Preschool

A New Spin on Preschool

Last Updated Oct 5, 2008 03:37 PM

A new spin on preschool

Back in 1925, when the barn that sits near the Barker Road exit off US-23 was part of a farm, no one in the area, least of all the farmer, likely expected that 80 years later it would become a preschool as well as a school for martial arts, dance and more. The preschool program was added in September when owners Suzanne and Bill Bellore decided to put their own creative spin on traditional preschool. It's called the Fine Arts Preschool.

"I think that the arts are very important to the development of children and aren't stressed as much as they should be," Suzanne Bellore said. "We keep the kids moving instead of sitting still. They play instruments, learn rhythm, sing, dance, do gymnastics and martial arts. The music helps their math skills and they are even writing their own music using finger patterns and color-coded music."

Bill's specialty is teaching Kenpo karate and he uses his Little Ninjas Program to help students work on balance, coordination and discipline. When he shouts "Cheetah," the children run as fast as they can around the studio. When he shouts "log" they jump, and when he shouts "branch" they duck.

Olivia Price, 3, giggles as she runs around the room and calls her teacher "Uncle Bill."

The other students call him "Mr. Bill."
"It's their favorite part of the day because they get to scream and run around," Bill Bellore said. "They learn the difference between left and right, and it improves their coordination and attention spans. I think all kids should be in martial arts."
"It's positive reinforcement and good for their self esteem," Suzanne Bellore said.

Olivia's mom, Jamie Price, said Olivia likes coming to school. "She likes to show us her ninja moves at home and sings the songs she learns to her dolls. The teachers are great. Suzanne has worked with her on sharing. I like that there's so much space. If I went to preschool I'd want to go here."

Chris Miles said her son Keegan, 4, particularly enjoys the Little Ninjas. "He has good fine motor skills, and the school encourages that. We like the nurturing environment here."

Suzanne Bellore calls the barn setting awesome. "The kids can move around without bumping into each other."
Up until four years ago when she and her husband bought the barn, they rented space. He taught martial arts and she taught dancing. They both still teach classes at the facility later in the day. They commute from Milan and have three children of their own who participate in some of the classes.

"A few years ago, we decided to use the space more and to create a preschool that was an extension of the other classes we teach," she said.

"I never thought I'd be a preschool teacher," he said, "but it's a lot of fun. It's neat to have something unique."
There are currently eight students, and the facility can accommodate up to 40, although the Bellores would like to keep the number smaller. Most of the students come from Whitmore Lake and South Lyon and range in age from 3-5. The current schedule is a two-day-a-week program, 9:20-11:50 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lisa Carolin can be reached at lcarolin@livingstoncommunitynews.com or at (810) 844-2010.

See also Preschool 339 1 - 7