What is Tinkergarten?
I learned about Tinkergarten back in 2016. I was pregnant with my son and looking for outdoor learning opportunities for my 1.5 year old at the time. When Reign finally took her first class I was in awe. It was a magical and wonderful experience. I found other mothers passionate about getting their young ones involved in engaging open ended play with an expert designed curriculum. The opening research activities, the invitations to play, the magical woodland friends, and the rituals and songs! I quickly applied to become a leader, as is just my personality. And then I soon realized that having a newborn and leading would be tough. So, I postponed that route. Later, once my son was old enough to participate, I applied again.
Meanwhile, as my application process went through, both kids were enrolled in their Tinkergarten class. Watching their love for learning and their awe for the natural world unfold was incredible. It wasn't that I was trying to make them become obsessed with nature, I wanted to expand their minds in an innovative fashion. Reign had been enrolled in multiple indoor classes in the past. They all served their purpose and we enjoyed our time together growing at each one. But, nothing caught her heart and her imagination like Tinkergarten. From Tinkergarten themselves:
"Tinkergarten lessons are engineered to help kids develop a range of essential physical, cognitive and social-emotional skills. These skills support kids at being ready to learn, ready to thrive and ready for anything. We make learning irresistible by designing each experience to inspire wonder, activate the senses, leverage brain science, draw on wisdom of the ages and unleash the talents of our passionate network of educators, parents and caregivers."
I've decided to highlight some articles below regarding good old Vitamin Nature. I'm one of those wives who, if I want to inform my husband as to how and why we're making a change in our lives. I send him article after article to read. Lucky me, he does actually read some, not all but some or most. I was able to get him to read these articles so he knows how passionate I am about the importance of getting our kids outside every single day. Now our family really focuses on using nature as our classroom.
6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside
6 Ways Nature Helps Children Learn
Scandinavian Mom Secrets for Getting Kids Outdoors This Winter
Texas weather in general can be unpredictable and down right frustrating. It’s no secret planning a birthday party, event, or just a day outside can be tough. But here’s the thing, if you try to plan each day ahead in Texas based on weather predictions. You’ll never get outside. The benefits of being outside in nature for our kids and ourselves are numerous. DFW is lucky to have an incredible group of Tinkergarten leaders who facilitate open ended and intentional outdoor play all four seasons of the year.
Here's a few messages from your local DFW Tinkgergarten leaders on why they love leading Tinkergarten so much!
"I have been a Tinkergarten leader for almost 2 years and love it! I love being able to provide a safe, engaging outdoor environment for families to connect with each other and nature. I see learning through exploration and play take place, friendships built, and memories created each season." - Theshia Geitz
"I love leading because I get to share quality outdoor time with my young daughter. I love that we both can learn from the amazing Tinkergarten curriculum as well as from the parents and kids who come to our class. Leading classes has been a fun way to get connected with families in our community." - Laura Lee
My kids and I have taken a pledge to get #outdoorsall4 seasons this year. And hopefully this includes at least 1 hour every day. I used to have days where I let all the busy-ness of our lives get in the way of outdoor play. Boy did I suffer the consequences. My kids must be outside at least for a short while each day in order to let their minds be free and explore. If not, they have poor behavior, sleep, and attitudes. Thankfully we found Tinkergarten and I actually became a leader in Summer of 2019.
In the Fall 2019 season we focused on Activating Our Senses and we played as Scientists every class. I love the quote by Maria Montessori, "the senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge." It is so true. The kids engaged in focused activities allowing them to activate all of their senses in class outside in nature. Watching them transform from week 1 to week 10 was super awesome. Speaking of super, this Winter 2020 we are engaging in Super Hero play and we just cannot wait.
If you want to see if there is a class in a beautiful park near you check out: Tinkergarten.com/classes
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With Love,
Ashlee Gold
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