ABOUT THIS CLASS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Embark on a creative journey of family fun and connection with 'The Creative Gene Sensory Art Class,' specially tailored for families with at least one child aged 0 to 5 and all the wonderful immediate family members who support them — siblings included! In this inclusive and dynamic class, we invite you to immerse yourselves in a world of artistic exploration, shared joy, and family bonding. This class takes place in the downstairs Arts & Crafts Room at Bernikow JCC.

'The Creative Gene: Family Sensory Art Class' is a vibrant space where every family member, from the tiniest tots to the tallest grown-ups, can engage in playful and artistic exploration. Our activities are thoughtfully crafted to cater to the developmental needs of children aged 0 to 5 and those who support them, fostering a sense of wonder and creativity that extends to every member of your family.

Guided by an experienced program leader and assistant, our class provides a harmonious blend of structured and open-ended artistic activities, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs and developmental interests. Our goal is to create an environment where every family member feels valued and can actively contribute to artistic expression through family life. Join us on this enriching adventure, where creativity, growth, and family harmony unfold in every shared artistic moment.

Understanding that early childhood development is a shared adventure, our class involves parents and caregivers as equal partners in artistic activities. Through shared triumphs and the building of supportive networks, families become integral contributors to the artistic growth that unfolds in each session, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Facilitated by an experienced program leader and assistant, and guided by principles of Family Life Education (FLE), our class weaves expert guidance into each artistic interaction. From observing your child's creative cues to adapting activities for individual needs, we empower parents to play an active role in their child's artistic journey and foster family dynamics that support their little one’s current stage of creative exploration.

Join us in crafting artistic memories that resonate far beyond the strokes of each class—all at one inclusive price! We do not charge per child or adult as long as they are within your immediate family.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BABIES

• Sensory Stimulation

  Engage your littlest ones in sensory-rich activities that stimulate their developing senses, laying the foundation for cognitive and emotional growth.

• Fine Motor Skills

  Foster the early development of fine motor skills through gentle exploration of textures and art materials, supporting their physical milestones.

• Parent-Baby Bonding

  Create precious moments of bonding through shared sensory experiences, fostering a secure attachment between babies and their caregivers.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR TODDLERS

• Fine and Gross Motor Skills:

  Tailor activities to enhance both fine and gross motor skills, supporting the physical development of toddlers as they engage in hands-on artistic exploration.

• Cognitive Development

  Promote cognitive growth through activities that encourage problem-solving, decision-making, and imaginative thinking, setting the stage for future learning.

• Self-Expression

  Provide opportunities for toddlers to express themselves creatively, fostering a sense of autonomy and individuality through artistic exploration.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BIG KIDS

• Creative Expression

  Encourage older children to express themselves through more complex art projects, fostering their creativity and allowing them to explore their unique artistic styles.

• Collaborative Learning

  Promote collaborative learning experiences where big kids can share ideas, work together on projects, and develop social and teamwork skills.

• Skill Refinement

  Offer opportunities for skill refinement in various art techniques, supporting their artistic growth and confidence.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR SIBLINGS

• Family Bonding

  Facilitate a shared artistic experience that strengthens the bonds between siblings, creating a space for mutual support and collaboration.

• Fostering Inclusive Environments

  Foster an inclusive environment where siblings of different ages can engage in age-appropriate activities, ensuring that everyone feels valued and involved.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR PARENTS AND CARETAKERS

• Parental Bonding

  Provide opportunities for parents/caretakers to actively engage with their children in artistic activities, creating shared memories and reinforcing the parent-child bond.

• Supportive Network

  Build a supportive network among parents/caretakers, allowing them to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering a sense of community.

• Observation and Adaptation

  Empower parents/caretakers to observe and adapt activities based on each child's unique needs, supporting their individual developmental journeys.

WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:

• Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledging and celebrating each small artistic victory with your child, reinforcing their sense of creative accomplishment and nurturing a love for artistic exploration.

• Community Support: Building connections with other parents, sharing artistic experiences and insights, and creating a supportive artistic network that celebrates the uniqueness of each child's creative journey.

• Observation and Adaptation: Paying close attention to your child's cues during sensory art activities, adapting and personalizing the artistic experience to meet their unique artistic needs. Learn how to apply these insights at home, creating a nurturing environment for artistic development.

• Responsive Parenting: Developing the skill of responding to your child's artistic exploration with positive reinforcement, fostering a secure attachment and encouraging a positive relationship with self-expression.

• Quality Time: Cherishing the moments of artistic connection during class and extending these bonding experiences through creative activities and continued learning at home. Create lasting memories as you explore the world of sensory art together.

• Consistent Engagement: Integrating elements from class into your daily routines, providing a consistent and supportive artistic environment for your child's development. Extend the joy of sensory art beyond the class, making it a seamless and integral part of your family's artistic journey.

PROGRAM LOCATION - Mid Island

Happy Day Play at Bernikow JCC (Grown Up and Me Program)
1466 Manor Rd
Staten Island, NY 10314

ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the downstairs Arts & Crafts Room. There is elevator and stair access.

 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE

When you arrive, please go to the front desk and tell the JCC member that you have arrived for a Happy Day Play class. If you have registered online prior, you will receive your single class pass or class pass bundle. If you have not registered, you can do so in-person then.

You will be directed to the classroom, and will present one of your passes to the Happy Day Play staff member upon entry.

Strollers are permitted but must stay parked outside the classroom. If your baby needs to be nursed or have a bottle, we encourage you to do so to keep them comfortable. All other items with the exception of light blankets and pacifiers should be left with your personal belongings. Your personal belongings will remain visible to you the entire duration of class.

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