A new MFS Summer Programs offering in 2017 is Tot Scholars for three- and four-year-old children. All sessions take place from 9:15-11 a.m. Cost for each session is $200/week with early morning extended day service available from 7:45-9:15 a.m. for an additional fee. To register visit here.
The Tot Scholars curriculum balances subject-based learning alongside other integral components of an early childhood education, such as dramatic play, building, music, literature, and art. The program is designed to fuel the natural curiosity of children and to support independent decision making in a caring, nurturing environment. The Tot Scholars curriculum is designed by Beginnings at MFS Early Childhood teachers and supports the natural pace of learning for children this age. Children engage with topic-based themes at an age-appropriate level while also fostering relationships with peers and adults in the classroom. Mid-morning snacks are provided. Parents may register their child at summer.mfriends.org.
2017 MFS Tot Scholars Classes
July 10-14: Fantastic Forms: Construction and Building
Many young children enjoy the challenges of building as they create complex structures using blocks and other materials. As children build, they are learning concepts of balance, aesthetic, and physics. This course will support the learning which happens during a building experience. Children will explore the possibilities of the construction area, learning strong building strategies with a rich array of both familiar and new materials.
July 17-21: Artistic Endeavors
Young children express themselves through their artwork. Come experience a week of artistic exploration, where children will get to know materials and techniques. Possible experiences may include paint, clay, wire, sewing, and collage as children create beautiful, complex works.
July 24-28: Catch The Rhythm
Rhythm is all around us in the world. Our hearts and bodies contain rhythm, as do our minds and our lives. Come experience how rhythm is a part of everything we do. Children will explore the rhythms found in nature and our surroundings. Music will play a role in this classroom experience as well.
July 31 – August 4: Literature and Song
Children’s books and music often go hand in hand. Come enjoy a week of rich storytelling which blends music and literature. Children will explore the intersection of stories and song, as well as experience the stories through other techniques such as story-acting and dramatic interpretation.
August 7-11: Coding and Robotics: The Beginning
Learning another language comes more easily at an early age. Given children’s innate ability to rapidly adapt to new technology, we are excited to introduce coding and robotics to our youngest scholars. The fun will begin with symbols and directives so that children will slowly grasp what steps are taken to teach – or “program” – a robot to move, an animation to play, and an application to run. This intuitive week of instruction will be interwoven with plenty of games and experiences which connect with coding and robotic lessons. The language of computer programming is at play all around us, reshaping our world, and defining the future.
For more information, contact Director of Auxiliary Programs/Summer Programs Martha Cameron at (856) 914-4493 or mcameron@mfriends.org.