Steph Pears has just taken over the East Yorkshire Toddler Sense – I know what it feels like to take a leap into the slight unknown whilst still being a Mummy! Toddler Sense is a lovely thing to do together with your little one and is aimed at children 13 months to 5. Steph then splits the classes into two groups, the slightly younger ones and the slightly older ones to suit the stages of development etc.
Today, Eliza and I popped into Toddler Sensory at Dance Expression, Norton to have some fun. It was train week and it certainly did not disappoint. On arrival, the room was beautifully set up, all in keeping with the train theme! So much attention to detail. The first 20 minutes are free play where there was a cool bouncy castle (with the all important slide) to play on, a “soft play” train, ride on buggies, space hopper horses, sensory toys and much more! It was really fun and all the kids seemed to get stuck in!
The “tidy up” music sounded and a floor area was cleared ready for the train related activities (Eliza’s partial to some tidying during classes so thought this was great – she could practise her tidying a bit more at home though!). The children collected sticks from Steph ready for the “hello” song and then a swap of instruments for the “Runaway Train”. Eliza loved this and more to the point, seemed to really take part and engage. We then moved a “train” of bright coloured, different shaped objects on a rope round the room which was fantastic for hand-eye co-ordination and certainly kept Eliza entertained. Bit more tidying up and onto the actual train! We had tickets, flags, bumbles, movements, music, darkness and some flashing lights – I thought it was fun as did Eliza! Then out came some trains for a little bit more play then it was time to sing “good-bye”.
Eliza really enjoyed it. What struck me was the attention to detail in the setting up of the theme, down to proper tickets for the “train” – it certainly stimulates the children and aids the development, both physical and imaginatory. The music is fun and the songs recognisable (not annoying!) and the whole class meticulously planned. All the children seemed to be engaged and having a nice time. Eliza is 3 in January and she certainly had fun. She had been initially a touch cross this morning as she normally swims on Thursdays but I am “off games” having been ejected from my horse – this certainly cheered her up and made up for it!
Another positive, several Mums had younger siblings with them. I gave up the activity classes I did with Henry when Eliza was born but with Toddler Sense, there is no need, it is really flexible from that point of view and allows you to have fun with the older sibling without worrying about the new baby.
Next week, the theme is “The Daily Post”. Kids love it when the postman comes so its sure to be great fun!
Toddler Sense East York also offers fabulous, fun-filled birthday parties for children up to age 5. The ‘Epic Experience’ includes 45 minutes of adventure play on bouncy castles, ride ons and soft play plus 30 minutes of interactive and imaginative activities which can be themed to suit your little one.
Steph is currently doing classes in Norton and Pocklington and is listed on our Weekly Classes page
Thursdays – Dance Expression at Norton, Malton
9.45 – 10.35 13 months to 2 years
10.45 – 11.35 2 years to 5 years
Friday – Beacon Lodge, 8 The Mile, Pocklington, YO42 2HA
09:30 – 10:20 13 months to 2 years
10:30 – 11:20 18 months to 3 years
11:30 – 12:20 2 years 6 months to 5 years
13:15 – 14:20 13 months to 4 years
Contact Steph Pears by emailing eastyork@toddlersense.co.uk or phoning 07725 481334 or visit the website to book a trial. Toddler Sense Facebook