5/20/19-5/25/19

We’re celebrating movement this week at PLAY–but, really, movement is central to what we hope to provide every day, not only in the music room, but in our art room and community area. When young kids are happy, they’re often moving, and when they’re moving, they’re usually learning.

As a grown-up in a parent-and-child class, especially your first, it can be hard to understand and navigate the expectations regarding freedom of movement. During “circle time,” am I supposed to require my child to sit? Maybe your child is wandering, while others are sitting in laps; or your child is glued to you, while others are enthusiastically dancing and drumming.

At PLAY, we hope you’ve heard us say (over and over): Please always feel free to dance, jump, trot, or wander. Our only rule regarding movement is “no running,” and in music class, there are very few times (only when we are holding mallets or rhythm sticks) when kids are required to sit. Within the boundaries of safety, we want kids to have complete freedom to move as they like. This includes allowing vigorous movers room to express themselves and teaching them how to do so safely, and also respecting kids who are more reserved at first, giving them the time to do what they’re doing (they’re researching!), and letting them decide when to jump in. As the grown-ups in class, we can also support our kids’ learning and growth by modeling joy in movement ourselves.

Movement also sometimes means change. This week, as some of you know, we have had to say goodbye to a very dear teacher here at PLAY, who is moving back home to be with her family under sudden circumstances. If you have met Rebecca in the art or music room, she surely made an impression on you with her kindness, enthusiasm, and talents. We are going to miss her more than we can say, but she will always be a part of our family here.

Complete info about this week’s activities, and links to our updated summer schedules are below.
Thanks & see you at PLAY–
Anne & James
We will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday 5/27.



Messy Mixed Media: Dance Collage

The 2- to 5-year-olds in our session-based art program, Messy Mixed Media, are just completing a few movement-themed weeks, including a Pollock-inspired project exploring action painting through music, last week’s musical instrument-making, and this week’s Dance Collage project, inspired by Matisse’s Jazz.

New sessions of Messy Mixed Media (ages 2-5) begin June 11th (Summer SHORT) & July 9th (Summer 7-week). Enroll online here, or add an art class to your Summer PLAY music enrollment at the combo rate.

(To see how our projects shape up, follow us on Instagram.)


“Rock ‘n’ Roll” in PLAY music

One of our favorite large movement songs in green session (or any session) is “Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Willie Aron, who has written so many other PLAY music favorites. “Rock ‘n’ Roll”–both the lyrics & movement–can be learned in one listening, and translates easily to your living room dance parties. Check out “Rock ‘n’ Roll” and more PLAY music recordings on SoundCloud.

For babies, toddlers & preschoolers: View the schedules for Summer PLAY music (ENROLL) & Summer SHORTS (ENROLL) .


Stories & Art: Press Here

No need to sit still for this story time; Hervé Tullet’s interactive book, Press Here, is designed to get kids moving. This Thursday, we’ll be reading Press Here, followed by art time inspired by the book. Arrive by 10am to catch the reading. Toddlers to five; drop-in. Complete info is here.

STORIES & ART SCHEDULE:
Every Thursday, 10-11:30
view UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES


Messy Art

During Messy Art hours this week, try out your longest brush strokes on our mural wall. (We’ll provide musical selections to inspire you.) Toddlers to five; drop-in. Complete info on drop-in art is here.

ONGOING MESSY ART SCHEDULE:
Mon. 10-12
Tues. 10-12
Fri. 10:45-12
Sat. 10:45-12
view UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES


Save 20% on Instruments This Week

Need some new gear for your family jams & dance parties? Save 20%* when you bring home musical instruments from our store this week (through Saturday 5/25) .

*Offer does not combine with other discounts.