CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

“Younger Baby Classes ” (YB)

These classes all start with stretching and end with infant massage. In the middle, we use multi-sensory cues to stimulate the brain to include visual tracking, audio tracking, gentle gross motor skills, music & movement, and vestibular activities. Much emphasis is placed on attachment and bonding and parent/caretaker – child interaction and communication. A lot of “sensory conditioning” happens in these beginning classes.  These are our youngest “brainy babies”!

“Older Baby Classes” (OB)

These are our new movers and shakers! In this class we pump up the stimuli just a tad, and start to introduce “social learning” activities. These classes include core activities, learning activities, and sensory activities. We start modeling independence, social learning, and circle time. Importance is placed on all the learning tools introduced in the younger baby class, but with an older baby “on-the-move” twist. No walkers please.

“Mixed Toddler Classes” (TOD)

These classes introduce responsibility with “Keys of Knowledge”. We start to practice more right brain/left brain activity based learning. We open and close the circle at every class and use our bodies! Gross motor activities are introduced as well as taking turns, sharing, and loving and kindness activities. There is a lot of social learning going on in these classes as well as some child directed activities. We build with our hands, feel with our feet, and explore with our minds. This class is appropriate for children who are walking to 24 months. No crawlers please. Children should be able to walk without assistance.

Older Toddler Class (OT)

These are our experienced OTB students! They continue to use their “Keys of Knowledge”. These toddlers are 24 – 36 months old and stable on their feet. In the Older Toddler classes, we work on social learning, more difficult cognitive learning challenges, and we participate in projects (puzzles, community structures, team work). We dig deeper into exploring our feelings and emotions and we practice “self control” through class exercises. The curriculum is bumped up a little and focus is placed on using specific learning tools and “our words”.  This is where the real fun begins!

Young Children Classes (YC) 

These classes are specifically designed for our 3 – 6 year olds. We concentrate on Brain Gym principals, and right brain/left brain activities. We introduce team building exercises and we start to explore the world around us, and talk about it! At this age, we take advantage of the brains amazing growth and start learning about ideas and thinking processes’. We introduce trouble-shooting strategies and exercises and celebrate free thought. This class includes arts & crafts projects, self-reflection, and social learning principles. We introduce directives and explore expectations. There is a strong emphasis placed on fine motor skills in this older class.

Sensory Classes

This class is set up for all our movers and shakers on their feet or on their knees!  Older Babies about to walk, and Toddlers (young and older), as well as Young Children are invited to this very special “sensory class”. This is not a typical OTB class – this is a HIGH Multi-Sensory class! In this class, we do a few songs, but focus is placed on sensory integration (getting MESSY!). Every week will be packed with heavy sensory activities and exercises to help our brains regulate.  Children and parents should always come prepared for messy play.  Clothes than can get messy should be worn, and always come with a package of wipes! Messy is Magnificent!

Light Sensory Class

The format and dynamic of this class is very different than any other class offered at OTB.  This class is virtually spending time (one hour) in our Light Sensory Room.  The value of this class is related to the benefits of Light Therapy and optical stimulation, and how both impact brain development.  This is often a smaller class due to space allowance.  Your OTB teacher will facilitate this class by bringing in various “light equipment” for the children to explore and discover, as well as encourage interaction with our TWO 8 ft Light Tables.  This is not an OTB curriculum class, this is a special “Sensory” class.  Music will be playing, but the expectation is that children allow themselves to explore the lights and regulate their senses at their own pace, and in their own way.   Parental supervision in this room is required.  This class is appropriate for all ages, and especially encouraged for children who experience sleep disturbances. This room also engages our gross-motor skills as it is equipped with a mound of RIWI blocks and glow-in-the dark balls for children to explore and discover.

If you have any questions, please email registration@otbee.com.