Beltway Bambinos

Stefanie Harrington a local Mom of three, a personal friend and incredibly talented maternity, birth, newborn and family photographer recently visited MOCO Movement with her toddler and joined the Kids in Motion class.

This month, my daughter and I felt lucky to participate in the Kids in Motion class at the MOCO Movement Center located at 5268A Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD. I wasn’t familiar with MOCO Movement Center so, in a nutshell, it offers engaging movement classes for children ages 6 months to 12 years, along with occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy by licensed therapists. They offer world class therapy services in a fully inclusive environment, alongside a sibling or peer taking a sports or movement class.

When we walked in, we found lots of books and toys at the entrance, which were a fun distraction for my two-year-old as we took off our shoes and socks (adults may leave their socks on). Ms. Taffany, one of the enthusiastic class instructors, welcomed us into the large gym space, where we could start with some free play. The other kids seem to attend class regularly so they were familiar with the space and already happily playing with toys, sliding or jumping on the trampolines, while we settled in.

After free play, the kids followed along as Ms. Taffany led them through songs and different movements that were fun and age appropriate for the group. The instructors were really great about gently encouraging kids to participate – my daughter was a little unsure of herself while she explored, but Ms. Taffany quickly engaged her by showing her a small slide. My daughter also really enjoyed the music toys and the bubble dance at the end of class – so much so that she didn’t want to go home when the class was over… I was finally able to convince her to leave with me as the next class was starting by promising her that we would be back! Luckily there are several classes and times to choose from.

Classes offered at MOCO Movement:

MOCO Motion (Ages 3-12)
Participants use strength and balance on giant obstacle courses designed with over-sized blocks, tightrope-style lines, trampoline and suspension equipment to find novel and innovative ways to strengthen their bodies and push their limits. Trained instructors tailor classes to each child and help them acquire foundational skills such as jumping, skipping, climbing and running necessary to safely participate in a wide variety of physical activities in their daily lives.

Sports Fundamentals (Ages 3-12)
Prepping your child to get on the right track with a variety of sports. Each class focuses on the fundamental movement skills of each sport.

Move & Groove (Under age 5)
Music and movement class designed to encourage a child’s natural musical abilities in a safe, fun and supportive environment while exercising. Classes are divided into a class for children under two years of age and children ages two to five years old. Children, along with a parent or guardian, will be encouraged to sing, dance, climb on oversized blocks, roll down inclined mats, shake shakers, bang drums and toss scarves around. Instruments provided including castanets, triangles, guitar, boomwhackers, electric guitars, a drum kit, keyboard and many more. 

Kids in Motion (Ages 6 months-5 years)
Children and caregivers participate in early learning and preschool activities while having fun in our obstacle course inspired gym.  From circle time to the big adventure, our weekly themes incorporate movement, toy exploration and learning.  Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers participate in strength and balance activates to acquire functional skills such as crawling, walking, jumping and climbing and dancing.

Sporty Tots (Ages 2-5)
A movement class that focuses on foundational sports skills for toddlers. Introduction to ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking..), stick  handling within context of baseball, basketball, and soccer.

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MOCO Movement offers therapy services in a fully inclusive environment