Friends signing up to be instructors. Friends attending Tinkergarten classes. Sponsored posts inquiring whether or not I'm interested in becoming a Tinkergarten leader.
To be totally honest, though, I didn't really know what Tinkergarten was. But I'm always looking for awesome things to do in the area. So when a friend announced on Facebook she would be starting up classes in the Arlington area, I was thrilled! More local activities for wee ones. Score!
Tinkergarten's mission, from its Facebook page: Teach parents how to share authentic, outdoor learning experiences with their children, so those children may develop into curious, capable and well-balanced people.
Tinkergarten is held in an outdoor classroom, which I love! The class that tiniest one and I tried on Monday morning was held at Bicentennial Park in Pantego. And class is held outside in all weather conditions, barring extreme weather (think lightning, ice, etc.). I love this! I love this because I grew up in the Midwest, where I was encouraged to go outside in Fall (put on a jacket!), in Winter (put on your snowpants, a hat and gloves!), in Spring (put on your rain coat!) and in Summer (take a bottle of water!). Encouraging kids to enjoy being outdoors in all weather conditions is important to me! One of my favorite quotes on the Tinkergarten Facebook page is "there is no bad weather, just bad clothes." This is so true! I love that Tinkergarten encourages kids to get outside and be kids in spite of the weather. Put on those rain boots. Button up that coat. Get out those gloves. And go enjoy the weather, whatever it may be!
My second-favorite thing about Tinkergarten was that my littlest one was encouraged to explore nature. Play in the dirt? Sure! Pick up ALL the sticks? Yes, please! Get messy? Absolutely! Tinkergarten encouraged my kiddo to be, well, a kiddo during class! And her being a kid didn't disrupt anything. If she wandered off, it was no big deal! If she lost focus for a bit, nobody minded. She was scolded never or in trouble for not participating in every activity. She was simply encouraged to play and explore her surroundings. I love that for her!
At this first Tinkergarten class here in Arlington, kids made magic "potions" with water and elements found in nature. They got to totally create their own magic. And then, they all took turns "sniffing" each others' potions and turning into a creature of the potion-maker's choosing (my littlest one said anyone who sniffed her potion became a kangaroo.) This was so fun because each of the kids had a chance to speak in front of his or her peers, and all kids got to flex their creative muscles to transform into the chosen animal. Creativity definitely flowed freely!
The class was so free-flowing and fun, but I did wonder how my kiddo (who is 4; the class is recommended for kiddos from birth until age 5 or 6) was actually learning from all this creative play. Tinkergarten classes incorporate schema into their lessons. What are schema, you ask? (Because, I'll be honest, I had to ask, too!) Schemas are patterns of repetitive behavior that you notice during early childhood play. You can learn more here: https://tinkergarten.com/skills/behavioral-schema
The 1 hour and 15 minute class also included a snack time, as well as circle time at the beginning and end of class where kiddos sang hello and good bye to one another. The first session begins April 9th. More info can be found here: https://tinkergarten.com/classes/40093
Tinkergarten is a great way to meet new friends- both for you and your little one! It's also a great way to support a local mama who is interested in helping your kiddo learn and grow. Highly, highly recommend! Go. Support local. Learn. Spend time with your kid. Enjoy!
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