Roly Poly

Riley started a class today called Roly Polys, or Nasticstics, as she calls it. It's a tumbling class for 2 and 3 years olds through the city rec program.

After a warm up of wiggles and simple stretches, the kids did a circuit of jumping mats, balance beams, parallel bars, tumbling mats, tunnels, and a springboard.

Through this class I discovered something new about Riley and was reminded of two things that I already knew. I learned that she has very good balance. I held her hand the first time across the balance beams. After that she pushed my hands away and insisted on doing them herself. She slipped once or twice, but did very well.

I was reminded first of how easily Riley makes friends. Before class even started she had already been invited to be a princess by her new friend Madison. And several times during class, after Riley finished a station she would turn around to clap and cheer for Paige, whom she had also just met.

I was also reminded that Riley has a lot of energy. Her teacher, a woman who has been teaching this class for quite a few years, actually made that comment to me twice during the class. It was nice to hear it confirmed, and I'm not just easily worn out. When Miss Marsha announced that class was over, Riley loudly protested, "No, it's not over! I'm not done yet. We're not over!" And when all the other kids were seemingly worn out and quietly leaving the gym, Riley was literally bouncing out of the room.

I'm glad Riley enjoyed herself so much, and it makes me look forward to helping her discover her interests and talents.