By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Toddlers get ready! A whole lot of interactive fun and education await at the town’s Park and Recreation Department’s “Having a Ball” four-week series of classes. The free program, which begins on May 7, is designed to introduce children ages 18 months to 3 years to various types of balls and play equipment.
According to recreation supervisor Lena Quinonez, it was made possible through a grant from First Five of San Bernardino, which funds programs to support and enhance the health and early development of young children.
“We received grant money for three years and this class series will actually be our last,” said Quinonez. “But it’s been very popular and we have plans on continuing on with something similar through our regular parks and recreation programs.
“We’re very excited to be transitioning this class this coming fall to a new one called ‘Giggles and Wiggles,’ which will not require a weekly commitment. Parents can drop in as their schedule allows.”
Quinonez said the idea to start physical activity classes for toddlers grew out of a realization by herself and staff members that the High Desert did not have much to offer young ones in the way of recreation. A class that focused on how to teach parents new and unique ways to interact with their toddlers seemed like the perfect idea.
“In the months following giving birth to my first baby, I was getting kind of bored,” said Quinonez. “Moms like me need some kind of social outlet to get out of the house with their babies and meet other people. The ‘Having a Ball’ classes are great because not only do the children get to play and have fun with each other but it gives the parents something to do as well.”
Along with learning how to roll a ball from both sitting and standing positions, Quinonez said toddlers who attend the “Having a Ball” classes also will have the opportunity to play with musical instruments and scoot around on ride-along bikes.
Additionally, the youngsters will learn about the importance of healthy eating and be served fruit and vegetable snacks at the end of each session.
“We really wanted to incorporate some type of nutritional education in these classes because proper eating is just as important to a healthy lifestyle as physical activity,” Quinonez said.
Quinonez said two staff members oversee the “Having a Ball” classes and are on hand to make sure both the parents and children in attendance have a positive and memorable experience. Each class runs for 60 minutes and is limited to 18 toddlers.
Registration is now open at Town Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. It must be completed by a parent or legal guardian before the first day of class, Quinonez said. Children who attend all four weeks of the series will be given a voucher for a free swim lesson.
For more information, call 760-240-7880.