ABOUT THIS CLASS

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Embark on a captivating literary journey with "Off the Page" Early Literacy and Language Development class—an enchanting and inclusive experience tailored for ages 0 to 5, where older siblings are joyfully invited to join! Dive into the world of language and storytelling exclusively at JCC Avis South Shore in the downstairs community room.

In 'Off the Page,' we create a vibrant space for every family member, from the littlest bookworms to the seasoned storytellers, to immerse themselves in the wonders of early literacy and language development. Our carefully designed activities foster a love for language, phonetics, and letter recognition, weaving together a richly blended skillset that extends to every member of your family.

Guided by an experienced program leader and assistant, our class offers a delightful compilation of structured and open-ended literacy related activities, ensuring they resonate with the varied needs and developmental interests across different age groups. Delve into the magic of phonetics as we explore the sounds of language, and watch as letter exposure and recognition becomes an exciting adventure for your little ones.

Our goal is to create an environment where every family member feels valued and actively contributes to the magical world of language and literacy development. From interactive storytelling sessions to engaging phonetics exercises, each activity is designed to nurture a strong foundation in language skills.

Recognizing that family learning is a shared adventure, 'Off the Page' actively involves parents and caregivers as equal partners in literary activities. Through shared triumphs and the building of supportive networks, families become integral contributors to the literacy growth unfolding in each session, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Facilitated by experienced leaders and guided by principles of Family Life Education (FLE), our class weaves expert guidance into each literary interaction. From observing your child's cues to adapting activities for individual needs, we empower parents to play an active role in their child's language journey and foster family dynamics that harmonize with their little one’s current stage of linguistic exploration.

Join us in crafting literacy-rich memories that resonate far beyond the pages of each class—all at one inclusive price! We do not charge per child or adult as long as they are within your immediate family. Your family's literary adventure awaits!

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BABIES

• Language Exposure

  Introduce babies to the rich sounds and rhythms of language through engaging storytelling sessions and soothing phonetic exercises, creating a sensory environment that stimulates their auditory senses.

• Tactile Exploration

  Incorporate touch and feel elements into activities to enhance babies' tactile experiences, promoting sensory development and laying the groundwork for future language comprehension.

• Bonding through Literature

  Encourage parent-child bonding through shared literary experiences. As caregivers actively participate, babies form positive associations with language, creating a strong foundation for future language development.

• Early Phonetics

  Introduce basic phonetic elements through gentle activities, fostering an early familiarity with the building blocks of language. These foundational steps pave the way for future literacy skills.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR TODDLERS

• Vocabulary Expansion

  Foster the primary developmental focus of expanding toddlers' vocabulary through interactive storytelling, engaging activities, and exposure to a variety of words and expressions.

• Language Play

  Encourage toddlers to play with language through rhymes, songs, and interactive games, promoting linguistic creativity and enhancing their communication skills.

• Phonetic Awareness

  Introduce basic phonetic elements and sounds in a playful manner, laying the foundation for early literacy skills. Toddlers will delight in the discovery of the sounds that make up words.

• Social Interaction

  Facilitate opportunities for social interaction and communication with peers, building toddlers' confidence in expressing themselves within a group setting.

• Fine Motor Skills

  Incorporate activities that enhance fine motor skills, such as turning pages, pointing to images, and handling age-appropriate writing tools, fostering the development of coordination and pre-writing skills.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR BIG KIDS

• Literacy Fluency

  The primary developmental focus for big kids centers on building literacy fluency. Engage them in activities that enhance reading comprehension, encouraging them to understand and interpret the meaning of stories.

• Advanced Phonetics

  Dive into more advanced phonetic elements, helping big kids explore the intricacies of language sounds and patterns. These activities contribute to a deeper understanding of language structure.

• Pre-Independent Reading

  Foster a love for independent reading by providing age-appropriate materials and encouraging big kids to explore stories on their own. This promotes autonomy and a sense of accomplishment.

• Expressive Language

  Encourage big kids to express themselves verbally, promoting the development of articulate and expressive language skills. Creative activities will be designed to inspire them to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively.

• Critical Thinking

  Introduce activities that stimulate critical thinking skills, such as predicting story outcomes, analyzing characters, and drawing conclusions. These exercises contribute to cognitive development and enhance comprehension abilities.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR SIBLINGS

• Bonding Through Books

  The primary developmental focus for siblings is to foster bonding through shared literary experiences. Siblings will engage in activities that promote connection, cooperation, and a sense of togetherness during the exploration of language.

• Multilevel Literacy Exposure

  Tailor activities to accommodate various age groups, providing a multilevel exposure to literacy. Younger siblings will benefit from foundational language experiences, while older siblings delve into more advanced literary elements.

• Peer Interaction

  Encourage interaction between siblings during class activities, creating opportunities for mutual support, shared discoveries, and collaborative engagement in the world of language development.

• Leadership and Mentorship

  Promote a sense of leadership and mentorship among older siblings, empowering them to guide and support their younger counterparts. This dynamic fosters a positive sibling relationship and a sense of responsibility.

• Family Connection

  Reinforce the idea that language exploration is a family adventure. Activities will be designed to enhance the family bond, creating a positive and supportive environment for literacy development.

PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS FOR PARENTS AND CARETAKERS

• Guidance and Support

  The primary developmental focus for parents and caretakers is to provide guidance and support in navigating the language development journey of their children. Activities will be designed to equip caregivers with tools and insights to nurture literacy skills at home.

• Interactive Learning

  Engage parents and caretakers in interactive learning experiences that mirror the activities their children are participating in. This creates a shared understanding of language development and encourages active involvement.

• Observation and Responsiveness

  Cultivate the skill of observation and responsiveness to children's cues during literacy activities. Parents and caretakers will learn to adapt and personalize the literary experience to meet the unique needs of their child, fostering individualized support.

• Promoting Literacy at Home

  Offer practical strategies for integrating literacy activities into daily routines at home. This includes suggestions for reading together, storytelling, and creating a language-rich environment that extends the benefits of class into the home setting.

• Building a Supportive Community

  Foster a sense of community among parents and caretakers, creating a supportive network where experiences, challenges, and triumphs can be shared. This community-building aspect enhances the collective growth of both children and caregivers.

WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:

• Celebrating Language Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate each small language and literacy achievement with your child, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment and nurturing a love for exploration in the world of Pre and Early Language and Literacy.

• Community Connection: Build meaningful connections with other parents, sharing experiences and insights in language and literacy development. Create a supportive network that celebrates the uniqueness of each child's linguistic journey, fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for learning.

• Observation and Adaptation: Pay close attention to your child's cues during language and literacy activities, adapting and personalizing the experience to meet their unique needs. Gain insights that extend beyond the class, creating a supportive environment for ongoing language development at home.

• Responsive Parenting: Develop the skill of responding to your child's language and literacy exploration with positive reinforcement. Foster a secure attachment and cultivate a positive relationship with learning, encouraging your child's curiosity and communication skills.

• Quality Time: Cherish the moments of language and literacy exploration during class and extend these experiences through activities at home. Create lasting memories as you delve into the exciting world of words, stories, and early literacy together.

• Consistent Engagement: Integrate language and literacy elements from the class into your daily routines, providing a consistent and supportive environment for your child's linguistic development. Extend the joy of language exploration beyond the class, making it an integral part of your family's ongoing learning journey in Pre and Early Language and Literacy.

PROGRAM LOCATION - SOUTH SHORE

Happy Day Play at JCC Avis South Shore (Grown Up and Me Program)
1297 Arthur Kill Rd
Staten Island, NY 10312

ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the lower level community room. Upon entering the front entrance of JCC Avis, go down the hallway past the elevators towards the gym. The community room is directly across from the gym. See you there!

 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE

When you arrive, please go to the front desk and tell the JCC member that you have arrived for a Happy Day Play class. If you have registered online prior, you will receive your single class pass or class pass bundle. If you have not registered, you can do so in-person then.

You will be directed to the classroom, and will present one of your passes to the Happy Day Play staff member upon entry.

Strollers are permitted but must stay parked outside the classroom. If your baby needs to be nursed or have a bottle, we encourage you to do so to keep them comfortable. All other items with the exception of light blankets and pacifiers should be left with your personal belongings. Your personal belongings will remain visible to you the entire duration of class.

See Happy Day Play Classes in Action