ABOUT THIS CLASS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Embark on an exciting family adventure with "The Brainy Bunch" Family STEM Class—an engaging and inclusive experience designed for mixed ages (0 to 5), where older siblings are warmly welcomed to join! Join us exclusively at JCC Avis South Shore in the downstairs community room for a journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In 'The Brainy Bunch' Family STEM Class, we create a vibrant space for every family member, from the curious young minds to the wise grown-ups, to delve into the wonders of STEM exploration. Our thoughtfully crafted activities cater to the developmental needs of children of various ages, fostering a sense of curiosity and innovation that extends to every member of your family.

Guided by an experienced program leader and assistant, our class offers a harmonious blend of structured and open-ended STEM activities, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs and developmental interests across different ages. Our goal is to create an environment where every family member feels valued and actively contributes to the exciting world of STEM exploration.

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

Join us in crafting STEM-filled memories that resonate far beyond the circuits 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. Your family's STEM adventure awaits!

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BABIES

• Sensory Exploration

  Engage your littlest ones in STEM activities designed to stimulate their developing senses. From exploring different textures to discovering gentle sounds, our class provides a sensory-rich experience that promotes cognitive development.

• Visual Stimulation

  Introduce babies to visually captivating elements, fostering early visual tracking and recognition skills. Bright colors, contrasting patterns, and simple shapes engage their curiosity and support visual development.

• Fine Motor Skills

  Encourage gentle and age-appropriate manipulations of STEM materials, supporting the development of fine motor skills. Activities are designed to promote reaching, grasping, and exploring the world through touch.

• Parent-Baby Bonding

  Create precious moments of bonding between parents and babies through shared STEM experiences. These interactions not only foster a secure attachment but also introduce babies to the joy of exploration with the support of their caregivers.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR TODDLERS

• Fine and Gross Motor Skills

  Engage toddlers in STEM activities that promote both fine and gross motor skill development. From manipulating objects to participating in movement-based STEM challenges, toddlers refine their physical abilities in a playful and interactive environment.

• Cognitive Growth

  Foster cognitive development through STEM activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and early mathematical concepts. Toddlers are encouraged to explore, question, and make connections, laying the foundation for future learning.

• Sensory Exploration

  Provide opportunities for sensory-rich experiences within STEM exploration, stimulating toddlers' senses and encouraging hands-on discovery. Sensory elements enhance their understanding of the world around them and support cognitive and emotional development.

• Social Interaction

  Promote socialization and cooperation through group STEM activities, helping toddlers build early social skills and a sense of community. Collaborative learning experiences foster teamwork and communication.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BIG KIDS

• Creative Expression

  Encourage big kids to express their unique ideas and solutions through STEM projects, fostering creativity and innovative thinking. STEM activities become a canvas for self-expression and exploration.

• Collaborative Learning

  Promote collaborative learning experiences where big kids can share ideas, work together on STEM challenges, and develop essential teamwork and communication skills. Group projects provide opportunities for cooperation and mutual support.

• Skill Refinement

  Offer opportunities for skill refinement in various STEM techniques and concepts. Big kids can deepen their understanding of STEM principles, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and preparing them for more advanced learning.

• Critical Thinking

  Stimulate critical thinking skills through hands-on STEM exploration. Big kids are encouraged to analyze problems, make informed decisions, and apply logical reasoning, laying the groundwork for advanced cognitive development.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR SIBLINGS

• Family Bonding

  Facilitate a shared STEM experience that strengthens the bonds between siblings. STEM activities become a platform for siblings to collaborate, learn from each other, and share in the excitement of discovery.

• Fostering Inclusive Environments

  Foster an inclusive atmosphere where siblings of different ages can engage in age-appropriate STEM activities. This ensures that everyone feels valued and involved, creating a sense of unity within the family.

• Mutual Support

  Encourage siblings to support each other in STEM challenges. Whether it's solving problems together or celebrating achievements, the class emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation among siblings.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR PARENTS AND CARETAKERS

• Active Engagement

  Encourage parents and caretakers to actively engage in STEM activities alongside their children. This hands-on involvement strengthens the bond between adults and children, creating shared moments of learning and discovery.

• Observation and Guidance

  Provide opportunities for parents and caretakers to observe their children's cues during STEM activities. This allows them to better understand individual needs, offering guidance and support tailored to each child's unique developmental stage.

• Collaborative Learning

  Emphasize the importance of collaborative learning within the family. Parents and caretakers become partners in the STEM journey, sharing insights, experiences, and actively contributing to the overall growth of their children.

WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:

• Celebrating Scientific Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate each small scientific achievement with your child, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment and nurturing a passion for exploration in the world of STEM.

• Community Connection: Build meaningful connections with other parents, sharing STEM experiences and insights. Create a supportive network that celebrates the uniqueness of each child's STEM journey, fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for learning.

• Observation and Adaptation: Pay close attention to your child's cues during STEM activities, adapting and personalizing the experience to meet their unique needs. Gain insights that extend beyond the class, creating a supportive environment for ongoing STEM development at home.

• Responsive Parenting: Develop the skill of responding to your child's STEM exploration with positive reinforcement. Foster a secure attachment and cultivate a positive relationship with learning, encouraging your child's curiosity and problem-solving skills.

• Quality Time: Cherish the moments of STEM exploration during class and extend these experiences through STEM activities at home. Create lasting memories as you delve into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together.

• Consistent Engagement: Integrate STEM elements from the class into your daily routines, providing a consistent and supportive STEM environment for your child's development. Extend the joy of STEM exploration beyond the class, making it an integral part of your family's ongoing learning journey.

PROGRAM LOCATION - SOUTH SHORE

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

ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the lower level community room. Upon entering the front entrance of JCC Avis, go down the hallway past the elevators towards the gym. The community room is directly across from the gym. See you there!

 

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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