|
|
|
|
|
PLAYORENA
Eduplay Corporation
845 255 0409
5 Liberty Street
New Paltz,
NY
12561
playorena1@aol.com
|
|
|
|
-
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
In this section we will try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about our programs and parental concerns.
| | | |
Will Playorena and Music & More help my child in school?
Many parents tell us that the transition to school was made much easier as a result of their experiences in our programs. Not only do parents repeat session after session, but they always try to get their second and third child involved. Many of the group activities and songs that we do are the same as those your child will encounter in kindergarten or pre-schools. The very experience of being in a group with other children is very helpful.
| | | |
|
What are some of the benefits of Playorena and Music & More?
First and foremost, Playorena and Music & More are proven, effective recreational programs. Children and their parents have a wonderful time in these programs. At Playorena children are given a chance to practice their developing skills in a format they love (to judge by their Joyous faces)! They will repeat a new skill over and over again with pride and encouragement from their parents and caregivers, because the experience is FUN. Our programs are valued by parents for their social benefits, a comfortable opportunity to meet other parents of young children. At our programs parents and children "MEET NEW PEOPLE AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS". There is an undrelying reassuring quality for parents. Many participants are first-time parents. They are, of course, very excited about the experience, but they are also naturally anxious. Being able to spend time with other parents and their children has a calming effect because parents gain perspective. At our programs our mission is to provide reassurance and reduction of anxiety. Play and learning are not two separate activities. They happen at the same time. Many opportunities are provided at our programs for play and learning while children experiment, problem solve, and practice their social, language, physical, and creative skills. Our programs are designed to make childhood a funfilled journey and an adventure...not a race!!
| | | |
|
My child always goes to the same piece of equipment.
Children learn in different ways, some by moving from activity to activity, and some by practicing one activity over and over. When a child seems to be "stuck" on one piece of equipment it is because he or she is perfecting a particular skill such as bouncing, or turning around, or balancing. This is how patterns in the brain develop, and a child should be encouraged rather than told to try something else. You or the teacher may show the child another piece of equipment that allows for practice of the same skill, but the child should not be forced to move on.
| | | |
|
What if my child doesn't participate in the group activities?
At Playorena the child is the guide. At this early age "not participating" is entirely appropriate!! Our group activities are "invitational" and we never want to force a child to participate. Children learn in different ways, some by participating, some by watching, and some by listening. We often hear from parents that a child who seemed not to be participating will repeat the songs and activities later at home. The equipment is very attracive, and some children will be more interested in the equipment than in the group activities. We can sing the songs with our child even though he or she may be bouncing or rolling in another part of the room. Eventually most children participate on their own, but it may take weeks or even months. The group activities are designed to draw children in, but they should be allowed to make their own choices.
| | | |
|
Why is music important to my child's development?
Recent studies (Frances H. Rauscher, Ph.D., and colleagues) established a causal effect in three-year-olds between music training and lasting improvement in spatial-temporal test scores. EEG studies actually demonstrate that the same brain regions activated while listening to music come into play during performance of spatial-temporal tasks. In fact, the Governor of Georgia has added funds to the state budget to provide music tapes for new parents to take home with their newborns from the hospital. According to Gov. Miller "No one questions that listening to music at a very early age affects the spatial, temporal reasoning that underlies math and engineering andeven chess. Having that infant listen to soothing music helps those trillions of brain connections to develop"
| | | |
|
Does the Parent Participate?
Yes, the parent participates in all of the activities, both singing and playing with the group and individually with your child. Parent participation provides comfort for the child, and gives you a chance to experience your child in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment where you can say "YES". Through your participation you will learn new songs, games, and, more importantly, see the new skills that your child is developing. Your participation provides a chance to build your confidence in your child which in turn helps him or her to develop self-confidence.
| | | |
|
Is My Child Too Young?
At Playorena and Music & More children start as young as three months. In our "Hello World" and "First Steps" classes we start with our "Playercise Time"...gentle stretching and strengthening exercises done to songs. We sing all the 'oldies but goodies' and by the end of the session you'll have lots of songs to sing and games to play during your car rides, before bed, or just to have fun and play. We'll explore all the many different pieces of play equipment (at Playorena): colorful foam shapes to rock on, spin on, and eventually to crawl through and pull up to a stand. All the equipment is adaptable to each child's developmental stage. It's a great place for your baby to safely practice all the new physical skills that just keep appearing as your baby grows! Last but not least, we have a colorful parachute time, songs, bubbles, and lots more fun, not only for your baby but also for moms (dads, caregivers, grandparents). It's a great place to meet other parents with young children. Many children, and their parents, make lasting friendships in our classes.
| | | |
|
|
|
|
