|
This is
how it all started in 1999!
Messy Play Day™ is designed for
children age 18 months to 3
years old and
their parent or
caregiver. The purpose of Messy Play Day™ is to allow the child
to have sensory (hands-on) experiences that are so vital to
a toddler’s development and the opportunity to do it in the company
of other children. It is also a good opportunity for parents
and caregivers to connect. Our hope is that you will find
a friend here as well as your child! The environment is hands-on
and play based which means there is lots of fun stuff to
squish, squeeze, touch, smear and smell. And for those who prefer
the dry stuff there are books to read, puzzles to take apart,
blocks to build with and a super toddler size play kitchen.
And the child gets to decide where they go and what they
touch! It’s perfectly OK for them to sit with the play dough
for 10 minutes. It’s OK for them to always start out at the
train table. When they are ready they will do something else.
You are more than welcome to build with the blocks if that
is what YOU want to do!!! At the end of each class there is
a short group activity like a song, movement or story, and we
strongly encourage the grown-ups to join in too! Most toddlers
usually just like to watch. Another aspect of this
class is parent education. Articles and handouts that have
been particularly useful to us in our approach with young children,
at work and at home, are made available at each class
and cover a variety of subjects. We want to be here as a resource
for any parenting or education related questions you might
have. We have lots of information we would love to share with
you, so feel free to ask. Our approach is based on what is
called DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE (DAP).
Child Development 18 months to 3 years
This means that from the child’s perspective, where they
are developmentally, is what is best for them at that moment
and is what we cater to. This may look very different from
what a parent expects or thinks a child should be doing. For
example ‘sharing’ is not language we use at this age because
it is a ‘concept’ that they are not capable of grasping.
Toddlers need concrete examples and options. So we introduce
words such as trading and taking turns. Mostly this is the age
to re-direct. Knowing what a child is capable of
developmentally helps ease much of the parenting worries most
people face. If you know that two year olds assume ownership
of everything they see, touch and taste then you make plans to
accommodate that. When you know a young child’s body can not
sit still you provide activities that allow for lots of
movement. When you know that the first response is to put
everything to the mouth you make sure everything is safe to do
so. That’s what we’re for, to help ease your mind, to provide
you with information about development and to allow your
children to be who they are in the moment so we can all HAVE
FUN!!!!
A few guidelines for
sanity’s sake!!!
-
Toys and
materials on the carpet stay in the carpet
area.
When your child wanders over to
the hard floor area with a toy, don’t panic. When they get
involved in an activity in that area you can just put the
toy back.
Materials and
supplies from the hard floor stay in that
area.
When your child wanders over to
the carpet area with an item from the hard floor area,
don’t panic. When they get involved in an activity in that
area you can just put the item back. If they have paint or
goopy hands PLEASE make sure they or you wash their hands
before returning to the carpet area. Clothes are provided.
It’s OK for
your child to be upset. They have a right to their
feelings too!!!
Punishment of ANY KIND
is NOT appropriate here. Please DO NOT put your child in
time out or threaten them. This is a safe, child friendly
environment that expects all people to be treated
respectfully. If you need help with appropriate discipline
techniques just ask, we can help you with that.
If you and
your child have had enough for the day it’s OK to
leave. Some days are just like that!
Food is not
allowed in the class.
Please give your
child a snack before class starts. Our school is PEANUT
FREE so please don’t bring in anything with peanut
ingredients.
And don’t forget, come dressed
for the mess!!!
How to Register:
To register for the next session send us
an email with your child's name and the time you wish to
attend. We will confirm your registration via email. You can
pay for the class on the first day with a check payable to
CSWS or with cash in the exact amount please.
Current Class:
Classes will be held on Friday’s in our studio
Times will be: 9am to 10am OR 10:30am to 11:30am
Cost for each 6 week session is:$75 unless otherwise noted.
MESSY PLAY
DAY SESSION DATES FOR 2012 - 2013*
*Dates and times are subject to change depending on enrollment. Please call or email for most current offerings
|
|
First Day of Friday Class
|
Last Day of Friday Class
|
|
9:00 to 10:00am or 10:30 to
11:30am
|
|
October 5th
|
November 9th
|
|
November 30th to December 21st (4 weeks for $55)
|
| January 11th
|
February 15th
|
| February 22nd |
March 29th |
|
April 26th to May 17th (4 weeks $55)
|
| May 24th
|
June 28th
|
|
July 12th to August 9th (no class 7/26. 4 weeks $55)
|
Haven’t been to Messy Play Day before and want to ‘try it out’?
Come to our special $10 DROP IN days 10am to 11am on
Friday Sep 21st, Friday Nov 16th, Friday April 5th
|
|
