Updates for 2017!

Since 2011, Natural Wonders Play Studio has taken on many forms: Summer classes in the park, birthday parties, summer camps, preschool classes, etc. 6 years later, I am feeling a renewed drive and passion to branch out and make it more. For the last 3 years I have worked with combat-wounded veterans part-time, and Natural Wonders has taken a back seat. But it's always there, simmering in the back of my mind. I LOVE this part of my life. It brings me energy and joy. It's time for me to reach out to other business owners in the Charlotte community who share my passion for children and play. People I can partner with and who can help me grow. I would love to make my dream of having my own permanent space come true! If anyone reading this is interested in talking through ideas with me, please call me! I am looking for an appropriate space but need it to be multi-use so it is more affordable! I welcome any ideas and chances to meet like-minded individuals! 704-287-0343.

Grow Together Thursdays!

I am excited to partner with Kids' Yoga Instructor Kim Bogert, and artist Lindsey Crisp, for Grow Together Thursdays at "The Barn," located behind Pure Pizza in Plaza-Midwood.

6 fun mornings will be filled with creativity in the form of art, yoga and sensory play!

Please click the link for more info.: Grow Together Thursdays

Summer Camp!

Grow, Play, Create, Pray! Our first summer camp, a collaboration between Natural Wonders Play Studio and Kids' Holy Yoga, was even more fun that we anticipated it would be! We had 18 awesome kids for one week, learning yoga, collaborating, creating, exploring, listening to bible stories, and being valued and loved. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah Henderson, Kids' Holy Yoga instructor. We both feel that Natural Wonders and Holy Yoga go together perfectly! We are looking forward to more collaborations, including another summer camp next year, and possibly a winter camp. Stay tuned!

Birthday Parties!

Natural Wonders birthday parties are unique and relaxed events that are fun for all ages! Each party is customized to the age of the child, the setting, and the party theme. Take-home nature crafts are an option, and can be given to guests as party favors. Parties can take place in your own home, at a park or recreation center, or any other appropriate setting.

Natural Wonders parties start at $100 for up to ten children, and $10 per additional child. Take-home crafts are an additional $25. This price includes set-up, facilitation for a 1.5 hour party, and thorough clean-up. This is considerably less than other children's party venues in Charlotte.

Please email me at naturalwondersplay@gmail.com, or call me at 704-287-0343, to schedule your child's next party!

The Class Experience

As soon as children arrive at my indoor or outdoor space, they will see, feel, and hear the beauty and tranquility of nature. Soft harp and flute music plays, while children explore tiny treasures, soft dough, silky seeds and grains, and high quality wooden blocks, utensils, and boxes. Scents of cinnamon or jasmine fill the air. Beautiful cups and bowls are arranged neatly around spices, rice, and cornstarch. The purposeful arrangement of materials will spark little imaginations. Soon, children will be feeding tiny play animals, making pizzas and cakes, finding hideouts and crevices for toy bugs, scooping, pouring, feeling, and pounding. Throughout all of this, they will be cooperating and sharing.

This type of open-ended, sensory play is important for developing brains. Engaging the senses in a relaxed, calm environment helps children to focus. From there, they can begin to learn about their world through play. It is very common for me to see children sorting, weighing, and counting. They also make sense of the adult world they see through pretend play.

The role of the facilitator throughout this experience is to be an active listener, to model and encourage sharing and cooperation, and to engage children who may be having trouble following through on their ideas. It is also essential to communicate to the children that there is no right or wrong, and that their ideas are valued. The facilitator also sets limits, and lets the children know that the materials are to be respected and handled carefully.

Article on the importance of play

If you have the time and interest, I would highly recommend this article: http://www2.aap.org/pressroom/playfinal.pdf
You will have to copy and paste it into your browser.

Updates

I am so excited to announce that Natural Wonders Playgroup is now Natural Wonders Play Studio, LLC. I am in the process of planning for summer classes and I have lots of new ideas and materials to work with. I can't wait to see what the children will do with it all!


I have been working with the children at Hawthorne Lane Preschool recently, and am enjoying every moment of it. The teachers have been reporting to me that they feel calm and relaxed during the class, which is exactly what I wanted for them! They deserve it! I like to whisper to the children while I talk to them, in order to make things even more soothing. Lots of them even whisper back!


I hope to see LOTS of you beginning in June! Please "like" me on Facebook: Natural Wonders Playgroup