Today was Hana's first REAL gymnastics meet (with ribbons, scores, and medals). She did very well. She was happy to get all dressed up, hair done and jewelry so she could be "Queen for a Day" (the theme of the meet which was a district qualifying event). Hana competed well at Level 3. Her scores were expectedly lower than most due to age and experience.
After the meet we had a celebratory dinner at which time she shared that she was looking forward to trying "new things." Maybe cheer or dance? Maybe basketball or soccer? At Ian's swim practice a few days ago, she lamented about not being able to take "swim lessons" herself with Ian (but she has gymnastics practice 4 days/week for 3 hours/day and the gym is almost a 2 hour round trip...so she does not have time for anything BUT gymnastics!
But that's about to change for her in the upcoming months.
One thing that was VERY apparent at this meet was Hana's desire to be social (inappropriately so considering the "high-strung" setting that is competitive gymnastics). She was bouncing around and clowning around. What used to be attributed to "young age" is now an apparent part of her innate personality. With Taylored Curriculum, we endeavor to enrich and enhance the individual child's personality with activities and programming that meshes with their stregths and desires. We try to avoid attempting to "change" the child or make them "conform" as a round peg into a square hole.
So I started wondering if perhaps theater, cheer, dance or some other social, outgoing, active sort of performing activity would be a more 'natural' fit (while encompassing her natural athleticism). Time will tell.
Gymnastics meet opening ceremonies.
Competition time
Closing Ceremonies and awards
Yay Hana. Outstanding performance today.
