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July/August 2016 • Issue 24
Though our bodies are thoroughly enjoying the outdoors this
summer, the staff at Elliott’s minds have been on the indoors.
We are in the midst of revamping our new Kids in Bloom
preschool space! Our new classrooms prompted us to look at
space in a new light and consider how we can best use it to
promote optimal learning in our students. The result is an
environment that encourages curiosity and creativity!
We are also proud to announce the appointment of Grace Fary
to the position of Kids in Bloom director and Garrett Elbert as
teacher. Both offer vast experience teaching children and are
bilingual in Spanish. We look forward to seeing our students
flourish under our educational team in our new classrooms.
Programming Note: Fall registration is open for all of
Elliott’s Classes programming.
GREAT SPACES
Children have a strong capacity 2. Sensory Experiences. Water
to learn in any environment.
and sand tables and gardening
There are, however, certain
offer means to learn through all
aspects of an environment that
of our senses and learn cause
lend themselves to more
and effect. Stay tuned for
productive learning. As we build
some non-traditional sensory
our new classrooms for Kids in
opportunities in Kids in
Bloom, we have incorporated a
Bloom’s new classrooms!
few features that we believe help 3. Designated Stations.
foster learning.
Encourage children to explore
dedicated centers that focus
Feel free to incorporate some of
on art, math, reading, etc. at
these ideas in your own home!
designated centers located
1. Bright Colors. Bright
around the room.
sunlight is optimal, but in
4. Bilingual Exposure. Each
NYC buildings, that could be
Kids in Bloom instructor is
in short supply. Fake it and
bilingual and the classrooms
paint your play space a
feature words labeled in both
happy shade.
languages.
ELLIOTT’S TIPS
INDEPENDENCE DAY
In the spirit of July 4th, take some
time to encourage independence in
your children. Creativity begins
when children learn to take
initiative and transform their own
boredom into productive activity.
Begin encouraging children as
young as infants to entertain
themselves by setting the stage.
Surround them with a limited
number of toys that offer various
sensory stimulation and keep a
safe distance. Watch as they use
their eyes, fingers and even
mouths to explore.
As children get older, set-up
various music, art, pretend or
activity stations around your home.
Do not offer suggestions on how to
play and keep some distance as
their minds allow them to develop
the framework for independent
play.
H
liter
MEET GRACE
Grace Fary joins Elliott’s Classes as our new director of Kids in
Bloom. She brings with her a passion for inspiring children
through a play-based educational curriculum.
ELLIOTT’S MINI
FARMER’S MARKET
What’s the juicy news this
summer? Elliott’s farm is! Join
us on summer Tuesdays to
reap the benefits. Elliott will
be hosting a mini farmer’s
market, distributing the fresh
pick of the week. Stop by to
enjoy veggies such as
potatoes, beans, tomatoes,
peppers, zucchini, eggplant
and more. We are sharing our
bounty at no cost, but any
donation would be
appreciated.
NYC FUN FACT
With all of its twists and turns,
Central Park can get even
seasoned New Yorkers turned
around. If you happen to get
lost, seek out the nearest
lamppost and take note of the
first two or three posted
numbers. Those numbers
correspond to the street
running perpendicular to your
position. Happy wandering!
Q. As incoming director of Elliott’s Classes’ newly expanded Kids
in Bloom preschool program, what philosophies do you intend
on integrating within the curriculum?
I want to create an environment that is caring and encourages
learning. All children are inherently curious, so it is my job as an
educator to promote this curiosity and give children opportunities to
expand on these interests. If they feel safe and supported, they will
be motivated to explore and learn. I want them to be prepared for
elementary school, but they should also have fun and be kids.
Q. When did you become bilingual in Spanish? What benefits do
you believe an early language immersion provides to a child?
A. I became bilingual in early adulthood. I studied Spanish in college,
and decided to study abroad for over a year in Chile. The immersion
setting forced me to speak in Spanish. Since then, I continue to
speak Spanish at home, with friends, and in my neighborhood.
There are so many benefits of early bilingualism – cognitive,
psychological, linguistic, not to mention the ability to communicate
with millions of new people! Early childhood is an ideal stage to
introduce another language, because young children are already
self-motivated to learn how to communicate. They aren't afraid of
taking risks and making mistakes in the language.
Q. How do you believe your childhood in the city of New Orleans
compares to an upbringing in New York City?
A. New Orleans is nowhere as big as New York City. Geographically
it's small, and the population is much lower. The most noteworthy
difference is that I grew up in a house with a backyard and always
went to school in a car. There are, however, commonalities. New
Orleans and New York City both have an international aspect to
them. People come from all over the world to visit, live in, and work
in these two cities. Though New York City is one of the most diverse
cities in the world, both cities are open to different cultures and
ways of life. Both are home to so many cultural events and offer
parades, music venues, museums and art galleries. Growing up in
either city is very exciting!
FOR GIGGLES
Ariel (age 3): Meagan, you are so silly!
Meagan (instructor): Me, silly? Get out of town!
Ariel: I can’t get out of town!!
Elliott’s Classes Headquarters: 131 W. 86th St., 917.517.8721, [email protected]
Mailing Address: 203 W. 90th St., Apt. 1D, NY, NY 10024