Park & Rec's Tiny Tots Go Through Hoops to Prepare for Kindergarten

Two year olds chased huge, bouncing hula hoops around the gym, running with all of their might to catch them. For children who still can't get outside to run off steam, the exercise was perfect for them. But it isn't just tykes that love the program. Parents love it, too. Christine Morris, whose two and a half year old was taking the class, said, “It gives me an hour break and allows the kids to run around in the winter.”

 The program is one of 15 developed by Sharon Di Bouno, who started Creative Tiny Tots at Park and Recreation 18 years ago. After graduating from Western Connecticut State University, she taught at other pre-k programs including Little Rascals in Danbury and Bethel Country Day.

 Sharon had always wanted to start her own program and spoke to her father, who agreed to help her fund it. However, he passed away that night.

 She began the program at Park and Recreation with one class and ten children. In just a short time, the one hour class went to two and half hours, and new programs were added year by year. Now, the 15 programs run two to four a day.

 Eighteen years later, Miss Sharon cannot go anywhere without running into children she knew when they were tiny. “I work at Famous Pizza, and one boy, who is a football player at the high school, comes in and picks me up,” she laughed.

 Kindergarten readiness plays a big part in the schedule. “We stress letters, numbers, patterns, scissors, learning left from right. The class was so successful we had to open another class on Saturdays,” Sharon said.

 “I get calls from the Bethel Public Schools assessment teacher and she said, 'Whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it.'”

 Getting children ready for kindergarten is one of the most important things parents can do to aid their child's future success in school, according to Danbury Children First. Sharon said, “The most important thing parents can do for their children is teach them independence, to be responsible for their own belongings. They should also read to their children.”

 Mother Melissa Gale, whose daughter was in the class, waited outside the gym for the class to finish. She said, “She was very excited to come today. The interaction is very important.”

 “You can't teach that at home,” mom Lisa Freebairn said. “Socialization is something they have to learn with other kids. You can give them the tools, you can teach them their ABCs, how to count, but they have to learn to interact.”

 In the photos in the gallery, that seems to be something the children are learning well.