Press and Quotes
"At the center of it all (Kindergym), was the hyperkenetic Dawn Margolin, Kindergym's guiding light and longtime leader. She knew each child's name and had hugs for all...She bounces like a bunny, choo-choos like a train, then breaks into an effervescent rendition of "Bye, Bye Bubbles", while blowing a bubble wand. Commented one mother to another, 'I don't know what she eats for breakfast, but I'd like some!'"
- From: One Mom's Guide to Kiddie Gyms, by Sarah Smith, Neighborhood Parents' Network
"Dawn Margolin says her indoor play classes help teach parents and children how to deal with conflict. 'Many have never been parents before; they read the books, but here they may have some of their very first opportunities to practice what they have studied. The parents often learn as much as the children-how not to overreact to minor skirmishes, or how to teach their children about remorse by their saying they're sorry if their child does something wrong'...Lisa Hopper, a parent at Kindergym says:'dealing with these issues is more manageable because I see other families dealing with the same issues at Kindergym.'"
- From: The Oakland Tribune, Features Section
We went to Kindergym for a little over a year, until we moved out of Oakland about a year ago. I can't recommend it highly enough! My son, husband, and I absolutely loved the program. There was tons of stuff to do, plenty of room, lots of good climbing/gross motor activities. To top it all off, Dawn, the ''teacher,'' was the best. She made a point, every single session, to interact with every kid and parent/caregiver there. This is no small feat, because it was always very well attended. Dawn always remembered not only my son's name, but my name and my husband's, too -- after the first time we met her. Also, Dawn has a real gift for circle time...It was just the right energy level for this age group. I wish we still lived in Oakland, so that I could look forward to attending Kindergym with my younger son.
- Grace, UC Berkeley Parents website
Kindergym is a fabulous program for preschoolers of all ages. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, Dawn has amazing amounts of energy and simply adores the children, and there is a wide variety of activities for your child to choose from. Some of the special benefits of Kindergym include (a) one parent/adult can bring more than one child (i.e. siblings or twins or a nanny share) (b) parents take turns bringing juice and graham crackers (or challah on Fridays) for snack (c) one has the choice of whether to wear shoes or remove them (d) there are no additional ''products'' for sale (e) Dawn sings her amazing original songs at various activities around the room and during parachute and bubbles time at the end of class. On Fridays there is a great Shabbat experience for those who are interested but it is an equally comfortable atmosphere for people of any religion. My son Micah attended Kindergym from 18 months until 4 years old and my son Jonah began at birth and is still attending at 2 years old. We hope to see you there!
- Karen
My toddler and I have loved going to Kindergym at Temple Beth Abraham! The teacher, Dawn Margolin, is such a warm soul and loves playing with the children (all of whom she knows by name). The play space is filled with great toys, ride-ons, blocks, books, climbing structures and even a ball pit. After lots of free play and a short clean-up, the children gather for circle time. On Friday mornings, Dawn & Rabbi Bloom celebrate Shabbat with the children. (Other weekday mornings, however, are not religious.) My toddler enjoyed it so much; now I'm looking forward to starting the next session with my baby!
- Jen F.
I just finished taking my second child to Kindergym (he began preschool this year) at Temple Beth Abraham and I highly recommend this program to all. It was a fabulous experience for my children, allowing them to socialize with other young children and experiment with both fine and gross motor activities. It gave me the opportuniy to meet many other moms, dads, and caregivers. Dawn Margolin, the program creator and director, is amazing!! She is one of the most energetic and sweet women I know and is a fantastic advocate for young children. As an added bonus, on Fridays Rabbi Bloom and his guitar join the fun for a mini shabbat including candles, juice, challah, and of
of course, lots of singing.
- Ronni