Play Central Play Group: November - May
Ask the Experts by Beth Vernon
Q. Do you have any suggestions of things to do with my young children in the fall/winter months?
A. As stay-at-home parents and caregivers of young children can attest, when November rolls around and the long, cold, wet winter stretches out endlessly before us- a bit of panic sets in. Gone are the sunshine filled days of playing in the park and at the pool; when hours spent running around with other children in the fresh air meant that the consummate non-napper might actually sleep that afternoon; when our selection of venues for play has dwindled to the abysmal Eastland Mall play area and the McDonald's play-land - don't despair - The Family Center's Play Central has just what you need!
Play Central is a drop-in open play group run by The Family Center starting in November and ending in May. It is held in the Barnes school gym at 20090 Morningside Drive in Grosse Pointe Woods on Wednesday and Thursday mornings (9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.). We provide the space and the toys, the children and their parent/caregiver provide the fun! It's the perfect opportunity for kids to run, crawl, ride, throw, skip, hop and jump some of their limitless energy off while the adults socialize with other adults. With a modest $5 fee per family visit, it's the best deal around.
On Wednesday mornings this year, parents/caregivers have the opportunity to accompany their children to Play Central Plus from 10:10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is a more structured format play group led by one of the Barnes Preschool teachers. They will offer circle time and various activities based on that week's theme; all at no extra fee. This is a wonderful introduction to the preschool experience while maintaining the comfort of the parent/caregiver's support. There is never any obligation to attend the Plus portion of the program, if kids want to stay in the gym and play, they can.
As if that's not enough- for the first time this year, the Merry Music Maker will be joining Play Central! Yes- Paula Doak of Merry Music Maker fame will be offering her special music classes to the children attending Play Central. Much like our Play Central Plus, parents/caregivers will accompany their children to the Merry Music Maker Times which vary from day to day with 20 minute time slots during both the a.m. and p.m. sessions. This fantastic opportunity is included in the $5 fee for Play Central. Attendance to the Merry Music Maker Time is on a first come first served basis so get to Play Central on time to sign up!
In years past, Play Central has served families that attend every week and some that pop in occasionally. We have met children that in November were shy around other children and by April are running in the pack. We have witnessed infant siblings grow up to become regular play group attendees. We have seen friendships form between children and even between the adults. We welcome everyone- moms, dads, grandparents, nannies, babies, toddlers, preschoolers and half-day kindergarteners.
We hope to see you there too. Check it out - you won't regret it.
Beth Vernon serves as The Family Center's Assistant to the Director and is also its afternoon Play Central Coordinator. She is lives in Grosse Pointe and is the mother of Allison (5), Ethan (8) and Galen (11). Beth has been attending or working with Play Central since its inception. She can be reached at The Family Center 313.432.3832. Diane Strickler, founder of The Family Center, piloted Play Central in 2002. As founder, she remains an active and dedicated volunteer.
Over a Decade of Commitment to Community Families Since 2000
The Family Center serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for both families and professionals. The Family Center is a non-profit organization founded to promote a deeper understanding of the role of parents and others in supporting our youth to become competent, caring and responsible community members.
All gifts are tax-deductible.
To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org, call (313) 432.3832.
Email:
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or write to: The Family Center
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.
