I'm generally of the thought that when the boys are ready, show repeated interest, and take action to take a class, we will do it. I don't just sign them up for classes on my own - unless those 3 things happen. Of course, at their age they don't know what is out there so we do chat about what type of classes are available as their interest is piqued along the way. Most of the time they are not interested in the group instruction dynamic, and we do so much as a family that we cover most of their interests.
As A is getting older, he is beginning to independently request to learn more about things he is interested in, and ask specifically about classes, outings, or activities. One interest lately has been karate. After looking up everything he could about local schools and class options online, we went to observe a class last weekend. He loved watching so much that he wanted to start n-o-w!!! The owner brought him onto the floor for a second class so he could participate a bit too. We asked if this is what he wanted, and he answered with a very enthusiastic YES! He surprised me by asking about his gi (!?), which is the uniform, and did indeed receive one to wear to class. Monday was his first full class, and he had the biggest smile - literally from ear to ear - the entire time. He laughed and giggled and smiled for the full 30 minutes - bursting with joy. He went again today for a fundamentals class, and he loved it (and did NOT want to leave). This is all from a boy who is super intense and usually has a hard time with new situations and places, transitions, groups of unknown people, and loud places. I think that since he picked this all out himself and is in control of the decision, it paved the way for him to relax and enjoy himself. And, he obviously chose this because he is indeed ready for it.
It is fun to watch him learn and grow - I see him going from that little kid to the next level and I am awed by his energy and enthusiasm! Love it! Now G, he wants to take a class to do somersaults - still working on that request!
14 comments:
I am so impressed...all that research online...you do such a great job with your boys'...I just love reading about it.
It looks like A has found his sport...the photos really capture his enthusiasm.
I love when our children can take responsibility for something they are interested in and not us forcing it down their throats.
SO COOL!!!
that is amazing. he sounds very similar to my oldest son. highly sensitive, highly energetic...the whole fabulous package. anyway, i have long suspected that j would love some sort of martial arts and that it would be good for him, but because of my poor japanese skills things just haven't worked out in that direction...yet.
we (he and i) are planning on getting involved when we leave japan. funny, huh?
it's wonderful that he's enjoying it so much.
This is so neat! I love that he found something (with your help) that he loves so much. You can see it in his eyes!
That's so wonderful! He looks so happy in the photo! We are starting karate this fall for Noah. Caleb started when he was small, about 7 years old and went until he received his black belt. It is a fantastic sport. They learn much more than just karate. It was a wonderful experience for Caleb! I think A made a great choice!
Awww, sweet. X has had a few years of karate and now we're at that other point in classes that is the opposite of deciding to sign up, which is ... deciding when to quit. I generally make her commit to a certain length of time. That said, her teacher is sort of a tool and we don't have a lot of options here. So, she may or may not go back.
I look forward to hearing more about A's karate learning and fun!
How fun! I love that G is joining in with his super ninja cookie move. Ya always gotta watch out for the ones with cookies. A does look super happy in his "gi".
He looks so happy! I like the way you approached signing him up for something new so carefully. I need to follow your good example here.
That is so great! It really is so much fun for them. At the end of Zoe's class they always play a game of border tag to keep things light and fun. The worst part of the whole thing is trying to keep that uniform white!
Our neighbors 5 year old (He also shares his name!) goes to karate a few days a week and loves it.
We'll definitely see if he's interested when he's a bit older. I can see him enjoying it, as he is much of the same personality type of your A. Good to hear A digs it, thats encouraging.
Oh fudge - I typed a comment and then lost it. I think it went something like this:
Karate - way cool! My husband got his black belt 2 days before our wedding. We joked that he'd walk down the aisle with a black eye and broken arm. With the right instructor (and we've seen some doozies), karate is a fantastic experience.
You need to come down and visit sometime. I just formed a new homeschool playgroup co-op so perhaps you can join us sometime!
they are so cute!
Good luck with the somersault classes!
We are having a look around for Leonardo, too, this year. I hope he will find something that fills his eyes with enthusiasm, just like A!
Cutest little 'grasshoppa' I've ever seen!
Too sweet.
I love how you moved into this deliberately and with meaning.
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