One Mother’s Thoughts on Growth and Exploration Through Bodies in Motion

This interview is with the mother of one of our wonderful preschoolers. Adam is a four-year-old boy who started our program knowing very little English after moving to Boise from Israel. We’re thrilled at the progression he’s made, and look forward to pushing him to reach even more goals!

Adam’s mother talks about her thought process in choosing Bodies in Motion for her child. Together her and our preschool director talk about the best part of the school and what preschoolers and their parents can expect by coming to Bodies in Motion.

Preschool Director: What process did you use to find a preschool or child care for your child?
Adam's Mother: “When we moved to Boise from Israel, I started to ask all my new friends for recommendations. Lena and Mark Tunik spoke highly of your establishment from their personal experience. During the tour, I liked what I saw (big and clean rooms, happy kids, a lot of friendly staff members) and I also liked the concept of moving through different rooms and activities during the day.”

What did you want to know in order to make a final decision about where your child would go to school?
“I wanted to know that kids are being treated in a respectful manner, that they are safe under your roof and being educated through different games. I wanted to know that Adam will get extra help in his special situation because he was not speaking nor understanding English at all at the beginning of the year. I wanted to know the hours and the price. I wanted to hear a genuine opinion about your place from other parents.”

Why did you choose the Bodies in Motion?
“I chose Bodies in Motion because I felt genuine interest to help Adam learn English and also because I trusted Lena and Mark's opinion based on their personal experience. As well, it was relatively close to our house and the hours were great for us.”

How do you know what is happening in school?
“I usually get in touch with Adam's teachers via the Brightwheel app or set up a one on one meetings, but at the beginning of the year the communication was more personal at the end of each day I was asking how was his day and what has happened. I also visited the preschool couple of times during the day to see with my own eyes what is going on. We were working together on resolving some of the issues with Adam and we did a great job based on the results that I see at home and at Bodies in Motion.”
 
How do you know if your child is happy?
“At the end of the day Adam comes home and tells us in Hebrew how his day went and what did he do, he is always asking to go to preschool even on the weekends. Kids his age don't lie, so I know that he likes Bodies in Motion a lot.”

How do you share information with the teachers?
“Either in person or via the App, whatever comes first.”

What is important to you about the program?
“For me, the most important thing about the program is that now Adam understands English and can say short sentences and communicate with his peers verbally. I also like stations concept and wording games. I also liked that the kids took very organized trips to the library, parks, museums and more. It was very educational and interesting for them.”

What changes do you see could be made?
“In Israel, in preschool, there are only one teacher and two permanent assistants, and it is a good combination in some cases especially if the child has chemistry with them. Some parents would prefer this option better. In our case, although there were some staff changes during the year, Adam was able to learn something new from each and every teacher/staff member.”

What did you like about the facility itself?
“I especially liked the open communication channel whether in person or via email, and the fact that I was actually listened to and was able to say what I really felt and wanted to say. I also liked the different rooms concept so that the kids could have a variety of activities during the day and not just being stuck in one classroom.”

Would you choose this facility again? Why or why not?
“Yes, I would certainly choose Bodies in Motion again because I think the preschool staff is amazing and doing a great job taking care of and educating our kids.”

What growth have you seen your child make? What made this possible?
“We managed to achieve verbal communication in English versus physical one at first. A lot of work was invested to make it happen from the preschool side and ours. From the preschool side it was making Adam repeat each word in English before he could actually get it. As well, there was a lot of visualization prior to actions, such as cards and posters, that helped him understand what was expected of him. From our side a lot of conversations were made with Adam in regards to his behavior on the premises and also the physical contact with the other kids (like you can't just hit every time you don't like something, you have to speak and ask for help and you will get help from your teacher). Another big change was social interaction with his peers, Adam did not know how to approach kids and play with them nicely. Today he knows how to do that, and we have seen him playing with kids other than his brother when we came to pick him up. He even told us that he has friends now, Wayne and Austin.”

Any additional comments to share with us?
“In general, it was a challenging year for our family and especially for the kids - getting used to a different language, behavioral code, and even food. I strongly believe that Bodies in Motion preschool staff made this transition a little bit easier for us and especially for Adam. It gave him a nice learning and social environment and a daily routine to look forward to. We are extremely happy to share this year with Bodies in Motion preschool.”


Here at Bodies in Motion, we have spent countless curriculum hours planning for differentiation. Through our years with children of every shape, size, ability, and personality we have been able to make our program fit our students. We have a general curriculum frame that allows for change and flexibility based on our kids each year. Bodies in Motion strives to set and reach goals with each and every one of our students. As a team; teachers, staff, parents and children create and work towards goals with the mindset that’ “As a team, we can do this!”