Obstacle Course fun!

Building an obstacle course for your kids that will provide endless hours of fun and challenge them. Plus, it will help them stay active during those days when it’s just too cold to venture outside. 

We were able to construct an obstacle course on a rainy day for the kids to explore. It was the perfect tie for the kids to burn off energy and cheer their friends on to the end. Check out all the fun we had!!

Fitness Spotlight of the week: Ms. Zuri

My name is Zuri Benion and I was born and raised here in Nashville, Tennessee. I am a proud graduate of Nashville School of the Arts where I studied dance. I have a Bachelors of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from MTSU. I am currently the Toddler Two teacher here at the Academy of Maryland Farms. I am also a dance teacher and choreographer at the Dancer’s E.G.D.E. 

I have been so excited to share my love of Pilates and movement with the families here for Fitness Fanatics month. During my time at MTSU I was exposed to Pilates and I instantly feel in love. It was such a simple workout but could still give you a total workout. I took the dive and started the Balanced Body teacher training program in July of 2017. I instantly became more aware of how the body works and various ways to improve my movement. My training experience made a great impact on my life as it brought to light that Pilates is much more than a method of working out but a lifeline to many people. During one workshop it was brought to attention that I had what is called functional scoliosis, which is a lateral deviation of the spine which in my case was caused by a leg length discrepancy. Being a dancer I always knew that things didn’t always line up but that discovery made everything make sense. I became very apparent that there are many demographics don’t have safe environments due to lack of education to move their bodies and Pilates provides that for such a broad group of people.

The biggest take away from my training program was that I was able to make a lasting change on body and constantly not be in pain and when I am being able to address the root of the problem. My goal is to spread this knowledge to my dance students to act as an injury prevention tool but also a rehab element if they need it. I currently finish up my practice hours and hope to test out while spreading my love for Pilates and movement in the process.

Fitness Spotlight of the week: Mr. Sean

Sean Daly is originally from Richmond, Virginia where he began dancing at the age of 13 at the Concert Ballet of Virginia. Soon after, he attended Henrico High School’s Center for the Arts as both a Musical Theatre and Dance major. After graduation, Sean went on to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Point Park University with a concentration in Ballet. Some of the most notable roles from his years in university include “Albrecht” from Giselle, “Mercutio” from Romeo and Juliet, “Prince Desire” from The Sleeping Beauty, and “Prince Charming” from Cinderella. In 2016, Sean joined the Nashville Ballet for two seasons where he had the privilege to learn and perform roles such as the “Chinese Soloist” in Nashville’s Nutcracker, “Winter Soloist” in Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s The Four Seasons, and “Third Movement Principal Couple” in The Ben Folds Project. Throughout his time in the Nashville area, Mr. Daly has also dedicated his nights and weekends to teaching dance to the youth of all ages throughout the community. You can find him teaching 2 and 3-year-olds ballet and tap all the way to 18-year-old high school students Advanced Ballet and Contemporary. Currently, he is working on his Masters in Education from Belmont University. There is nothing Sean loves more than watching children become enthralled with learning and finding joy in everything they do. 

What makes a child happy?

We all want the same things for our kids. We want them to grow up to love and be loved, to follow their dreams, to find success. Mostly, though, we want them to be happy.

The surest way to promote your child's life long emotional well-being is to help him feel connected to you, other family members, friends, neighbors, preschool providers, even to pets. A connected childhood is the key to happiness.

As educators we try to make a lasting connections with all the children and families at our school. Our job is to ensure children that they are loved and safe at school and to help promote a positive and happy environment for them. 

"Every happy memory created for a child is another treasure of a lifetime"

Cookies with Santa

We had a great time counting down the last few days until Christmas at The Academy. Everyone made sure to make their special reindeer food for Christmas Eve just to make sure that the reindeer find their way. Santa even came to visit and decorate cookies with all of us. We hope that your family enjoyed the holidays as much as we did!