Play & Learn Series Scheduled For Spring
Ocean Smith, family development specialist with Parents As Teachers Community Action Partnership/CrossNet Ministries, is looking forward to the Play & Learn series that is scheduled to begin in ELANCO School District in March. "(Play & Learns) are for families of children from birth to kindergarten," said Smith. "Any child in the ELANCO School District under age 5 (is welcome)."
Spring sessions will be held at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, March 7, 14, and 21, and April 11 and 25. Sessions will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at Pine Grove Preschool, 1194 Reading Road, Narvon, in Bowmansville, on Wednesdays, March 2, 16, 30, and April 6 and 20.
Smith explained that the five-session series to support school readiness is generally held in the fall and in the spring. "Each session focuses on different aspects of child development incorporating the basics of the First 10 Initiative. (The sessions) encourage families to learn more about child development and what they can do to prepare their children for school," said Smith, who noted that the fall 2021 series focused on structured play, including story times, table activities, and large group activities, which allowed families to socialize and children to play together.
Smith said that she works with local stakeholders, including the ELANCO School District and the ELANCO Library. "These are community partners that will come in to speak or will donate materials," she explained.
Smith recalled that the fall 2021 series included an educational program by Music for Everyone as well as a nutrition education program and a trauma-informed care talk, both given by Community Action Partnership (CAP) representatives. An IU13 representative also talked about early intervention, and Brecknock Orchard donated apples for one session.
For spring, Smith reported that the program will include more open play punctuated by structured time. "We will have circle time, stories, and guests joining us," she said, noting that she has planned several speakers, possibly including Hank the Health Hero. "We will have Charis Pankratz, (CrossNet director of mentoring and education), do yoga instruction," said Smith.
Pankratz said she is looking forward to the sessions she will present. "I'm excited to introduce our families and children to yoga because this simple practice has both physical and psychological benefits," she said. "Research shows that practicing yoga can improve focus and self-esteem in children, while also being a tool to reduce anxiety. We will learn some simple, fun poses together."
It is necessary to register to attend a Play & Learn, and space is limited. Registration opened on Feb. 1 and will continue through Monday, Feb. 28. Readers may register at https://bit.ly/3J6oeTe. Individuals who have questions may email Smith at osmith@caplanc.org.
Leave a Review