Watch Me Learn

Isn’t it amazing to watch kids learn?  When they come into this world, they are a blank slate, no idea about the world, clueless when it comes to safety, and no worries about world problems.  It’s beautiful to see their innocence, but it’s also amazing to watch them grow, learn and expand their brain power.

Playing with toys, activities, sports, music and crafts are an amazing way for them to get creative and use their brain to solve problems and learn.  Last year we put Princess Active into Gymnastics.  She went to class every week, but it just wasn’t challenging enough for her, it was boring.  Hubster and I were kind of disappointed with the class because we know  how much extra energy she has to burn, and gymnastics should have been a perfect activity for her.

Princess Gymnast recently received a Dora Gymnastics Doll from Fisher Price for review.  Funny enough, we recently also downloaded the Dora App, so when the toy arrived, she had already made the connection between the app and the toy that now sat in front of her.  First, I want to comment on how fantastic Dora is as a gymnast, she can do full handstands and flips all on her own (she works best on a hard surface).  Princess Trainer stays with her student (Dora) while she kicks, flips and turns circles on the floor.  Dora sings and also makes note of what trick she’s doing, and even has a full competition routine!

(Sorry about the terrible quality, all I had was my phone when she started doing this, and it’s not like I can say “wait… hold that while I get my good camera”)

The best part about Fantastic Gymnastics Dora is that it also encourages my gymnastic star to try out the tricks herself.    It’s a learning process and development that hubster and I can easily see, as she tries to do handstands on her own.  These upside-down acts have only started in the past month since Fantastic Gymnastics arrived in our home.

So what exactly is she learning from this toy?  Lots!

• Physically – she’s learning Balance and Coordination

• Cognitive – Curiosity and Discovery

• Socially & Emotionally - Self expression and Confidence

It’s pretty amazing that a toy can have more of an affect on a child then a physical class, but it goes to show when something is created property for it’s audience it will be much more effective.  Perhaps I should bring the Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll to the Gymnastic class as an example of what can keep a 4 year old’s attention for hours.  In the mean time, we’ve been enjoying watching her try different ways to do handstands and thankfully nothing has broken – just yet.

“Disclosure:  I am a Fisher-Price Mom and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”