#sonjam

Up Dog Playgroup specializes in the whole-child approach to learning, by exercising our children's hearts, bodies, and minds. Our mornings have three parts that reflect this, and draw from Waldorf, Montessori, and Shichida methods to encourage well-roundedness. This class is for 2-3 year olds and meets from 9am-noon twice a week on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mindfulness (Hour 1) Our days begin with calming music and baby yoga to center our hearts and tune in to each other. Toddlers can listen to classical music and harmonic frequencies while we practice different simplified movements and guided breathing. Our morning circle-time allows us a moment to discuss our coming day, awaken the senses, demonstrate activities, and enjoy some food tasting! We finish up with a story read in different languages to encourage communication.

Outdoor Adventures (Hour 2) As often as possible, our group ventures outside into the cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells that is New York City! While walking to the park or river, we encourage children to use their five senses, letting their observations be our guide. Our class may follow a hawk or airplane across the sky, count boats on the river, or create earth art with fallen leaves and pebbles. Our pace is set by the children and their current interests, so every day is unique, and filled with a mix of art, inquisition, and physical exercise. 

Self-Expression (Hour 3) Returning from outside, the children have the opportunity to practice practical life skills, such as dressing, feeding themselves, and washing up. Each week we focus on a new aspect of self care, encouraging independence and improving motor skill development. As our time together comes to a close, our group engages in some free-form building and creation, using blocks, percussion instruments, or found items to collaborate together with our friends. We finish by listening to tone bells and dancing outlandishly to music from around the globe.

We are committed to making this group accessible. Scholarships and payment plays available. Please inquire.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I have been teaching children for over a decade around the world, and am excited to bring my international experiences back home to Brooklyn. From teenagers in Thailand to preschoolers in Paris, I educate my students about language by exploring our natural surrounding environment, and use real world experiences to encourage curiosity and independent discovery. As a teacher back in my native New York, I have experience in Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia programs, and also utilize the Japanese Shichida Method for positive visualization, and to enhance intuition and self esteem. Whenever possible, we explore outside, since our planet is a life-long classroom! 

What is your philosophy on and approach to behavioral management? My personal philosophy focuses on clear expectations with if/then consequences, limiting choices that need to be made, and most importantly, unconditional love and support. Redirection for younger children and discussing/visualizing past experiences with older children are also methods that I employ for behavioral management. 

Who was your favorite teacher and why? My English teacher in high school allowed me total control on the material I read and supported my independent queries into the material. She taught me to think for myself, and prepared me for college and adulthood.