Busy Bodies History

Toni Powderly, Program Developer

Toni Powderly, a registered Occupational Therapist, graduated from the University of Missouri of Columbia in 1980.  She is the originator of the Busy Bodies Gymnastics Program, developed in 1984 in South St. Louis County.  In 1987, Diane Marchiando assumed directorship of the program with the stipulation that the Busy Bodies name be used only if the original program content was maintained.  Currently, Diane is the only teacher in the St. Louis area qualified to direct the Busy Bodies program.

Busy Bodies Director

Diane Marchiando, M.Sp.Ed.

Diane has a Masters Degree in Special Education from UMSL.  Her experience includes teaching children with special needs, coaching Special Olympics, and special camping.  She has been involved with the Busy Bodies and Super Bodies programs since 1987.  She has built the program into a highly reputable and recommended program for mild, moderate, and severely challenged children of all ages.

Diane is a Developmental Therapist at Good Shepherd School for Children.  She is a

St. Louis native.  She and her husband, Tony, have three children - Mandi, Nora, and Lori.

Classes for Special Needs and Typically Developing Children

New Bodies: 6-12 months old (ii)

During this stage of development your child will demonstrate curiosity and exploration as she begins to move her body through space.  Class activities and exercises will promote strength, balance, body awareness, and coordination necessary for your child to sit, crawl, climb, stand, and walk.  The activities will also encourage exploration and provide many new and fun sensory experiences for your child.  Classes offer a special time for parents to exchange ideas, information, and concerns related to childcare.

Wee Bodies: 12-24 months old (ii)

Your child’s curiosity during this period is accompanied by a continuing interest in mastering the use of her body.  Classes will expose your child to exercises and activities which promote body awareness, strength, and the coordination necessary for walking, climbing, running, throwing, and many other new skills.  Additional class activities include group exercises to music, finger-play, parachute, rhythm and movement exercises.  You and your child will find these classes are a fun learning experience and opportunity for socialization.

GoGo Bodies: 2-3 year olds (ii)

You are now living with a young, very interesting person who is always on the go!  Your child continues to show interest in exploration and practicing their motor skills.  Classes will offer exercises to build upon these skills and develop higher level skills and self-confidence.  Program areas of emphasis include eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, locomotor skills to pre-gymnastics skills.  Your child will be exposed to gymnastics apparatus, tumbling, balancing activities, and ball handling skills.  Additional class activities include group exercises to music, finger-play, parachute, and rhythm and movement exercises.  You and your child will find this program fun and exciting!

Hott GoGo Bodies: 3+ year olds (ii)

This is a GoGo Bodies class for children 3 and up.  Classes begin and end in the pre-school room, but part of the class is held in the “big gym”.  During this time the goal will be for parents to stay in the observation area.  It is intended to be a transition class, and make the change from Busy Bodies to a Tumbling Tigers or Instructional class smooth and enjoyable.

2. (ii)Denotes Dynamic Duo.  This means that parent/guardian/shadow participation is required.
   

Special Needs

Gymnastics Programs

Super Bodies: 4 years old and up (ii)

Designed by Physical and Occupational Therapists, this 50-minute class is based on principles of sensory-motor integration and consists of carefully chosen activities to enhance and improve your child’s physical and social development while building self-esteem and acquiring gymnastic skills.  Super Bodies addresses skill development in the areas of balance, gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, coordination, perceptual motor, as well as cooperation and socialization.  The individual activity stations change weekly and adapt/modify to meet the needs of the individual child.  Group activities including rhythm and movement exercises and exposure to gymnastics apparatus combine to offer this unique and exciting gymnastics program!  Parents have the privilege of remaining and participating with their child.

Phase II

This 50 minute class of independent participation is for children with special needs.  Placement in this program is determined by evaluation.  The advanced child can continue to develop motor skills while learning more advanced gymnastics.

Special Olympics Team:

Special Olympics Team athletes learn compulsory routines for competition at various meets.  Progressive levels of competition accommodate the athlete’s gymnastic skill level.  This wonderful program promotes motor development, positive self-esteem, and acquisition of gymnastics skills while providing an opportunity for membership on a competitive gymnastics team!