Planned Play Video

Dearest Robin and Ardelle,

We wanted to write and thank you for such a wonderful birthday party for our 2 year old son Michael last Saturday, and the great experience we have had with weekly classes in the last year. We investigated a lot of places in Scottsdale and Phoenix for a weekly activity for our son, and we're thrilled that we ended up picking Busy Bodies. The curriculum and environment has been an excellent value, and has reaped great benefits for our son. The planned play is always a good mix of learning and physical activities. We can't say enough about Miss Lori!! He has really come into his own in the last year with increased coordination, vocabulary and socialization skills.

We also appreciate the flexibility that has been shown with us in substituting classes that have been missed or making Saturday available for make up classes from Thursday. The staff always goes out of there way to try and accommodate us and find solutions that are a win/win for all parties involved. We definitely recommend Busy Bodies to all of her friends with young children and wish you all the success in the future growth and expansion of the concept. You ladies run a FIRST CLASS operation!

Respectfully yours,
Leigh & Tom M.

Dear BUSY BODIES Planned Play:

I credit the program at Busy Bodies Planned Play with giving my second daughter the motivation to walk. Arden was not showing any interest in walking and by the time she turned fourteen months, I was getting concerned. Robin at Busy Bodies called me to tell me there was room in a GumDrops class, and once Arden enrolled, the socialization and the activities of the classes provided the catalyst she needed to get up and moving! I recommend Busy Bodies to anyone who will listen, and I believe in the program so much that I began working there shortly after Arden became a student. I have seen such a positive impact in so many young lives due to the program and the personal care that Robin and Ardelle provide at Busy Bodies. Keep up the great work!!!

Leesa M

Dear BUSY BODIES:

I would like to thank you for all of the wonderful, fun, educational, happy times you have given my daughter Jillian. The last year and a half Jillian has looked forward to coming to BUSY BODIES every week. She started out a very shy, quiet, little girl and now because of BUSY BODIES, she has blossomed into an outgoing, confident, talkative, little social butterfly!

Jillian will be starting school soon and will transition just fine because of her positive experiences in BUSY BODIES. She has made such good friends in her classes, who she loves and will miss dearly! As well as, all of the BUSY BODIES teachers and staff. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we will always treasure the happy, fun memories Jillian has made at BUSY BODIES BUSY LEARNERS! With Sincere

Love,
Jennifer D.

Dear BUSY BODIES:

As a teacher, I've been searching for the "perfect" preschool for my 3-year-old daughter--or at least, one as close to perfection as possible. After numerous disappointments, my husband and I finally found it at BUSY BODIES Planned Play. Juliette has attended BUSY BODIES since birth so we were already familiar with its caring staff, hands-on activities and safe environment.

Although our daughter can be shy and reluctant when it comes to new situations, she's always smiling when dropped off and picked up from BUSY BODIES. She's gone from "I don't want to go to school" to "let me tell you what I did at school." I can't thank Miss Ardelle, Miss Lori, Miss Robin and Mr. Bobby enough for planting the seeds for lifelong learning. Bravo!

With warmest regards,
Julia S.

Dear Robin,

Our daughter is 4 and has been in your Lollipops class for 6 months. I wanted to tell you how much we have seen her grow and change in that time. We originally enrolled her at BUSY BODIES because she had difficulty separating from us and became very introverted and shy when in a group setting. We were worried how she would function in preschool and beyond. Your facility seemed like a safe place to help her become more comfortable. The teachers are wonderful in meeting her on her level and not pushing for too much too soon. The programming is a fun mix of learning, music and play, and she LOVES to come to class. Over time, we have watched her gain self confidence and the ability to initiate interactions with her peers and teacher, and she hardly hesitates to go in without us. It has helped to alleviate some of our worries. Her transition to her preschool class has been remarkably smooth and I credit BUSY BODIES with helping her feel more comfortable and confident in a group setting. It has been wonderful.

Thank you,
Nicole H.

Miss Robin, Miss Lori, Miss Ardelle and Mr. Bobby

Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of teaching and watching Rylan grow. It's amazing how much a teacher comes into a child's life. You might have only had him in a class from 45 minutes to 2-1/2 hours, but you came into our home at dinner and at playtime. You became apart of Rylan's life so much. As he says, "Miss Robin loves me in her heart."

It has been a great experience for me as a mother, having Rylan join at 2 years and watching him grow into a "Busy Learner." It's neat to see him change and mature into a preschooler. Most of all Busy Bodies has just been a wonderful part of Rylan's educational start. I am so happy he had positive and the same teachers this whole time.

I am sure you are proud of your small business! I am proud of you for making your vision real. My parents and family are small business owners and I know how much work, stress and time goes into it.(Thats why I never wanted to open a small business, it at times takes your life). Remember to vacation and relax because the the building will be there when you get back, promise! (That's my kids perspective on it, I had to remind my parents).

Anyway you all have come into our hearts and left a mark. Rylan and I will remember you all forever! We love you so much. I can't imagine what these last 2 years would have been like without you in them.

I think BUSY BODIES is very affordable. Since we have been tight with money these last 2 years, it was nice to have an affordable place to go to and enjoy being a kid and mom. Just to be! Not worry about the phone ringing or the kids getting hurt.

Your school is relaxing, safe and created wonderful memories for me and the kids.

Love,
Nicole D. and Family

My family has grown so much because of BUSY BODIES and we love coming to “gym class” every week. My husband is always quick to point out how capable our boys are becuase they attend classes at BUSY BODIES. I appreciate all the educational information described in class (i.e. crawling through tunnels helps develoe problem solving skills). I love it when parents ask me how old my children are and then they are amazed at what they can do. I always tell them about the classes at BUSY BODIES becuase I know it’s the reason why my sons are expert climbers with great balance. You can frequently catch us singing BUSY BODIES tunes in the car, it’s great! I am so thankful you developed your ideas into a successful business.

Amy P.

I just want to thank you for having this program. We just signed up and look forward to our upcoming classes. Lukas loved his time there with Mrs. Robin. Thanks again and God Bless You and your staff! Lukas is still talking about the class and is asking when we can go back! This makes my husband and I so very happy that he is so comfortable there.

Again many many thanks!!

Maribel

To Whom It May Concern:
I have been taking my daughter to Busy Bodies since she was 6 months old. She absolutely loves it there. Being a teacher I am constantly looking for things that will help stimulate her learning process. Busy Bodies has done just that. Everything they do there is developmentally appropriate. She looks forward to circle time every week. The songs they sing stimulate her brain. I know this because all I have to do is say the first three words of the song and she does all the motions. She is connecting what she hears to what she does. Rhythm is the start to reading. If we can get our kids started early with rhythm and rhyme then they will be on the track to reading with way fewer obstacles than those who have not been exposed to it. The other thing that Kate really likes is puppets and bubbles. During puppets, they sing the nursery rhymes that I feel are too often forgotten. Being a Kindergarten teacher I see that there are way too many kids who come in without knowing these classics. These nursery rhymes again are based on rhythm and rhyme which is the basis for reading. These classics are too important to be forgotten. If you ask any Kindergarten teacher they will tell you that they focus on Nursery Rhymes right at the beginning of school in order to prepare the kids for what is too come. My daughter also enjoys exploring the room. She has been able to develop her language through exploring and identifying the many objects in the room. Her sensory motor skills are also enhanced by the abundance of sensory stimulating objects. These skills are so important and as a teacher I can't express how important it is that students come to school with these skills already in progress. Being able to use and identify their five senses is a huge accomplishment. These sensory motor activities allow children to begin that process and start to explore their senses, which again is preparing them for school. No only as a mom but as a teacher I look for activities that are not only fun, but also educational. I can truly say that in my research of play places throughout the area Busy Bodies has the most comprehensive program that there is. It is an educator's dream. Busy Bodies is a place that stimulates the whole child. Through music, language, dance, and play my daughter has gained skills that will only help and enhance her early childhood education. We love Busy Bodies and will continue to recommend it to everyone that we know.

Christine T.
Kindergarten Teacher

My three year old and 20 month old sons have been attending BUSY BODIES classes for the past three months. Both of my sons have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I consider BUSY BODIES Planned Play to be an essential part of their treatment plan. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in their communication, language and gross motor skills since they have started the classes. My three year old son has gone from having very little social communication to saying "hi" to Miss Robin and seeking her out to share the excitement he feels during the classes with her. He can now answer questions about what he did in class and sing songs that he has learned. He is also begining to initiate conversations with me and others. He is also starting to play imaginatively. (He never did this before BUSY BODIES.) My 20 month old son's eyes light up when he enters the play area. He now grins and laughs when he sees BUSY BODIES. He went from being extremely withdrawn to interacting with other children in class, smiling, and playing vigorously for the entire session. He had lost most of his language and is now slowly begining to gain it back. (He started making these gains when he began at BUSY BODIES.)

We have attended other play classes in town and this is by far the best! It is extremely clean which is very important to our family because my older son has life threatening food allergies and we have always had to be very careful about where we bring him. The classes are language rich and involve many songs, dances, finger plays and puppets. My son loves Miss Robin (and so do we!) She is an outstanding certified teacher who understands and implements brain research in the planning of her classes. I am especially impressed with the structure of the class. There is a predictable routine, which is very important to my boys. Yet there is enough variety in the play equipment and environment to keep it very interesting. This helps my boys feel comfortable enough to explore while enhancing their sliding which the kids love. As a mom of two special needs children and a teacher with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, I highly recommend BUSY BODIES. BUSY BODIES has made my children so happy. It has changed our lives.

Jeanine F.

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what a superior job you have and are doing with your BUSY BODIES. Upon first attending classes, I was under the impression that the program, etc. was a franchise. I had no idea that you had invented the entire program. The program is outstanding. First and foremost, the facility is immaculate. The equipment and toys are well maintained and all of the ancillary toys are clean. This is extremely important when a program such as yours is dealing with 300 - 400 children per week utilizing the facility. The "Program Design" that you have developed is outstanding. The manner in which you incorporate so much learning in such a meaningful way is to be commended. You not only are teaching your little ones, but the mothers, fathers, caregivers, etc. Robin has an extraordinary ability to remember the names of all the children and their parents. This is very gratifying to the children to be recognized and helps them to recognize their own names. The children in the various programs are happy and excited simply to be in the facility. You and your partner have decorated the facility in such a way that is inviting, fun and safe. I particularly like the speaking through different activities so that the adults are aware of "learning" is being taught, in addition to the children having just plain fun! You are truly to be commended. I have had the opportunity to develop and work with many learning facilities of young children and your program is right at the top of the list. Congratulations and best wishes on all future.

Theresa T.

"As a proud mother of a Gumdrop, you will not find a cleaner, more age appropriate learning/play gym than BUSY BODIES. There's tons of space, tons of equipment, and best of all, there's the bonus of an actual certified teacher, (who is sooooooo great with the kids). Oh! And there are different learning, fun themes every other week to help you work with your child's development skills. I just can't say enough. So definitely, "Come Play With Them!"

Sheryl B.

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE-I am the mother of a 16-month old girl, Isabella "Bella". Bella has been attending BUSY BODIES since she was 7 months old. We are always greeted with a warm and happy smile from Robin and Ardelle. We feel so comfortable and welcomed as soon as we walk in the door. Robin is always willing to offer her educated advice with any concerns or questions regarding the mental and social growth of my daughter.

Bella has shown an immense social growth in the past several months. BUSY BODIES has helped her to develop a sense of identity as well as respect for other children and adults around her. As an only child for now, BUSY BODIES has given my daughter the opportunity to grow socially outside of our home and prepare for future siblings or social events.

I researched similar facilities and found them (equipment wise) to be somewhat similar with one HUGE exception, the instructors are not certified teachers as Robin is. She explains why she uses bubbles, sings certain songs and incorporates certain activities and what their effect is on your child developmentally. Robin will also give tips on what to do at home or in the car for early childhood learning and development.
Our time spent at BUSY BODIES is looked forward to by my daughter as well as myself, as we have made some strong and unforgettable friendships in the past 9 months. Bella's eyes light up and her anticipation grows as we get closer and closer to the door of BUSY BODIES. I am amazed and overwhelmed with her excitement and happiness upon approaching her gumdrop session. Thank you.

T.

I have been attending BUSY BODIES with my sons, ages 5 and 2, since the first session and have recently had to take a break for family reasons. Every time we drive past the shopping center where BUSY BODIES is, my 2 year old says," I wanna go to Bodies.... PLEASE!!!!" Every time I put on their BUSY BODIES t-shirts, he asks if we are going to "BODIES." Both of my children have benefited from attending the classes there socially and physically. I can't wait to be able to get them back involved. I enjoy the classes with my youngest son and my oldest son enjoys being a "big" boy and going into class by himself.

I would recommend this activity for parents to put their kids in. You will see the benefits for yourself!

Lisa B.

BUSY BODIES is a great great place for me to be able to focus and bond with my son while he is having fun learning and developing. In addition to the educational and fun atmosphere of the classes, I find the open studio time at BUSY BODIES to be a unique offering that is an essential part of my weekly routine with my son.

BUSY BODIES is a great place to meet other parents and children my son's age.

Helene SJ.

As a family we have had the pleasure of attending BUSY BODIES classes for over a year. It is a great place to learn with your children. Our four year old daughter who has Down syndrome enjoys the peer interaction, the endless ways to manipulate the equipment and the constant singing and music play. Our youngest daughter who is almost three enjoys the freedom to be creative with the changing themes and also loves the puppet play. As a parent and an educator there are many things that I like about BUSY BODIES. I like that the songs and finger plays are easy for my children to carry over to home, the program and equipment is structured to meet the needs and development of both of my children and I also enjoy the friendly staff who you can share ideas and concerns.

BUSY BODIES has be a wonderful, safe place to watch our daughters interact and grow. We will happily continue to enjoy the BUSY BODIES experience.

Mindy B.

My son, now 22months old, has been attending planned play sessions at BUSY BODIES for over a year now. I can tell you that I've literally seen him "grow up" there.In the beginning, he was barely walking and was TERRIFIED and OVERWHELMED and would spend the entire play session clinging to me and crying. Now he asks to go to "BODIES" daily and loves his time in class. He is a "social butterfly" and hugs and kisses everyone and everything. He EVEN rides on the parachute...he would not go NEAR it for a long time. For us, BUSY BODIES has beenextremely important in our lives since my son is an only child.

I have met some wonderful parents and children at BUSY BODIES as well. Not to mention, the toys are GREAT and BIG and boldy colored in primary fun colors so it invites positive cheerful learning for everyone.

Elisa L.

My daughter Hayley, now 20 months, began classes at BUSY BODIES at the age of 18 months and loves it! She claps her hands together and cheers as we pull into the shopping plaza each week. BUSY BODIES has taught my daughter important social skills, physical agility, and she has met many new friends there. I saw a difference in the way she played at the play area in Arrowhead Mall after being in the class for only six weeks! She was confident, climbed the play equipment with ease, and socialized with the other children easily.

It is also a great environment for the parents to meet, socialize, and share information. The Teacher, Robin , is wonderful with both the children and the parents and provides a safe, fun and educational environment for them to develop and grow. I would recommend BUSY BODIES to anyone who is looking for a structured play program for their child. Their rates are also very reasonable.

Kathy W.

We just LOVE BUSY BODIES! It has really helped my older son to have confidence in group settings with other kids as well as on his own. We have the same wooden play structure at our cabin that you have in the studio. He always shied away from playing on it. The weekend after we started BUSY BODIES we went to the mountains and he played with full confidence! He plays with a toy school bus at home and he tells me that the bus is going to BUSY BODIES. He has some minor speech issues but he says "BUSY BODIES" loud and clear. When he was evaluated for speech one of the reccomendations for his therapy was a program just like you offer- music, movement, etc.! What a gift! We recently celebrated our oldest's 3rd birthday at BUSY BODIES and it was a hit! The kids left happy and sweaty from so much playing! We also have a one year old and he just loves his class- especially the circle time. He sways at home and encourages us to do "A-Rythama-Jig"! Thank you for all that you offer!

Jamie L.