Kids at Work "Toddle Around"

Gaia and I took a class called "Toddle Around" at Kids at Work Where Work is Play! www.kidsatworknyc.com As an early childhood educator, I was very impressed. As soon as we arrived my daughter jumped into the arms of Julie Averill, Founder of Kids at Work.

The environment was set up thoughtfully and the vibe was warm and inviting. A large window allowed natural light to come in which brought life to the studio. The class began with open ended art activites. I loved how the art activities were on three different levels the had pasta play on the floor, collage work on the table and painting on the easel. The children really worked to explore each activity. The teachers were generous with supplies and understood that children need time to explore materials without adult interference.

I was surprised at how many art activities the teachers prepared for the children. The children stomped on bubble wrap, painted with various colors, created collages, played with pasta, buckets and shovels and painted with paint pens on construction paper. One might think that this could be over stimlulating but it was not. The teachers were conscious of the children's needs and were able to introduce new art projects without interfering with their independent exploration.

After the art portion of the class we all gathered on the rugs for music time. Terry, an accomplised jazz musician strummed his guitar as Julie sang with her beautiful voice. She sang loud enough to engage everyone but low enough so that children could still enjoy thier peers and the enivironment. They sang songs that were familiar as well as songs that the parents and caregivers would enjoy. (Yellow Submarine by The Beatles.) The children played with high end intstruments and enjoyed an angelic bubble session with Julie.

This class offers EVERYTHING for your child to enhance thier development. I highly recommend Kids at Work. Gaia loved it.

Kids at Work is located at

Kids at Work Studio

102 W14th Street
between 6th and 7th Aves
2nd Floor