Little Gym, again

The kids started the first day of the new session of Little Gym. This is the first time they're in a preschool class - without me - so I've been a little nervous. I figured Noah would be okay, but I wondered how Jackson would do and how his teacher would respond to him.

We got there a little late. Warm-ups were already going on, so I simply opened the door and let them head in. Mr. B, the teacher, came over to me, and I told him the kids' names and that Jackson has autism. He seemed cool with it. I went and sat down with the other moms to watch.

Noah did pretty well. He actually stayed with the group most of the time and participated and followed directions with a little redirection along the way. I was so proud.

Jackson started out doing his own thing during the warm up and group time. I could see Mr. B occasionally calling out to him to come join them, but Jackson ignored him and played on his own. Finally, once Mr. B started working one-on-one with the kids, he went over, took Jackson by the hand, led him over to the mat/equipment, and got him to do the skill. That's the best way to interact with Jackson. Don't ask him. Just tell him and guide him physically. Jackson responded really well. He did as he was asked, and then, bonus, Mr. B tickled him. He loves being tickled. I think he's going to do well.

During this individual time, the kids were allowed to play on whichever side of the gym Mr. B was on. When a kid wandered over to the other side, he called him back. It seemed to work well. All the kids I saw were able to navigate the equipment well enough. Jackson was able to climb onto and get off the balance beam all on his own.

There were a couple of mishaps. One little girl's mother left to answer her cell phone, and the little girl ran out the door to find her. On her way back in, she pull the swinging door open and caught her foot. Poor thing. Noah's caught his foot on that very door, and I know it must have hurt.

Another little girl opened the door to the balcony (the gym's on the second floor), and ran out. All the mom's in the waiting room jumped into action, and the little girl was back in, safe and sound.

So it seemed like a good time. But...

There was this one grandma there. She spent the entire hour talking on her cell phone. When class was over, she proceeded to complain. There was no structure. Kids weren't listening. Kids were running wild and doing what they wanted. She didn't mean any slight against Mr. B, but she thought there needed to be another teacher in there for control. After all, one kid hurt her foot, and one kid ran outside.

She got on my nerves. She never said anything to me, but she looked at me everytime she talked about kids running out of control. She thought the kids should have been sitting against the wall when they weren't with Mr. B directly.

I don't know why she bothered me so much. For the first class, I thought things went really well. It's a mixed group, aged 3 - 5, and from talking to the other moms, at least three of the kiddoes were only 3. This is Noah's first time in a class without me, and of course he's going to need some time to learn to follow directions and do as he's told. Of course he's going to want to go jump on the trampoline when he feels like it. And Jackson isn't going to be able to spend an entire hour staying with the group. Period. One of the reasons I've stuck with Little Gym is their willingness to work with him and his special needs. If the class ends up sitting by the wall during most of the class, then Jackson is not going to do well. He won't make it. And that will really piss me off.

I felt sorry for Mr. B. He's young, and I could tell the lady rattled him with her complaints. When I went up to him to ask him how he thought Jackson did, he was at first very defensive. So I told him I was really impressed at the way he got Jackson to come over and participate. I told him I couldn't believe Noah listened to him so well. I hope it helped.

Anyway, I thought about calling Brad to tell him about it, but I still feel too upset about that woman. I'm annoyed with myself for letting her get to me, but I can't help it. So I decided to just write it down. I don't know if anyone will even read this, but I feel better for having written it.

I'm looking forward to Little Gym this season. I think both kids will do well. Maybe Noah will learn to listen to SOMEONE since he certainly doesn't like to listen to me.

The old lady was asking if there was a class time taught by a different instructor - one with more control - so I hope she moves her granddaughter there. Nothing against the little girl, but I really don't want to have to listen to her ignorant old grandma everyday week.