Playgroup Los Angeles
Outdoor Classes for Kids
It is long understood that whatever the answer is to the nature verses nurture debate, child development is interactive. Mary Ainsworth, who introduced the invaluable concept of attachment theory (John Bowlby along with her), commented that within the first year of life, there are one million interactions between parent and child which lay the foundation …
Mothering and teaching diverse children has been exhilarating and humbling. Out in the world and on the playground, I have observed that while most parents have a growing tolerance, or a fully-established love of diverse people, in terms of skin color, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, few have the same awareness and inclusive instincts for developmental …
It is pretty common in early childhood for children to become interested in whatever we Moms are doing, and it is a great natural instinct, since this is how children learn. Remarkably, many fundamental skills can be learned on sight without practice. Whether they are intentionally modeled to children or not, it is called modeling–Albert …
Little N. developed the ability to paint independently after many months working alongside Mama, or while sitting in her lap, at our Playgroup, outside under the trees, making family art. There are many amazing developmental aspects to observe in N. painting. To name a few: Cognitively, she is making choices and learning about cause and …
Sensory play is integral to development, especially under three years old. The growing child learns about self, others, and the world all around through sensory and tactile exploration. Cognitively, sensory play is tantamount to baby STEAM class: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. In the social-emotional domain, sensory play is the building of self-concept, self-esteem, …
1. Go Outside: At least twenty minutes outside, preferably under trees, has invaluable physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Keep it simple, no need to have a plan because Mother Nature does. 2. Puppet Show: What?! I haven’t even changed out of my pajamas (for three days), I am not making puppets. Don’t. Your hands …
A List of the Top 10 Things – off the top of my head and heart – That I Love About PlaygroupLA Classes Parents Working on Craft Projects (especially those who don’t believe they are crafty) Parents and Kids Being Excited About Their Family Projects! (keep them forever!) Children Addressing Me, “Miss Betsy!?”, Offering Presents …
The joy of teaching child development classes is to work alongside parents and children–all in service to a happy childhood! Every class unfolds to the wonder of childhood, as we are in the learning and growing together. Indeed, a very peaceful class experience. Playgroup Los Angeles was created in response to the glaring need for …
When I was a child, I tracked time by what holiday was upcoming (still do). Which one was my favorite? was the best question and added great enthusiasm to my process. (Halloween was always a top contender.) From an unscientific survey, grown-ups seem to either love Halloween or ignore it for a variety of reasons. …
The benefits of allowing of bare feet in childhood (starting in infancy) are innumerable! However, Lauren Knight of the Washington Post shares her top 5 in Why kids should go barefoot more (and probably adults, too): Foot Development: Healthy toe movement, strengthening of feet and lower legs resulting in agility and less injury in childhood. Proprioceptive …
The benefits of Mommy and Me classes, particularly outside in nature, are innumerable, especially for those living a busy life in the bustling city. Some parents seek social experiences for their little ones and themselves to break the isolation inevitable in early parenting. Others find they are so busy that they do need to schedule …
How do young children learn? Play! The world of the child is play – period. No matter the agenda and directionality of the grown-ups in their worlds, children are always playing. Think about the truth of that statement. Play has stages. Academically, the stages of play fit neatly into predictable age ranges. However, the more …
We all know the importance of quality time, nature makes it so! When we have new babies they thrive on our undivided attention and care. As our children grow, we take some of our attention back, which is also a necessity. Everyone deserves quality time with their children, their loved ones and with themselves. I …
As a parent-child teacher, I am doubly blessed–I get to be in the company of little ones, so new to the world, and be a part of the profound journey of love and learning. There are three guiding principles that inspire my classes: Playgroups are an outdoor classroom. The children are the curriculum. You (Parent) …
