ABOUT THIS CLASS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to Happy Day Play’s combined Sensory Class, a unique blend of aspects from our Baby DaVinci and Toddler Doodles classes, crafted for budding artists aged 3 months to 3 years old, along with their cherished caregivers. Step into a world of creative exploration, where the magic of sensory art and the joy of self-expression come to life.

In this dynamic and engaging class, we go beyond the ordinary, creating a sensory-rich experience that nurtures the early development and artistic joy of your growing family. Our carefully designed activities are tailored to spark curiosity, joy, and a special connection between you and your little artist, leaving an enduring impact on their creative journey.

For Baby DaVincis (3 to 16 months):

As your tiniest artists embark on their artistic adventure, our program offers a gentle and sensory-immersive experience. Activities are thoughtfully designed to stimulate their senses, encourage exploration of textures, and introduce them to the joy of creative expression. Parents and caregivers actively participate, fostering a bond through shared moments of artistic discovery.

For Toddler Doodlers (16 months to 3 years):

For our budding toddler artists, the class evolves to accommodate their growing curiosity and emerging artistic abilities. Activities are designed to enhance fine motor skills, encourage experimentation with colors and shapes, and promote self-expression. Parents and caregivers continue to play an active role, providing support and encouragement as their little artists navigate the colorful world of creativity.

Recognizing that artistic exploration is a shared adventure, our class actively involves parents and caregivers as equal partners in this creative journey. Through shared triumphs and the building of supportive networks, families become integral contributors to the artistic growth unfolding in each session, creating a vibrant sense of community and empowerment.

Facilitated by experienced leaders and guided by principles of early childhood art education, our class seamlessly integrates 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, fostering family dynamics that harmonize with your little one’s current stage of artistic exploration. Join us in creating colorful memories that resonate far beyond the strokes of each class.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BABY DAVINCIS (Ages 3 to 16 Months)

• Sensory Stimulation

  Engage your tiniest artists in activities that stimulate their senses, introducing them to various textures, colors, and shapes. These sensory experiences lay the groundwork for cognitive and emotional development.

• Fine Motor Skills

  Foster the development of fine motor skills through activities designed for gentle exploration and tactile engagement. Encouraging your baby to touch, feel, and manipulate different materials supports their growing motor abilities.

• Bonding Through Art

  Actively involve parents and caregivers in the artistic process, creating shared moments of creative exploration that strengthen the parent-child bond. These early connections set the stage for a positive relationship with artistic expression.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR TODDLER DOODLERS (Ages 16 to 36 Months)

• Fine and Gross Motor Skills

  Tailor activities to enhance both fine and gross motor skills as toddlers transition from exploration to intentional creative expression. From holding art tools to engaging in larger movements, these activities support their physical development.

• Cognitive Development

  Promote cognitive growth through activities that encourage problem-solving, decision-making, and imaginative thinking. The creative process becomes a canvas for cognitive development as toddlers experiment with colors, shapes, and materials.

• Self-Expression

  Provide opportunities for toddlers to express themselves creatively, fostering a sense of autonomy and individuality. Encouraging self-expression through art supports emotional development and builds confidence.

WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:

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

• Community Connection: Building connections with fellow parents, sharing artistic experiences and insights, and creating a supportive 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 needs. Learn how to apply these insights at home, creating a nurturing environment for creative development.

• Responsive Artistic 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 environment for your child's artistic development. Extend the joy of sensory art beyond the class, making it a seamless part of your child's creative journey.

PROGRAM LOCATION - MID ISLAND

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

ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the lower level Arts & Crafts Room. Upon entering the front entrance of JCC Bernikow, keep to the left. Take the stairs or elevator down to the basement. If you’re coming from the stairs, turn left and walk all the way back. Then, turn right into the room behind the double doors. If you’re coming from the elevator, turn right and walk all the way back. Then, turn right into the room behind the double doors.

 

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. They will direct you to the room.

Upon entry, please present your confirmation to a Happy Day Play staff member. If you have not registered, you can do so at the start of class by scanning the QR code and registering online.

For play and music classes, please remove shoes and leave on socks. 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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