Hogg's Hollow

History

Initially we created a fun-filled class just for the younger siblings of current Hogg's Hollow students, to interact together while their older siblings attended our preschool. During that period, we found our Mommy/Daddy and Me classes also helped tots smoothly transition from being home with mom/dad to entering our preschool — it was a familiar environment.

Soon we extended the service to other very young children in the community. The classes successfully helped tots become comfortable with their surroundings in a preschool setting, with the care and attention mom and dad provided, and while participating in group actitivies. Later we added parent discussions on a number of child-related topics. Today, children who attend our Mommy/Daddy & Me classes have the easiest time starting our preschool or other programs.

Program Description

Being a toddler is all about action and more action. We encourage continued language development and interest in books and reading by keeping things lively and engaging. In these classes the program includes circle time, music, songs, dance, rhythm, stories, an obstacle course, play dough and parachute fun. These activities alternate in the class and in our yard, or field we can access. A field trip per semester is an important part of the program as we wish to expose our youngsters to the outside world as much as possible with the safety of mom/dad at arms length. Everyday experiences are full of opportunities to engage in conversation and develop language skills and we take advantage of each and every one. Parent discussion during snack covers a range of child related issues, for e.g., sleep and bedtime rituals, children's story books, or cultures and traditions, to name a couple.

How the Parent & Me program benefits the child and the family

The resulting enhanced language skills the tots develop in the group activities cannot be understated. Children at this level thrive on rapidly expanding their vocabulary, and they do so at lightning speed through songs, stories, one-on-one and group interactions, thus the joys of becoming more and more verbal and able to communicate their personal needs. We all want our children to be able to communicate well and become more and more independent - the group activities help parents experience and watch the process while enjoying the child's wins together. There is also the healthy exposure to the outside, the natural world children are naturally magnetized to explore. What better time to engage in the outdoors than with mom or dad where children learn the importance of cooperating with others by taking turns. During the instructor-led, discussion style period, parents are encouraged to ask for help or ideas in specific child rearing areas. Parents may also inspire others as they share their own promising and favorable experiences with the group. In interacting with other families, an added bonus for parents is an opportunity to network, share and exchange helpful information regarding young children, siblings, family, or community events, etc. The Friday morning class is ideal for Hogg's Hollow siblings, with mom, grandma or nanny participating. The same Saturday morning class is family friendly in that child and daddy or child and both parents may attend.

What to wear, bring and the parent's role

Parents are very much encouraged to sit down on a mat with their child, while participating in song, dance or other movement. For this reason, children and parents dress casually and conformably to sit during circle time, wearing clothing that allows full movement and participation. We ask that each child wear long pants, to avoid knee scrapes. All participants bring their own snacks and drinks as needed for a brief snack time.