes for kids as young as 4-years-old. Kids ages 7 to 14-years can indulge in a guilty pleasure and learn video game design while 4-year olds try out Jr. Civil Engineering classes among other fun programs. Kids get hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and math. Classes are held through the area in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta and Kennesaw.
Details: 770-648-5437
Midtown Athletic Club Tennis Midtown Tennis Center proclaims the sport as the most social in the world, making it a perfect after school activity for kids who want to play with their friends. Junior Development classes serve kids ages 3 to 18 and has been recognized by the United States Tennis Association. Preschoolers hit the court to learn the foundation of the sport with motor skill development and coordination focus. Four and five year-olds learn more about balance through tennis games while ages 6 to 8 graduate from their class having a command of serving and positioning for the sport.
Details:135 Interstate N Pkwy SE, 770-953-1100
The Music Class Infants up to 8-year olds tap their feet to the beat with The Music Class. Kids who are 5-year on up through 8, can sing in tune and keep a beat jam with the “Sound Habits” keyboard classes. For kids not quite ready to start singing and playing music on demand, MusiCanopy gives parents and kids a chance to interact musically and learn more about the fundamentals. Locations are available throughout the Atlanta metro area including Buckhead, Toco Hills and Kirkwood.
Details:770-645-5578
Young Chefs Academy Take weekly classes with Young Chefs Academy to learn cooking basics, kitchen safety and proper food handling. KinderCooks introduces 3 to 5-year-olds about recipes, nutrition, age-appropriate culinary skills and movement. Jr. Chefs ages 5 through 14-years sink their teeth into culinary creativity and techniques to learn to love cooking. Who knows? Maybe you can even get your kids to make dinner once in awhile and give you the night off. Classes are held in North Druid Hills, Sandy Springs and Marietta-Ackworth.
Details:254-751-1040
What after school fun with your family enjoy this year? Share with us in the comments section below!
