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Ms Jenn’s Mommy & Me Classes

February 11, 2026by norwinninjas

Ms Jenn’s Mommy & Me Classes

mommy and me

123 Mommy and Me

A Family-Owned Business Since 2011

Founded in 2011, 123 Mommy and Me was created out of both professional expertise and a mother’s heart.

As a certified teacher through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Jenn Viola understood the importance of early childhood development. When her own daughter was approaching preschool age, Jenn searched for a program that would nurture social skills, build confidence, and provide meaningful bonding time.

What she discovered was a surprising gap—very few quality enrichment options existed for children under the age of three. Many fellow moms expressed the same frustration and encouraged Jenn to create something new for families in the community.

Drawing from her background in education and child development, Jenn designed a program that blended purposeful learning with joyful connection. That vision became 123 Mommy and Me.

ms jenn mommy and me

Our Mission

To build social skills and self-confidence in young children through music, movement, and art—while strengthening the parent-child bond.

What Makes 123 Mommy and Me Special?

1. Developmentally Appropriate Learning
Every class is thoughtfully designed to support early milestones—language development, listening skills, turn-taking, following directions, and emotional expression.

2. Music & Movement
Through rhythm, dance, and interactive songs, children improve coordination, balance, memory, and early cognitive skills—all while having fun.

3. Creative Art Exploration
Hands-on art activities encourage fine motor development, creativity, and sensory exploration. More importantly, they build independence and pride.

4. Socialization in a Safe Environment
For many children, this is their first structured group setting. They learn to interact with peers, share space, and build friendships—essential preparation for preschool and beyond.

5. Intentional Parent-Child Bonding
Unlike drop-off programs, 123 Mommy and Me emphasizes shared experiences. Parents and caregivers actively participate, creating lasting memories while reinforcing learning at home.

For over a decade, 123 Mommy and Me has served families by combining education, enrichment, and connection in one joyful experience. What began as one mother’s desire to prepare her child for preschool has grown into a trusted early childhood program that supports the whole family.

The 123 Mommy and Me course has been thoughtfully developed through extensive research and collaboration with experienced educators and industry professionals.

Course Director Jenn Viola brings both academic excellence and hands-on experience to the program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA in May 2009. Jenn also holds Pennsylvania Instruction I Certification.

Her professional background includes working with children of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs. Jenn is certified to teach preschool-aged children through the Nursery Ninja martial arts program, a specialized curriculum designed to improve body control, coordination, and balance in young learners.

In addition, she played an instrumental role in developing the curriculum for the award-winning Norwin Ninjas martial arts program in North Huntingdon. These courses emphasize respect, discipline, and character development while strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence in young students.

Jenn’s expertise has also led her to teach workshops and seminars for respected organizations, including KinderCare, where she has shared her knowledge of early childhood development and enrichment programming.

The 123 Mommy and Me program is proudly licensed to incorporate the award-winning Sensei Says® life skills curriculum, further reinforcing its commitment to character development, confidence-building, and positive social growth.

Ms Jenn’s experience:

Professional Competency Area Responsibilities & Accomplishments
Curriculum Development Developed standards-based lessons across all subject areas aligned with district and state guidelines
Assessment Design Created authentic assessments to measure student understanding and real-world application of skills
Literacy Instruction Facilitated guided reading using differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs
Math & Science Instruction Designed inquiry-based math and science units to promote critical thinking and problem-solving
Hands-On Learning Created and implemented inquiry-based, hands-on manipulatives for reading and math instruction
Data-Driven Instruction Utilized AIMSweb data to monitor progress and maximize student achievement
District Assessment Administration Administered district-mandated assessments in compliance with school policies
Grading & Reporting Assigned grades and maintained accurate records using the Skyward student information system
Behavior Management Developed and implemented individualized behavior management plans for targeted students
Early Literacy Development Initiated and supported “Kid Writing” strategies to build foundational writing skills

123 Mommy and Me

Ages: Infant – 3 years

123 Mommy and Me focuses on:

  • Parent-child bonding

  • Early socialization

  • Language development

  • Music, movement, and creative art

  • Sensory exploration

  • Confidence in group settings

Children learn how to:

  • Follow simple directions

  • Participate in circle time

  • Take turns

  • Share space

  • Express emotions appropriately

For many children, this is their first structured group experience — preparing them for preschool and future independent programs.

Strengthening the Skills: Nursery Ninjas

Ages: 3 – 5 years

Nursery Ninjas builds on that early foundation by introducing:

  • Body control and balance

  • Listening skills and discipline

  • Focus and attention span

  • Respect and character development

  • Gross motor coordination

  • Structured class independence

Using age-appropriate martial arts concepts, Nursery Ninjas helps children transition from parent-assisted learning to more independent participation.

How They Work Together

123 Mommy and Me Nursery Ninjas
Bonding with parent Independent participation
Music & movement Structured motor control
Early social skills Teamwork & respect
Sensory & creative play Coordinated movement & balance
Confidence building Self-discipline & leadership

by norwinninjas

About the author: Bill Viola Jr. is Amazon best-selling author and creator of the award-winning Sensei Says® life skills curriculum. He experienced the "Golden Era" of MMA firsthand as his father, Bill Sr., is credited as the co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts in 1979. His book Godfathers of MMA inspired the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME film Tough Guys where he acted as a producer alongside an Academy Award accredited team. The Viola family owns and operates Allegheny Shotokan Karate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now celebrating their 50-year anniversary (1969-2019). He is currently the President of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. bill@kumiteclassic.com • Connect LinkedIn #senseisays #sokepokey #martialwayist