But Jacob's favorite part of home school is being able to participate in gymnastics and drum lessons. Because Jacob is the appropriate age for Transitional Kindergarten he receives funds just like every child in the state. Choosing to school from home allows us to direct those monies to other enrichment activities for Jacob. So he gets to go to gymnastics and drum lessons without an out-of-pocket expense to our family.
Jacob LOVES gymnastics. This boy needs to move his body. Being upside down, doing cartwheels and somersaults, handstands and trampoline is the most wonderful therapy for his little sensory confused body.
And drums? Why drums you ask? Jacob has a natural rhythm like no other. Thirteen months of rocking and self-soothing in the orphanage has taught his little neural pathways perfect timing. He loves a good beat to follow. But beyond that, Jacob also has a sensitivity to sound. Practicing the drums exposes him to lots of different types of sound and helps him cope with intense noises that would otherwise cause him great stress. Our first lesson was down right scary for him. But now? Jacob can't get enough.
Jacob's teacher allows him 5 minutes of 'free play' at the end of his lesson to follow along with the teacher's beat. At first Jacob would just sit with his hands over his ears and his teacher would play as soft as possible. Now Jacob's favorite thing is hitting the loudest cymbal over and over again.
Jacob's teacher is fabulous and does a great job tailoring each lesson to his ability for the day. Jacob is allowed to touch, take apart, and feel every instrument and learn through touch and movement.
Helping disassemble and reassemble one of the toms.
This has been an excellent experience for my little drummer boy. I think his brothers are a little jealous. Sometimes it pays to be the youngest.
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