TINY ONES
Tiny Ones for the fall of ‘25 is currently full. To be added to the waitlist, please contact us.
Overview
Children age 18m-4y are invited with a parent/caregiver to come and play in nature! Together you will venture into the woods for fantastic play opportunities that engage the mind and challenge the senses. This group focuses on parent support as we work on letting our children take risks, face conflict, and play independently. You are sure to leave full of ideas to keep the play going at home!
The Details
Ages 18 months to 4 years old (siblings under 18m come free)
Wednesdays Sept-May 9-11:00
10-12 week sessions are offered in the fall and spring
Group size - 15 families
The Experience
Children and their caregiver arrive at 9:00 and find a place to sit in our stone circle. Children are able to play in this area until everyone arrives.
Lead teacher calls everyone together and we have a circle time with songs, games and time for introductions and getting to know each other. We also read a story together and the children have a snack.
The remaining time is spent in child-led play - kids can freely explore the woods and play with our loose parts and other materials provided. We have weekly themes that vary depending on the season and interests.
During this time parents/caregivers are encouraged to “step back and tune in” to their kids, allowing a little bit of space for kids to explore at their own pace and interact with the other children. We offer discussion topics each week that are aimed to support the parenting process and educate about the benefits of outdoor play. Parents are encouraged to talk and get to know one another!
We close with a goodbye song and children and caregivers walk out together.
Follow up email - every day participants receive a follow up email that has a brief description of the theme of the day and what opportunities were offered. Pictures are included!
The Outcome
Our site offers endless opportunities for children to move their bodies - from running through the woods, to shoveling sand, and climbing on rocks. Parents gain an appreciation for how this helps to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion in joints, improve balance and reinforce spatial awareness and how this all contributes to greater resilience and immune health.
Our classes are held outdoors, in all weather. Parents are encouraged to dress their children (and themselves) so they will be comfortable and ready to get messy! We learn how the outdoors positively affects the sensory system of the growing child. We hope that families become more tolerant of “not perfect” weather and learn to appreciate what each season has to offer.
Outdoor play with other children is highly stimulating to the brain! Children will be exposed to new ideas and unique experiences, increasing their creative thinking skills. They get many opportunities to interact with others and practice seeing another person’s perspective, taking turns and sharing materials. Through education and discussion, we support parents in dealing with children’s conflicts and struggles, sharing advice and wisdom from well known books and our own experience.
Playing with a mixed-age group gives children a rich source of opportunities to build their social skills. They learn how to make friends and keep friends, see other’s perspectives, practice negotiation and cooperation, regulate their emotions and communicate more effectively.
“Bedrock Play has allowed my daughter to come out of her shell and helped her build confidence. Her imagination is often invigorated when she comes home from a day at Bedrock Play. And she loves playing outside now - ice, mud, rain, heat and cold become assets to her creativity rather than excuses to avoid the outdoors.” - Amanda