As parents, we are presented with so many choices for how we will shape our families even unintentionally. I'm learning it's best to be who we are and capitalize on our strengths and those of our children. Well, even though my toddler is still young, it is obvious that he is a busy guy that most likely learns best by doing. So, I am really interested in learning more about what Tinkergarten is. I just became acquainted with new, local Tinkergarten leader and thought a little Q & A would be best to help us learn more. Then, you can make an informed decision concerning if it is right for your family to pursue.
What is Tinkergarten?
Tinkergarten is a play-based outdoor early education class. We are a nation-wide movement with thousands of leaders that have helped get more than 100,000 families outside and learning! We, as leaders, are thoroughly trained in Tinkergarten's curriculum and philosophy and have lesson plans in place for every week of the year. With that being said, even though a lesson plan is in place, Tinkergarten is all about learning through exploring and every child learns differently - sometimes the lessons take on a life of their own!
What ages can attend Tinkergarten classes?
While the curriculum is designed for kids ages 18 months to 8 years, siblings or kids just outside those age ranges are more than welcome. We see a lot of parents that have a child that falls in the age range, but they also have a younger baby in tow. I have brought my 14 month old to some Tinkergarten trials and he has loved them!
Besides getting the kids away from the TV, what are the benefits educationally, socially, physically, etc.?
I wish I could tell you all of the ways that Tinkergarten benefits our kids but we would be here for hours! I will try to put as much as I can into a few sentences for parents. Spending time outdoors provides children with a wide range of health benefits including social and emotional well-being. Research shows that time outdoors supports improved relationship skills, and reduces stress, anger, and aggression. 80% of brain development occurs before the age of five. Children build foundational skills in their first five years that will affect the rest of their learning and life. Some of those skills include creativity, problem solving, curiosity, fine and gross motor skills, communication, empathy, and resilience - just to name a few! We also talk about the behavioral schemas that we see during our classes. These are patterns of behavior that increase brain-body connection and evidence of development that parents can observe.
Do I need to stay with my child during the class?
We at Tinkergarten feel that everyone can learn through play. While my role is the Leader and the child's role is the Explorer, the parent's role is the Guide. Through guided play techniques, parents help kids “learn how to learn.” We work as a group and learn together about how to lend support while letting kids truly drive their own play. It’s the most important thing we can do for children in the critical first eight years of their lives. Let them get messy!
What are precautions are taken to keep my child safe?
That is a great questions and comes up between parents and leaders often as we always want to be sure that our kids are safe. At Tinkergarten, we believe that the outdoors provide vast advantages for learning that outweigh the potential risks for a child. We, as leaders, are equipped to manage the occasional hazardous situation, and our goal is to make sure parents are always comfortable in a Tinkergarten environment. Nature is not something to be scared of! However, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that we are well equipped to handle the rare perils that being outdoors can bring our way, and that parents and kids are comfortable and free from concern in our open classroom environment. We typically follow the rule that you can explore as long as you can see the leader or your guide (with parental discretion of course). We also remind explorers that we do not put anything in our mouths except for our snack! One of our favorite tools to use is a stick - a stick can be so many things! Sticks can be shovels, wands, fishing poles - we just sometimes need a reminder that sticks need space and that we need to give them that space so that they don't come in contact with anyone else's bodies.
When are classes offered? Just in the summer?
Tinkergarten classes are offered all year long! Our nature classroom is always there waiting for us, so we might as well use it during all seasons! Classes meet once a week for either 6 or 8 weeks, depending on the season, and each season has a curriculum with lesson plans designed for the environment at that time.
How much does it cost?
Cost of classes depend on where they are being led, but we always aim to ensure that ALL families that want to attend class, can. Families do pay by the season and it usually works out to around $10-15 a class. We do offer discount programs, early enrollment discounts, and a supporter program. There are also always FREE trials at the beginning of each season for families to attend. I am holding my FREE trials on June 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th (Saturdays and Sundays) at Rolfe Park in Penacook!
How can we sign up?
You can sign up for my summer classes (and fall soon as well!) at tinkergarten.com/leaders/justine.milan. You can also go to tinkergarten.com, click on "classes" and search by your zip code should you find those class times do not work or it is too far from you.
