We had so much fun two weeks ago with our first ever field trip at Pretend City. Our fun playdate took  place on Way to Play Fridays which happen every second Friday of the month.  Way to play Fridays are sponsored by the Good to Go from Head to Toe. The special program is a child-development initiative designed to educate the community, parents and caretakers about the importance of having children (birth through 5-years-old) receive regular developmental checkups as part of routine, well-child visits. Good To Go From Head To Toe is delivered by Pretend City Children’s Museum

Way to play Fridays are part of the initiative. There are also classes and parenting classes that are offered to the community free of charge! The classes  help parents and educators prepare children for preschool, learn to
better handle challenging behavior and uncover developmental milestones through play.

This is an excellent program and I would encourage you to check out the classes that are offered at no cost to you and your family. Below is the list of classes for December and January.

December
Friday, December 10: Way to Play Day: Thinking & Problem Solving Winter Wonderland
How does ice melt? How and what do we pack for cold weather? Come learn how to better understand your child’s thinking and problem solving skills on this special Way to Play day.
Time: Way to Play days occur on the second Friday of every month and last all day.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and children ages birth to 5 years.
Is there a fee? Way to Play day activities are included in museum admission.

Monday, December 13 – Brain-Friendly Toys
Just in time for the holidays, learn the appropriate toys to purchase for the little ones in your life that will help develop their brains while they play. Be one of the first 10 participants to RSVP and get a FREE brain-friendly toy from Lakeshore Learning .
Class Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Who is it for? Anyone who may be getting gifts for young children this holiday season (and beyond).
How do I sign up and by when? Register online at http://pretendcity.org/g2g/event-calendar/ by Dec. 10, 2010.
There is no cost to attend. Museum admission not required nor included.
This demonstration is presented by Good To Go From Head To Toe and is facilitated by Regina Lamourelle, Ph.D. (frequent guest on PBS’ A Place of Our Own and founder of Brain Based Solutions & Strategies . Brett L. Patterson, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist with CUIDAR .

Thursday, December 16 – Connect With Your Child Through Play: Thinking & Problem Solving
Children learn best by connecting and interacting through play. This interactive class will teach parents and caregivers how important play is and how to effectively play with their children to uncover developmental, language and social skills. Parents are introduced to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which places an emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns.
Class Time: 9 – 10 a.m.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and infants/toddlers.
How do I sign up and by when? Register online at http://pretendcity.org/g2g/event-calendar/ by December 10, 2010. Reservations are required; 15 family maximum.
There is no cost to attend. Museum admission not required nor included.
This class is facilitated by the Child Guidance Center.

January 2011
Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18 – Toddler Talk with Dr. Ann Corwin, The Parenting Doctor
During this parent-toddler interactive class, parents can share their concerns and challenges and get some answers to common issues such as: with everything ranging from:
·     Why does my child throw tantrums and how can I prevent them?
·     Why doesn’t my child listen?
·     Is my child the only one who…?
Class Series: Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18
Class Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and their toddlers (1-3 years of age, preferably walking)
How do I sign up and by when? Register online at http://pretendcity.org/g2g/event-calendar/ by December 29, 2010. Reservations are required; 15 family maximum.
There is no cost to attend the class. Pretend City museum admission not required nor included.
This series is facilitated by Dr. Ann Corwin, The Parenting Doctor (http://theparentingdoctor.com) and presented by Pretend City’s Child Development Initiative, Good to Go From Head To Toe.

Wednesday, January 5, 12, 19 – Parenting with Courage: Following directions, understanding language development and your child’s behavior
Learn to create the most supportive ways to ensure that children understand what is being asked of them and increase the likelihood that they will want to follow directions. One of the first 10 parents/caretakers to register will get a free developmental screening for their child.
Class Series:
Wednesday, January 5th: Increasing your child’s ability to follow directions
Wednesday, January 12th: Enhancing your child’s language development
Wednesday, January 19th: “Use your words”-What your child’s behavior is telling you
Class Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and their children (age 3-6)
How do I sign up and by when? Register online at http://pretendcity.org/g2g/event-calendar/ by Jan. 3. 2011. Reservations are required; 15 family maximum.
There is no cost to attend the class. Pretend City museum admission not required nor included.
This series is facilitated by Erica Holding, Ph.D., BCBA-D, early childhood specialist and parent coach www.ocbuildingblocks.com . Contributing author to New Mommy Oasis www.newmommyoasis.com
and presented by Pretend City’s Child Development Initiative, Good to Go From Head To Toe.

Friday, January 14: Way to Play Day: Communication Curiosity
Learn to better understand your child’s communication and related developmental milestones by engaging in skill-building activity stations including:
·     Writing on the wall: How our prehistoric ancestors kept their records
·     Simple Sign Language: Use your body to express yourself without words
·     The Game of Telephone: How easily the message can change
·     What color is my music? Let the music inspire your expression
Plus, FREE speech, language, and hearing screenings provided by Speech Pathology Associates (screenings available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Time: Way to Play days occur on the second Friday of every month and last all day. Members only hours: 9 -10 a.m.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and children ages birth to 5 years.
Is there a fee? Way to Play day activities are included in museum admission.

Thursday, January 20 – Connect With Your Child Through Play: Communication Activities
Children learn best by connecting and interacting through play. This interactive class will teach parents and caregivers how important play is and how to effectively play with their children to uncover developmental, language and social skills. Parents are introduced to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which places an emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns.
Class Time: 9 – 10 a.m.
Who is it for? Parents/caregivers and infants/toddlers.
How do I sign up and by when? Register online at http://pretendcity.org/g2g/event-calendar/ by Jan. 18, 2011. Reservations are required; 15 family maximum.
There is no cost to attend. Museum admission not required nor included.
This class is facilitated by the Child Guidance Center.