Lincoln, California, City Gymnastics

Parents of school age children here in Lincoln, California, are now facing the beginning of a new school year. This new school year is full of children ranging from those who are starting school for the first time, to high school seniors. Then there are some of us who have not only school age children, but also preschoolers who are ready for socialization. I have a middle school student and a preschooler. As a single income family, I am constantly looking for opportunities to save money while still providing the best for my family.

When my daughter turned three, I began my research regarding preschool opportunities. I was stunned by the cost. In order for my family to afford a quality preschool, I would have to return to work. The alternative to this was for my family to save money throughout this year in order to pay for preschool next year. Therefore, my daughter would attend preschool for one year instead of two. Then came the dilemma, how to socialize and teach my daughter for an affordable amount. This search led me to create a plan that included attendance at the Lincoln Community Center for gymnastics classes with teacher Angie.

My plan involves a weekly schedule from Sunday through Thursday to address the preschool needs for social and intellectual stimulation. An average week begins with Sunday school at our church. The hour and a half that is spent in Sunday school each week addresses social, intellectual and spiritual needs. Mondays involve regular play dates with neighborhood children of similar age and children of friends. This social interaction provides many opportunities for sharing, playing and physical activity. Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated preschool days. After many hours of research online, I created my own curriculum in order to teach my daughter the key objectives for a preschooler her age.

We dedicate a three-hour block on each of the two days to preschool learning. Wednesdays are gymnastics days. I was immensely pleased to find that our city has a wonderful gymnastics program at an affordable rate. This 45-minute weekly class starts her day with physical activity, social interaction, and an excellent opportunity to learn about following directions. The gymnastics teacher, Angie is an excellent teacher and the children seem to thrive in her classes. After class we go to a local park where there is often additional social interaction. This weekly plan has provided a well-rounded schedule of fun and learning for our daughter, and I love it too!