Busy Bees DC: Music & Art Playgroup

Busy Bees Music & Art Playgroup is designed to introduce a formal group educational setting to toddlers and preschoolers. Such a playgroup will help kids learn to separate smoothly from their primary care givers, listen to the instructions of another adult, interact with others their same age, and have fun! After meeting and getting settled in, the children will participate in a circle time that will include activities such as reading, music, and learning about the days of the week, months of the year, seasons, and weather. Each class will also include a formal music class with either Ms. Tarsha or with long-time music teacher E.V. Downey. The kids will also do an art project each day and have plenty of time for guided free play. There will be lots of emphasis on moving their little bodies, especially in music class, but also through the morning. The younger kids will have a snack time that, in addition to providing them with all-important fuel, will work on age-appropriate self-feeding skills and social interaction. For the older kids there will also be independent learning time, working on puzzles, looking at books, and learning some math concepts through hands-on play. The kids can work alone or in small groups and Ms. Tarsha will rotate among the groups to help facilitate the activities and learning. The older kids will have a shorter snack time and also lunchtime (parent-provided lunches), again working on mealtime skills. Each class will end with a brief circle time that will include a book or song and a goodbye ritual.