NEW Spring activities for Early Childhood-age participants

Deerfield Park District Early Childhood Supervisor Ginny Wiemerslage announces just a few of the new (and “re-newed”) spring classes for children age 5 and under. Below classes meet at Jewett Park Community Center (JPCC), 836 Jewett Park Dr., in Deerfield.

 “Mom (or childcare provider) and Tot Gym Drop In” (Activity #320001 – Sect. 01) is geared for children between the ages of 1 - 3.5 years of age (other age children may be brought along). Gym Drop In runs Tuesdays, April 9-May 21 for 8 weeks, from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m.; and, $2 per child/per time fees may be paid on a day-by-day use basis. The activity offers a chance for parents (or childcare providers) to interact while the children play. The class is offered in our awesome Pine Rooms (A & B), with a play kitchen, climbing toys, puzzles and games. Simple crafts and other activities appropriate for children 1 – 3.5 years will be available to enjoy. Participants may come and go during the 2-hour session! Parents/childcare provider must be present with child(ren). Deerfield Park District Early Childhood staff will be present to supervise this program.

“Fun with Amigos” (Activity #321628) is a Spanish Class for Young Children. Section 01 is designed for those 3.5 – 5 years of age and runs on Tuesdays, April 2 – May 21 for 8 weeks, from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Section 02 is on Wednesdays, April 3 – May 22 for 8 weeks, 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. (designed for children in Deerfield Park District’s 3-Year Old Preschool Program, although everyone is welcome). Section 02 will not cover all the material Section 01 covers. “Fun with Amigos” participants will laugh, play, create, sing, paint, cook and discover great wonders. We will do it ALL while learning Spanish! Fun with Amigos uses highly controlled vocabulary introduced in conjunction with fun theme days. All instructors are experienced early childhood educators and at least one instructor is a native speaker.

“Spring Potting and Planting”(Activity #321308) is a new program led by long-time Early Childhood Teacher Josett Huffman. The class, for children 3.5 – 5 years of age, meets on Tuesdays, April 2 – May 21, from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. Young children will be “Digging in the Dirt” while they benefit from fresh air and exposure to nature. Class will explore how flowers and plants grow. The children will plant and nurture a potted plant to take home at the end of the session. The children will learn about gardens, potting plants and feeding the soil, through stories, games and hands on activities. There will also be time for playing outdoors and observing nature.

Online registration is available at www.deerfieldparks.org or at Jewett Park Community Center. For more information, call 847-945-0650 or email: info@deerfieldparks.org.