Learning with music

Anthem resident opens business, uses rock tunes to teach

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When Jonathan Robbins sings the "Welcome Song" that kicks off every session of morning classes at the Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym, he really gets into it, even though he's practically alone in his office. Swaying to his own beat while smiling and emoting a welcoming vibe, it's easy to imagine Robbins as the center of attention, even in a room full of toddlers.

When Jonathan, an Anthem resident and owner of the Anthem-area business, broke the song off about 30 seconds in to explain its origins, he was still just as exuberantly energetic.

"Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym classes generally start with circle time," Robbins said. "We sing a few songs, the 'Welcome Song,' and then a few more that go with the theme of day. If the theme is animals, we might sing 'The Itsy-bitsy Spider.' "

As is the case with a good many of the songs youngsters learn and sing during their time at the play gym, the "Welcome Song" is one that Robbins composed. It should come as no surprise that at Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym, 10950 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 110, music is a big part of the experience. And not just so-called kids music.

"When kids hear upbeat, exciting music, it raises their energy level," he said. "It's all child appropriate rock, no bad language, and it's important for kids' development to get lots of movement. And getting them used to being up and moving and not sitting in front of the TV will help them fight obesity now and later."

A family owned and operated business, Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym got its start two years ago, when Robbins and his brother Michael, co-owner of the gym, began the program at the city of Henderson's recreation centers. Though they have cut back on the recreation center classes since opening Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym three months ago, Jonathan still leads a class at the Henderson Multigenerational Center.

"We started our first class with 33 kids," he said. "We had over 200 kids in classes by the end. We've had over 1,000 kids participate in the recreation center programs so far. We still have between 80 and 100 kids enrolled in each session at the Multigen Center."

At the play gym, children and their parents enroll in morning classes, and must take at least one morning class per week. The sessions are designed for different age groups between the ages of about 10 months to 5 years.

Following morning classes, held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, children and their parents can participate in open gym from 1 to 7 p.m.

Though youngsters and parents only attend either one or two Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym morning classes each week, they can participate in open gym time as often as they'd like from Monday through Saturday.

Jonathan said the morning classes focus on the different developmental skills that are important for each age group. The 45-minute classes are broken down into four levels: Rock Toddlers for ages about 10 to 18 months; Rockin' Rascals for 18 to 24 months; Rock Stars for 2-year-olds; and Rock and Roll Kids for 3- to 5-year-olds.

"We focus on motor skills with that age group," Jonathan said. "Balance, hand-eye coordination and foot-eye coordination. We do different activities throughout the classes to develop the skill of the week."

He also said the maximum number of class participants varies according to age group.

"With the youngest group, the maximum per class is 15 kids," he said. "At that age, they're not moving so much yet, and the parents are more involved with activities during class. As they move up in age, the classes get smaller."

In the Rock Stars, the maximum number of participants is 12. For Rock and Roll Kids, it's eight participants.

"In class, we do pre-school or kindergarten prep," Jonathan said. "We're working on physical and social skills and getting kids focused and ready to start school."

Beyond educating children and keeping them grooving in the 3,000-square-foot gym, Jonathan said one of the biggest areas of focus for himself and his staff is on keeping things clean in the gym.

Hand sanitizer is available throughout the Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym, and when a child is finished with a toy, it is sanitized by a staffer.

Jonathan's mom, Terri, said children aren't the only ones to benefit from the Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym.

"I think it's a great opportunity for parents to get together," she said. "It's not just kids that get to interact with each other, but moms and dads, too. The parents say they really like to get together here."

Jonathan said the rock program works. He has found that youngsters enjoy rock music as much as, or more than, much of the music that's designed for their age group.

"Music is a big part of the play program, and we listen to all types of rock 'n' roll, not kids music," Jonathan said. "This week, we're focusing on Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Madonna. The lesson plan changes every two weeks. It's an educational program focusing on education, fitness and fun."

Terri added that the rock 'n' roll focus seems to be a boon for most of the fathers she sees at the play gym.

"Dads that might feel out of place listening to nursery rhymes and things don't mind coming in," she said. 'They get to listen to some nice music while they're here. They feel comfortable."

Jonathan and his siblings were raised in Manila, Philippines, and Jonathan said he first realized his interest in working with children during his time there as a high school student.

"My dad is the superintendent of a private school in the Philippines and my mom used to be an art teacher, and my sister is teaching in the Philippines," Jonathan said. "I've also always enjoyed working with kids, and now my brother and I have this, and our mom works here at the front desk sometimes, too. It's a great family environment."

Toni Shegina said her 3 1/2-year-old son Jack has been involved with the Robbins' gym programs for the past two years through the city's programs.

When Jonathan and Michael opened the Rock and Roll Kids Play Gym, Shegina decided to bring Jack to the new facility. When her 5-month-old daughter Fran is old enough, Shegina also will enroll her in the program.

"Jack loves the spontaneity of the classes, and they're very educational," she said. "The kids are always learning new things. I appreciate the open gym opportunity because I bring Jack and can enjoy the gym even when the weather outside isn't very friendly. It's a place to go be with other kids and play with fun, colorful, educational toys."