Encourage Child's Play: Now only $33 for 1st month at Gymboree

Online, August 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - It's never too early for parents to encourage their children to be active. According to guidelines recently released by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), too much sedentary time spent by children ages newborn to five may hinder the development of skills such as rolling over, walking and crawling. The guidelines encourage parents to think about age- and skill-appropriate physical activities for children, how to interact with their child and what constitutes a safe, exciting learning environment.

"Parents - especially new parents - may be looking for a little guidance or advice on the types of activities that are appropriate for their child," said Kathy Froelich, owner of the local Gymboree Play & Music of Ocean & Howell. "Our Gymboree Play & Music instructors are a great resource and help create an experience for parents and kids that is fun, while working to develop the foundation of physical, cognitive and social skills kids need later in life." "In addition, we are now offering your 1st month's tuition for only $33 when enrolling at trial class and by September 10th."

Here are some tips from Gymboree Play & Music that you should keep in mind when choosing a play location or activity for your child:

Let's Play: Appropriate play depends on a child's individual stage of development. Because children learn through all of their senses, playtime should incorporate a variety of activities. For example, for babies, Gymboree Play & Music instructors enhance songs and games with visual and tactile props like colorful beach balls and scarves. For older children, climbing equipment, concepts like "up/down" and "over/under," group games, imaginative themes, and stories are added.

So Happy Together: A space that allows parents to be involved with their children while playing is important. Playing together helps deepen the parent-child bond, as parents are present when their child masters new skills. Gymboree Play & Music classes also foster discussion between new parents, and mom and dad can learn new songs and games to try with their kids at home.

No Off-Limits: Kids play best when they are in a safe location that has child-sized equipment and toys, stimulates the imagination and encourages exploration - which helps build confidence and independence. A good play space should have a variety of activities and provide exposure to different sensory stimulation (various textures, sounds, sights, etc.). In addition, indoor playgroups or locations with indoor/outdoor options are key for rainy days when parents and kids just have to get out of the house.

For more developmentally appropriate play tips, visit www.gymboreeclasses.com and www.themamablog.com. To sign up for a free Gymboree Play & Music class call us at (732)493-1993 (Ocean) and (732)462-4450 (Howell). We are located at 869 West Park Avenue, Ocean, 07712 and 2438 Route 9 South, Howell, 07731. To encourage all parents to get active with their children, 1st month's tuition is only $33 when enrolling at your trial class before September 10th.

ABOUT GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC:
One of the most distinguishing features of Gymboree Play & Music, and a key philosophy on which it is based, is their unique approach to parent involvement, which encourages participation in and understanding of each child's development. The reason is simple: children learn best when parents enter their world of play and imagination. Parental support is also important to a child's healthy emotional development, building trust between parent and child and helping kids to feel more confident to explore and learn.

Gymboree Play & Learn classes encourage development through play and learning with our seven-level program designed to support your child's growth at his or her own individual pace. From sensory stimulation to problem-solving games and storytelling, our classes use play-based activities to stretch the body and mind.

Our Gymboree Music classes enhance your child's development and love of music through song, dance, movement games and instruments. With an array of musical styles, our classes help children explore the power of rhythm, melody, tonality and beat while nurturing key physical, social and intellectual skills.

In Gymboree Art classes, we inspire your child's imagination and self-expression with a world of hands-on art activities. Through painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, dramatic play and more, our classes encourage confidence and support artistic potential.

Gymboree Sports classes help encourage healthy habits and a positive attitude toward exercise through fun and physical sports play. Sample the basics to 8 different sports, including baseball, hockey, soccer, track and field, tennis, golf, tumbling and gymnastics and basketball. Activities are designed to get children engaged in non-competitive interactive games and emphasize flexibility, confidence and emotional well-being to build strong bodies and minds.

Gymboree Family classes bring all your children to the same class and enjoy fun learning activities created for groups of siblings and friends. With fun classes devoted to supporting multi-aged learning, children 0-5 years are encouraged to socially interact and learn from each other. Activities provide fun new challenges for every developmental stage.

Gymboree School Skills builds the key social, emotional and intellectual skills needed for school and life with specially designed school skills classes for preschool children ages 3-5. Activities help develop confidence, curiosity, communication, perseverance and cooperation, giving your child a solid foundation for future learning environments.

Parent participation is an integral part of all classes offered at Gymboree. This intimate setting allows parents to meet and share information with other parents and introduce their children to new concepts, skills and playmates. New parents particularly appreciate the support that Gymboree provides as they help their child explore new experiences and gain new skills.

In addition to the extensive program of classes, Gymboree Play & Music centers provide a great option for hosting birthday parties and other themed events such as Mother's Day, Father's Day and Pumpkin Patch celebrations. A trained Gymboree teacher leads the activities as the children and parents play, laugh and sing together, creating a memorable celebration.

For more information about Gymboree Play & Music, please visit gymboreeclasses.com or call 800.520.PLAY.
Gymboree of the Jersey Shore: 869 West Park Ave, Ocean, 07712, [email protected], (732)493-1993
Gymboree of Howell: 2438 Route 9 South, Howell, 07731, [email protected], (732)462-4450