The educator in me knows that it is so important to expose children to a variety of learning experiences and environments starting at a young age, so my little ones are always involved in an assortment of classes!
Swimming with Baby Banz Swim Goggles
*Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
My boys have been taking swimming classes since they were babies. Swimming is a skill that my boys must master and the earlier the better. This year, I signed my boys up for classes where mommy/daddy would not be in the water. The boys are really excited for their lessons and immediately asked for goggles. We have gone through a number of goggles and have not been able to find a pair that fits my 3 year old well. We decided to try out a pair of Baby Banz swim goggles before he used them for class. These swim goggles are amazing, they kept his eyes dry, didn't fog up and best of all fit his head perfectly. Plus the lenses are 100% UV protective. The Baby banz swim goggles come in pink and blue and a color coordinated hard case.
Created in Australia, BanZ has a complete protection collection of sun safety products for children ages 0-12. Sunglasses, hats, hearing protection and swimwear are available in multiples styles and sizes as well as sunscreen, swim goggles and more. |
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Cooking with my Toddler with Freshmade NYC!!*Disclaimer: I was not compensated to write this post, we were offered a trial class in order to review it.
"T" has shown quite an interest in everything food and has promoted himself to the "real" kitchen. He has become obsessed with the Food Network and would rather watch Ina, Paula, Rachael, Giada, Chopped or Iron Chef instead of Nick Jr or Disney Jr. We often find him rattling off ingredients and cooking in the bathtub, on his toy grill or for his baby brother but no matter how many toy play food sets he has, he would rather be in the kitchen with me! So I decided to begin to search for cooking classes that catered to toddlers in the city. I mentioned his love of cooking to a dear friend and amazing blogger, Onica of The Mommy Factor and she included me in a tweet with Freshmade NYC...the rest is history!
I contacted Cara and after reviewing the various classes offered, I decided to set up a trial class for Lunch Express When I told "T", he was so excited that he immediately began packing his chef hat, apron and utensils; I stopped him and explained that everything he needed would be provided at the class. We arrived at Freshmade NYC and the space is absolutely amazing...its is a big bright space with family style wooden picnic tables, top of the line appliances and a wall of books! He was immediately drawn to the books and began looking through a few. Cara and Thomas, (the chef) were very friendly and made him feel at home. He washed his hands and was ready to "cook". Thomas started with a few safety rules and explanations and then dove right in to the meal preparation (salsa). He encouraged "T' to use his senses to smell, taste and feel the ingredients. All the ingredients were named (mango, cucumbers, red peppers, onions, cilantro, brown sugar, salt, pepper and lime) and "T" enjoyed sampling them. "T" was given a child friendly Curious Chef nylon knife and Thomas showed him some basic cuts that "T" practiced on the vegetables in front of him! After the salsa was all made, Thomas produced a baked chicken breast that they would use to make chicken quesadillas to eat with their salsa. "T" was given a tortilla and prompted to add as much cheese and chicken as he wanted. Then Thomas grilled the quesadillas on the stovetop until they were golden brown. Finally, we sat down and enjoyed quesadillas and fresh salsa while Thomas read a story. "T" really enjoyed the class and has retained a lot of the content (he asks for cilantro for everything) and looks forward to cooking with Thomas!
-SD
"Working with children and catering came together in a new and unique company which is now feeding the children of NYC. In February 2011, Thomas Stevens partnered with Cara Buffalino-Silman to share in her vision for Freshmade NYC: to cater fun, creative and healthy foods and treats using the freshest ingredients with organic and allergy friendly alternatives."
I contacted Cara and after reviewing the various classes offered, I decided to set up a trial class for Lunch Express When I told "T", he was so excited that he immediately began packing his chef hat, apron and utensils; I stopped him and explained that everything he needed would be provided at the class. We arrived at Freshmade NYC and the space is absolutely amazing...its is a big bright space with family style wooden picnic tables, top of the line appliances and a wall of books! He was immediately drawn to the books and began looking through a few. Cara and Thomas, (the chef) were very friendly and made him feel at home. He washed his hands and was ready to "cook". Thomas started with a few safety rules and explanations and then dove right in to the meal preparation (salsa). He encouraged "T' to use his senses to smell, taste and feel the ingredients. All the ingredients were named (mango, cucumbers, red peppers, onions, cilantro, brown sugar, salt, pepper and lime) and "T" enjoyed sampling them. "T" was given a child friendly Curious Chef nylon knife and Thomas showed him some basic cuts that "T" practiced on the vegetables in front of him! After the salsa was all made, Thomas produced a baked chicken breast that they would use to make chicken quesadillas to eat with their salsa. "T" was given a tortilla and prompted to add as much cheese and chicken as he wanted. Then Thomas grilled the quesadillas on the stovetop until they were golden brown. Finally, we sat down and enjoyed quesadillas and fresh salsa while Thomas read a story. "T" really enjoyed the class and has retained a lot of the content (he asks for cilantro for everything) and looks forward to cooking with Thomas!
-SD
"Working with children and catering came together in a new and unique company which is now feeding the children of NYC. In February 2011, Thomas Stevens partnered with Cara Buffalino-Silman to share in her vision for Freshmade NYC: to cater fun, creative and healthy foods and treats using the freshest ingredients with organic and allergy friendly alternatives."
The wall of books at the Freshmade NYC space
"T" listens intently and is introduced to one of the ingredients: cilantro.
"T" is introduced to a kitchen tool: the lemon squeezer
"T" gets help from grandma, using the tongs to add chicken to his quesadilla
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The table is set up for cooking class
"T" practices cutting a cucumber with his Curious Chef nylon knife
"T" squeezes lime juice for the salsa
"T" pays close attention to Thomas grilling the quesadillas while keeping his hands safe
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"T" washes his hands before strating to cook
"T" helps mix the ingredients together
"T" tastes the lime!
"T" enjoys his quesadilla and mango salsa!
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NYC Transit Museum Summer Field Trip! Posing for pictures in an old subway car
We recently decided to head out on an fun but educational field trip this summer with our buddy Mommy Factor. We chose the NYC Transit Museum because everyone loves trains...right? The Transit Museum is exciting from start to finish, from the deceiving "subway" looking entrance to being able to explore really old trains! We had a blast studying old subway maps, riding & "driving" trolleys, buses and subway trains. We had the opportunity to learn about various fare collection devices and interact with them at the Fare Collection exhibit. as well as learn about how the subways were constructed at the Steel, Stone & Backbone: Building New York's Subways 1900-1925 exhibit. This is a great place to visit to stimulate young minds anytime but especially during Summer vacation!
-SD |
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Looking at an old map of NYC
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"A" learns about which materials conduct electricity
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Exploring turnstiles at the Fare Collection exhibit
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Free Trial Classes at Freshmade NYC!
*Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.
Freshmade's Fall Semester begins Monday, September 16th and they are offering a trial class. Anyone who attends these will also have the opportunity to sign up for the full semester at a 10% discount. Space is limited, registration is required. To register, please contact cara@freshmadenyc.com. Choose from a variety of classes for children aged 2 and up: Brunch-N-Munch, Lunch Express, Kids Dinner Club, Family Dinner, Palette-Palate, ‘Round the World, Make & Take, Junior Chefs or Caregivers Cook . Sign up for your trial class today!
Toddler Time "A" dancing to one of his fave Beatles songs
Most weekday mornings, you can find us at our neighborhood toy store: Play Kids where there is always something to do. On Wednesday mornings we are regulars at Mary Jo's Toddler Time: a drop in class filled with stories, songs, activities and lots of silly fun! Mary Jo entertains both the kids and adults with classic kids songs that incorporate movement and musical instruments as well as oldies ("A" is now a Beatles fan who loves "Yellow Submarine" & "All Together Now", stories and even crafts! At $5 a family...it truly is a steal!
-SD
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Toddler Soccer
In my ongoing effort to help "T" develop his athletic skills, I signed him up for an 8 week Toddler (Ages 3-4) Soccer class at the Prospect Park YMCA. that was part of their Youth Atletic Program. I was not sure what to expect, so on the first day, we showed up at the gym with shorts, a shirt and sneakers. The teachers introduced themselves and began to interact with the toddlers, I was happy to see that the class was a pretty good mix of both boys & girls. They were taught pretty basic skills (passing, dribbling, shooting) and allowed to still be playful toddlers. The most important skills that "T" learned/practiced in this class were: waiting his turn, sharing, teamwork and some hand/eye coordination skills. Plus at the end of each class the players had a mini match where they ran around simulating a game that was truly adorable to watch! The cost of this class was $90 for members of the YMCA or $120 for nonmembers.
-SD
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Baby Clay Class
Little "A" took a 6-week long "course" of baby clay play class. at Play Kids Toys Store. The class is all about learning about textures, being creative and socializing. Clay manipulation teaches cause and effect and develops fine motor skills. The clay is natural and reusable and clay play encorages group play. Melisa facilitates the class and she is also a teaching artist.
At first, "A" was unsure of the new mushy slabs of clay but he was curious enough to grab a handful that went straight into his mouth (it's a good thing it is non-toxic and all natural). For the first class, I'm sure "A" got more clay in his mouth than actually playing; I spent most of that introduction class attempting to stop him from tasting the clay. By the third class, "A" was a clay play pro: rolling it, swinging it, throwing it, creating shapes and having a good time. He interacted with the other little ones in his class ranging in age from 7 months tto about 18 months. "A" seemed to really enjoy the class and I would highly suggest this type of tactile class for babies and toddlers. For more info visit http://www.babyclayplay.com/ -SD
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Suzuki ViolinIt is no secret that I am an avid music lover and thefore have exposed my boys to all types of music from even before they were born. As a child, I played the piano and the recorder: my husband played the piano, violin, bass and is currently taking banjo lessons. We are a music loving family...no plans to start a family band, yet.
I began researching various instruments and lessons for my oldset son, "T" when he turned two years old...to my dismay, not many structured instrument classes were being offered for children that young. So, I decided that when he turned three, I would sign him up for violin lessons. On my quest to find a good program, I came across Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performong Arts music program for children ages 3-18. I called and spoke to the director and was told "T" had to come in for an interview to determine his maturity level, as he had just turned three and would be the youngest child in the program. During the interview "T" was able to sit still, follow directions, answer questions and he showed that he really wasn't your average 3 year old and was admitted into the Suzuki violin program. For this program "T" was given a cardboard violin and a wooden bow to begin with and practice his bow hold and how to hold the violin (without dropping it). The program consists of a 30 minute private lesson, a 45 minute group music class, a 45 minutes parents class and a 30 minute group class every week. We have been in the program for about a month now and "T" loves it, his only complaint so far is that he "needs a real violin", so he has been upgraded to a toy violin...hopfeully he will be rready for his own real violin by the end of the year! I highly suggest enrolling your child/children into some sort of music class/program as it enables them to explore the creative arts and teaches discipline, self-motivation and self-expression! -SD
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