ABOUT THIS CLASS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Join us at Avis South Shore JCC every Thursday from 4:15 to 5pm in the community room for our Family Crafternoon class! This engaging, family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, with a special focus on children from 0 to 5 years old. Older siblings are warmly welcomed to join in the fun!

Family Crafternoon is all about creating traditional arts and crafts projects that are designed to be both enjoyable and developmentally beneficial for every age group. We focus on crafting tangible, finished products that offer multi-level benefits, making sure that activities are just right for babies, toddlers, and big kids alike.

Each session also includes bubbles, parachute play, and themed fun to complement our craft projects. With our background as family life educators, we carefully design each experience to be perfectly balanced—ensuring that it’s engaging for the youngest participants while still exciting for older children.

Cost is per immediate family, and every session promises to be a delightful and enriching time for everyone involved. Come and experience the joy of crafting together, where creativity and fun come hand in hand!

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.

• Cognitive Development

  Participating in crafts introduces babies to concepts like cause and effect, spatial awareness, and problem-solving as they follow simple instructions with their grown-up and see their creations come to life.

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.

• Language Skills

  Engaging in crafts with caregivers and peers provides opportunities for toddlers to learn new vocabulary related to colors, shapes, and materials, and to practice language through conversation and instruction.

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.

• Creativity and Problem-Solving

  Craft projects encourage big kids to use their creativity and problem-solving skills as they plan, design, and execute their ideas, fostering higher-order thinking and innovation.

• Emotional Growth

  Successfully completing craft projects gives big kids a sense of achievement and boosts their self-confidence, while also providing an outlet for self-expression and emotional exploration.

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.

• Leadership and Mentoring

  By assisting younger siblings and guiding them through craft activities, older siblings develop leadership and mentoring skills, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.

• Patience and Tolerance

  Working with younger siblings teaches older children patience and tolerance as they adapt their approach to different developmental stages and support their siblings’ learning experiences.

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.

• Role Modeling

  By actively engaging in the crafting process, parents and caretakers model positive behaviors such as problem-solving, patience, and enthusiasm, which can influence and inspire their children.

WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:

• Celebrating Milestones: Recognize and celebrate each creative achievement with your child, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment and fostering a love for arts and crafts.

• Community Support: Connect with other families, share crafting experiences, and build a supportive network that celebrates each child’s unique creative journey.

• Observation and Adaptation: Pay attention to your child's responses during craft activities, adapting and personalizing the experience to meet their developmental needs. Learn to apply these insights at home to support their ongoing artistic growth.

• Responsive Parenting: Develop skills to positively reinforce your child’s creative efforts, nurturing their self-expression and strengthening your bond through shared artistic experiences.

• Quality Time: Enjoy meaningful moments of connection during class, and extend this bonding experience through creative projects at home. Create lasting memories as you explore crafts together.

• Consistent Engagement: Integrate elements from the class into your daily routine to provide a supportive environment for your child's artistic development. Extend the joy of crafting beyond class time, making it a regular and enjoyable part of your family's creative journey.

PROGRAM LOCATION - South Shore

Happy Day Play at Avis South Shore JCC (Grown Up and Me Program)
1297 Arthur Kill Rd
Staten Island, NY 10312

ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the Community Room on the first floor.

 

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.

See Happy Day Play Classes in Action