Enrichment Classes
WhooHoo! We Get To Play!
Play is the life force of children. Through play, children learn the life skills of negotiation, rules, sportsmanship, and leadership. Supervised play assists a child in learning the basic tenets of how to play and get along with other children in a group. The neighborhood experience of group play that was a given in past years is absent for many children today. The freedom and exhilaration of play in a large group of children is an unfulfilled need of children of all ages. Current neurobiology science has focused on how important play is for brains of all ages. Google TED Talks (Technology, Education, Development) and listen to the presentation on the importance of play throughout a lifespan. This enrichment offering is all about play. Outdoor time and exploration will be part of each offering.
Session Three: DRAMATIC PLAY
January 6, 13, 20, 27 — Fridays 11:00 to 2:00 pm
This four week session will spotlight the excitement of acting out stories. Books, created plays, costumes, props, makeup and all that is theatrical. Group games, crafts, cooking and science projects will be woven in to complete the fun.
Session Four: FORT BUILDING
February 3, 10, 17, 24 — Fridays 11:00 – 2:00 pm
The fort building session is the best. Learn all the nuances of building a fort in your room, closet, living room, or outdoors. Learn how to build and negotiate a basic obstacle course. Games, sports, snacks, crafts, and experiments included. Forts R US.
Session Five: WILD ANIMALS
March 2, 9, 16, April 6 — Fridays 11:00 – 2:00 pm
Animal stories will inspire mask making, crafts, games and snacks. There may be an animal parade around the neighborhood. We will definitely play monkey in the middle, and many other games with balls.
Session Six: WILD ABOUT DINOSAURS
April 13, 20, 27, May 4 — Fridays 11:00 to 2:00 pm
Dinosaurs large and small will inspire our play during this four week session. Costume making, crafts, games, and cooking will be on the menu. We will scavenge for dinosaur bones and have an archeological dig. And of course, lots of free play.
Session Seven: THE DEEP BLUE SEA
May 11, 18, 25, June 1 — Fridays 11:00 – 2:00 pm
The ocean, beach, sea animals and boats will all be part of the play scene. Stories, crafts, snacks, water and sand play … the sky’s the limit! Some real marine life may even make an appearance. The weather will be nice and we will have lots of outdoor play.
$75 per session for children ages 4 thru 6
To reserve a space, please turn in a Enrichment Class Registration Form with payment to the office.
Laura Olsen, experienced Marylhurst teacher and science enthusiast, will lead these small-group sessions.