Preschool Playgroup: Honoring Play and Curiosity
In response to requests from the community, Mustard Seed often offers playgroups and music classes for children ages 18 months to 3 years-old and their caregivers. The classes, usually held once a week for 6-8 weeks, offer an introduction for younger siblings and others to the roles and routines of the scholar on campus. Caregivers engage with their little one, supporting social-emotional, language, and cognitive development. Children build trusting relationships with teachers and their peers in an environment developed especially for them.
The community and MSS families will be notified of these offerings via this page, our Eventbrite page, social media, and emails. For a feature article on the Toddler Playgroup, learn & play, see the article in spring issue of our magazine, Inspire, here.
Sample Curriculum
PLAYGROUP
Children will experience a school-like routine that includes play with friends, circle time with singing and stories, followed by a Reggio Emilia-inspired arts activity (paint, clay/dough, drawing, collage, etc.) in a safe and joyful environment that honors and encourages the innate curiosity of children. Adults will support the children's learning and get to know other local families as well.
Focusing and sustaining attention
Persevering when encountering difficult tasks
Making and maintaining friendships
Managing and caring for materials
Creating and following a plan
Identifying and regulating emotions
Seeking help from trusted peers and teachers
Class Structure:
Arrival and guided play (20 minutes)
Circle time with singing and a story (20 minutes)
Arts experience and fine motor play (10 minutes)
Gross motor and movement activity (10 minutes)
