Tumble Tots Re-Launch Celebrates 28 Years
Tumble Tots Bermuda was started 28 years ago by two physical education teachers with a mission to provide a movement program/gymnastics for young children and to ensure that it was affordable to all Bermudians.
Anne Hines and Christine DeSilva, both whom worked in education for over 40 years, recognized this need 28 years ago, after founding the Bermuda Gymnastics Association. Parents sought a program designed specifically for the younger age group, which was not offered at that time. Tumble Tots Bermuda was then founded, and filled this niche.
Fiona Murdoch and Linda Hines will now be running the program, which re-launched on Saturday [Sept 14]. The half-hour Parent and Tot classes [aged walking to 3 years] begins at 9:30am, every half hour, with the Tumble Tots [3 and 4 year olds] starting at 11:00am. They have just moved locations to the centrally located BHS [Bermuda High School for Girls] gymnasium, which offers easy parking.
“Each stage of a young child’s development presents critical learning periods”, a spokesperson said. “Children develop their fundamental movement skills between the ages of 2 and 5, along with essential brain development starting even earlier.
“Child psychologists and educators agree that a structured program in movement should be a part of every child’s education, which promotes this key development.”
Christine DeSilva recalls “It started out as a summer program and then we extended it to a year round program. We did offer summer programs for many years. It is most satisfying to see our daughters now take over the business and keep it in the family as it has been something that has been so dear to our hearts.”
Fiona Murdoch said, “Linda and I are excited to be taking over a business that has been in our family for years. We grew up in Tumble Tots and now as a mother and educator I am pleased to be continuing what my mother and Anne established.”
The spokesperson continued saying, “Each weekly session of Tumble Tots offers the children and parents fun, excitement and challenge in a safe, secure and caring environment. The age-appropriate equipment allows the younger children to explore freely, while simply having basic pattern and structure.
“The children are encouraged to experiment on the balance beam, crawl through the tunnels, build structures with foam blocks, climb on the equipment, practice rolling, hopping and jumping on the mats. Parent interaction is key as this offers special focused quality time with the child, without everyday distractions.”
One Tumble Tot mom shared “Being able to spend uninterrupted time with my child each week was priceless. She looked forward to Tumble Tots each week, as it was her space – all designed and customized for children her age. We sat together as a group and sang along to age appropriate songs, which she continued to sing throughout the week.
“She also loved the group parachute time and exploring by herself on the equipment. Time spent in these classes built her confidence and also helped with her social skills. This is a quality, proven successful program that I would recommend to any parent with young children!”
Linda Hines adds, “This is an exciting age and an essential time of physical development and in particular brain development. The physical and mental benefits to children participating in such a program are endless, along with the social benefits of meeting and interacting other children.
“As the children grow throughout the program, you can see that the new challenges presented each week assist with their confidence and development. It’s amazing to see.”
Tumble Tots mission 28 years ago was to promote strong minds through strong bodies. This mission has seen thousands of children successfully pass through its program since it’s inception.
Anne recalls, “We always wanted it to be affordable and available to ALL sectors of our community, and we continue with this mission. Parents from all walks of life should have the opportunity to allow their child to grow and develop through such a movement program. We are proud to have provided this service to our community and look forward to our daughters continuing with its success.”
