The girls have been taking gymnastics since January at Flyaways in Forest Lake as part of their physical education curriculum.  Originally I enrolled them as an alternative to weekly physical therapy (PT) sessions since both have sensory integration dysfunction.  PT was recommended to help address balance, coordination, overall strength, and abdominal strength (to help their respiration).

In January, at 5 years old, Sophia was having trouble doing a toe-to-heel walk on the floor.  She was unable to balance on one foot for more than a couple seconds.  Olivia, at age 3, had even more challenges, particularly with strength.

In less than 8 months, I have literally watched both girls transform physically.  Both are comfortable on the beam, with Sophia doing skills that I would never have imagined her being able to do in January.  She loves doing cartwheels, forward and backward rolls, the uneven bars, and learning to do handstands. 

Olivia's strength has greatly improved to a point where she can now open doors on her own (the kind you push in public).  She loves doing sommersaults and bridges.   

The improvements each one has made is impressive, and I am so happy that they enjoy gymnastics so much.  This is a component of physical education that they will continue in the 2006-07 school year.

In addition, Sophia is going to be involved with the Chisago Lakes Area Homeschool Co-op (CLAHS) physical education class on Fridays.  Susan Gillson will be leading the class for her age group (K-2), and introducing the children to a variety of different sports - independent and group.  She has a great curriculum planned for the year. 

The girls also both start Therapeutic Horseback Riding through the Courage Riders program (coordinated by the Courage Center in Stillwater).  They are SO excited to begin riding again.  Last year, Olivia began horseback riding at 2 1/2 years old.  Sophia did some private lessons in the fall at 4 1/2 years old. 

The THR program and horseback riding in general made huge improvements in language (for Olivia) and torso strength for both of the girls.  Their confidence and self-esteem is very high when they are riding.  It's wonderful to watch. 

For children who have sensory integration issues, therapeutic horseback riding is extremely calming and beneficial.  Can't explain why...it just affects their bodies in a way that they need.