Busy Bees DC: Music & Art Playgroup

Busy Bees DC

MULTIPLE LEARNING STYLES

Busy Bees Curriculum fosters cognitive, social-emotional and artistic development.

MUSIC

Each class will also include a formal music class with either Ms. Tarsha or with long-time music teacher E.V. Downey.

 

ART

The children will also do an art project each day guided by Ms. Tarsha

 

SPANISH

The children receive Spanish language instruction from a native-Spanish speaker several times a week.

 

CARING

More than just a playgroup, Busy Bees allows families to build connections with one another and the teachers.

ABOUT

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.

  • CATERPILLARS

    Ages 1 ¾-3. 9:00-12:30. 0 for a 5-class pass. drop in. Caterpillar playgroup is held Monday through Friday.

  • BUTTERFLIES

    Ages 2-4. 9:00-1:00. 0 for a 5-class pass. drop in. Extended Day Pass (9:00-3:00) for 0. Butterfly playgroup is held Monday through Friday.

  • EXTENDED DAY OPTION

    Butterflies can now stay until 3:00! 0 for a 5-class pass. drop in. Butterfly playgroup is held Monday through Friday. Learn more

TEACHERS

A dedicated group of educators with decades of experience working with young children.
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TARSHA BURNS

Director
Tarsha is an educator with decades of experience working with young children. A mother of three, she brings warmth and caring to each class.
 
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E.V. DONNELLY

Music Teacher
A graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, E.V. Downey has been living in and making music in Washington, DC for nearly 3 decades.
 
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ANDREA GRAY

English Teacher
Andrea has been with Busy Bees since the beginning. Her gentle spirit draws the children into her lessons.
 
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HELEN ORTIZ

Spanish Teacher
An education major, Helen is a native Spanish Speaker and teaches Spanish through song and dance.
Busy Bees DC

Explore the Butterflies program at Busy Bees DC for children aged 2-4. Focused on interpersonal skills and school readiness, our schedule includes free play, music, and nature activities. Available Monday to Friday, 9:00-1:00 with an extended day option until 3:00. Choose a 5-class pass for 0 (9:00-1:00) or 5 (extended day), with a drop-in rate of or ...

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