Treats for Toddlers Blog Jan '12
Many thanks to Ruth and Tony for this months blog.
TREATS FOR TODDLERS
An award winning programme for toddlers has recently been launched in the North East.
'Toddler Sense' is an innovative range of classes for tiny tots aged between 13 months to three years. It develops their learning through play, using multi-sensory lighting and specifically designed equipment. The aim is to fire their imagination with fast-moving, action packed games and activities - from climbing an imaginary snow mountain, to swimming with dolphins and hunting for dinosaurs. Carnival-style activities, creative dance, parachute, pom-poms and coloured ribbons give everyone, including parents and carers a great sense of wellbeing and achievement.
The winner of "Best Children's Party Entertainment" in the national What's On 4 for 2011 Junior Awards, sessions are now being run in Whitley Bay and Gosforth every Tuesday and Friday.
It follows the successful launch of the award winning Baby Sensory classes three years ago, which are aimed at babies under the age of 13 months.
Husband and wife team Ruth and Tony Da Silva who run the classes say they have been overwhelmed by the response from parents since setting up the classes.
"We decided to set up the Toddler Sense programme having attended Baby Sensory classes with our daughter and experiencing for ourselves the benefit of these wonderful baby development sessions. When Ruby reached 13 months of age she was too old for the programme and ready to move up to the next step.
"Toddler Sense offers the same quality programme as Baby Sensory but continues to move with the children's development and as such is very different from Baby Sensory. We felt it was important for Ruby to continue with the programme and knew from other mum's in the class that the demand was out there for a class that offers a variety of activities such as music and dance based around what toddlers do best and learn best through - PLAY!
The Toddler Sense programme was designed by Baby Sensory founder Dr. Lin Day to create a safe and enjoyable environment in which your toddler can learn through play. The programme builds on skills that your baby has acquired during their first year.
"The Toddler Sense programme has been designed to develop imagination and creativity in a fun and energetic way. Toddlers also learn communication skills through singing, action rhymes and dance, and social skills such as turn taking and cooperation, which enhance friendships." explains Dr. Lin Day (PhD. Dip. ED. Bsc. PGCE. M. Phil.), who has written the Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense programmes.
"The programme also incorporates activities that support the development of physical skills such as balance, coordination, control and manipulation; emotional development such as self-esteem, confidence, independence and trust; creative skills such as puppetry, drawing, rhythmic speaking and music-making; mathematical skills such as counting, problem-solving, sequencing and building."
Toddler Sense sessions start in an exploratory play area which is set out differently each week. Every session is different and the equipment for the session specifically selected to match the theme. This is a chance for parents to share an adventure with their toddler. What may look like a balance beam to you will be transformed into a bridge that crosses a crocodile swamp or a plank for your young pirate to walk across the following week.
Adventure play is followed by a further 25 minutes of structured, themed activities, which provide a wealth of ideas that can be continued at home.
For those of you who have enjoyed Baby Sensory, Toddler Sense provides an environment for you to take your relationship with your young explorer to the next level. Parents who have missed out on the Baby Sensory experience will be amazed by the range of activities crammed into the Toddler Sense session each week.
"It is an absolute thrill for me to run the sessions every week" says Ruth, an occupational therapist. "I get excited when I am reading through the lesson plan to prepare for the session and it is always a real treat to see how the toddlers (and parents) at the class become totally emerged in the sessions".
Each session is designed to help with the development of vital physical, communication, learning and social skills that will form the basis of their future learning. The weekly theme helps toddlers to acquire new knowledge and an understanding of the world. The children learn by actively participating in each weekly adventure.
"Each week brings a whole new adventure for me to enjoy with my children and we always carry on with the fun at home. My little boy of 2 loved his first session he climbed a snow mountain, snow flew around, doves followed, and the lighting effects were fantastic the kids were amazed - cannot wait for next week. The excitement lasts all week in our house and we can't wait to go to our next Toddler Sense class".
Ruth Summers parent of Josh (2) and Sophie(1)
If you are interested in finding out more about Toddler Sense or you would like to book in for one of the sessions run by Ruth and Tony please contact Ruth on Tel 0775 1757591, e-mail newcastlewest@toddlersense.co.uk or take a look at the Toddler Sense website www.toddlersense.co.uk.