Recommending activities for little ones comes with a certain level of responsibility. Just because one thing worked out great for a kid doesn’t mean it would be the best experience for another. Everyone is different, even our tiniest of humans. Because of that, I try to be as thoughtful as possible when suggesting things to other parents, especially when writing a piece here for Oregon Kid. With that being said, one place I am confident in recommending to parents is The Little Gym in Lake Oswego.
Both of my kids have taken classes here since they were babies, and the benefits they received are noticeable. For example, The Little Gym helped build their confidence as they went from crawling to walking. These classes also eased them out of their comfort zone so they could try new gymnastic maneuvers and equipment. Not to mention, they have an enormous amount of fun in every class they attend.
The classes are built for different age categories and range from infant to grade-school gymnastics. So not only is this an awesome class to sign your little one up for, but it might even turn into something you take them to for years to come.
The Little Gym also offers more than classes; they also host birthday parties and other events. Their birthday parties, for example, are $385 for 15 kids. That includes a 90-minute party, two class instructors, activities and games, a private facility, and setup and cleanup. For an additional $60, you can also add on a theme such as Unicorn Celebration and Spectacular Superheroes.
I had the pleasure of speaking with one of The Little Gym’s teachers, Camilla. You can read our exchange below:
What are the biggest developmental benefits that you consistently see in kids who take classes here? How do those benefits show up outside of a class at The Little Gym?
The Little Gym uses physical education, in our case, gymnastics, as a vehicle to help children become confident, social, and resilient through movement and play. Our curriculum supports the development of the whole child by incorporating lifelong skills beyond physical development, including problem-solving, teamwork, patience, and perseverance. Children can take what they learn in class and apply it to everyday life. A child who learns to try a new skill in the gym confidently is often more willing to try something new in other environments. Ultimately, The Little Gym helps children build the confidence and skills they need to become capable, independent learners both inside and outside of the gym.
What makes The Little Gym’s approach different from other kids’ activity programs?
The Little Gym takes a three-dimensional learning approach, which focuses on cognitive, physical, and social development. As a child learns a new physical skill or builds strength and coordination, they also practice skills like taking turns, supporting peers, listening, problem-solving, and leadership. Our program includes Parent-Child classes (4 to 36 months), PreK classes (3 to 6 years), and grade school classes (6 to 12 years). While the curriculum is specific to each age group, our classes incorporate imaginative activities to make learning fun and engaging. We want children to feel comfortable being themselves, try new things, and learn at their own pace. The result is a safe, supportive environment where kids can be kids while developing skills that will benefit them far beyond the gym.
From a parent’s perspective, how do you balance structure, fun, and safety so families feel confident about signing up their little ones?
While safety is our number one priority at The Little Gym, we also understand that kids need opportunities to move, explore, and burn off energy. Our classes provide structure with enough flexibility to allow children to interact with others, express themselves, and follow their natural curiosity. We maintain specific teacher-to-student ratios for each age group, which allows our team to provide individualized attention and make adjustments or offer skill progressions as needed. At the same time, we want children to feel free to have fun and be themselves. At The Little Gym, we embrace the energy and curiosity each child brings to class while providing the structure and support they need to be safe.
The Little Gym is an extraordinary place for children to learn something new and to have a great amount of fun while doing it. Give it a try; your kid will love it.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.