about a boy

We have been pretty laid back about sending Jayden for enrichment classes. We are not quite ready to start on a slew of programmes designed to “encourage, nurture, train, improve, develop” his abilities. I guess we rather he learns at his own pace. I remember telling my mum when I finished my last paper for university that kids these days don’t have much of a childhood. Most of their time is being spent in school or class.

And I am not quite ready to give Jayden the ‘enriched’ life treatment. The odd enrichment class playdate I don’t mind. But not really those structured full 12 weeks of lessons (which are then followed by another 12 weeks of stage 2 and then stage 3 and advanced, you get the hint).

So any how, I brought Jayden for his first trial class at Kindermusik (at Tanglin Mall). I think he enjoyed himself. When he was paying attention at least. He was more prone to wandering off on his own. Said nicely, he was the life of the class. But truth betold, he is way too independent to want to sit still in a new place. Such places mean exploration time. So the lil trooper could be found banging away at the glass door, slipping out of the premises and well, rummaging the rubbish bin to pick up cups.

It was a structured class. Designed in a way to stimulate their senses, develop a sense of rhythm, coordinate their hand and leg movements but really, what Jayden truly enjoyed was being swung around in the air. Which he already gets a lot of.

Our companion for the trial was baby Kayla (they were the youngest and oldest of the class!), who was more cooperative than Jayden. Mummy S remarked that our two young ‘uns were the only ones who hated the massages. Instead they twisted around and sat upright. Midway through the class I was tempted to ask the teacher for the doll she was using to demonstrate movements. “Exchange”.

So did he learn? I am not sure. He cannot talk and I cannot tell. I, however, much prefer that he learns outside the classroom. But I am open to more trial classes with friends. The tea time interaction between mummies thereafter is much appreciated.