:: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became involved with Tinkergarten.
After my daughter's ophthalmologist recommended that she spend at least 3 hours a day outside I began researching outdoor play groups in my area. We could only spend so many hours at the park or going on walks and my small children (4.5 and 2.5) and I needed more. I found Tinkergarten and was intrigued about having an outdoor play-based educational curriculum written for me. I worked with children prior to staying home with my children full time and I love that Tinkergarten gives parents the opportunity to lead classes with their children present. Tinkergarten is truly a family affair for us and a core component in our kids' education.
:: What is Tinkergarten? Explain for us the learning through play method.
Tinkergarten provides outdoor play-based educational class for kids 18 months to 8 years. We believe that kids learn best through free and inventive play. We have a fundamental respect for children and their capacity to investigate, test, and maintain their curiosity about their world. When children are allowed the freedom and opportunity to explore they cultivate a natural love of learning that carries them throughout adulthood. Our current culture is very results oriented and Tinkergarten focuses on the process not the product. Leaders are given a guide for each class but there is a lot of flexibility to let the activity flow with the direction of the group. During play there are many opportunities to develop communication. We model for them how to communicate during times of frustration so they develop skills necessary to manage difficult situations.
Classes are geared for 18 months to 8 years old. We love the dynamic that comes with a multi-age class experience. It allows older kids to develop leadership skills and younger kids the chance to model appropriate behavior from older more experienced explorers. The multi-age group also allows kids the chance to develop social-emotional skills like empathy and compassion.
:: Why do you feel that playing and learning outside is so important in a child's emotional and intellectual development?
We believe that children need access to nature and access to opportunities to think critically about the world around them. As adults we support this by creating inspired play environments and then letting kids take it where they will. Being in nature is beneficial on a number of levels and Tinkergarten's desire is that all families would rediscover a love of the outdoors. They also adhere to the adage of "you can't bounce off the walls if there are no walls." Some kids who find an indoor classroom experience challenging may thrive in a Tinkergarten class.
The outdoor classroom is always changing too. Nothing is static and that creates an opportunity for children to discover something new every time they attend class. Outdoor play also allows kids to manage risks. Our "be careful!!" culture doesn't give kids the chance to learn their physical boundaries. Kids will often develop great boundaries when they are given the chance to experience natural consequences. In a Tinkergarten class we allow kids the opportunity to learn their boundaries in an appropriate way. For example, a leader wouldn't say "That looks dangerous, get down." We might encourage guides to help kids practice skills like motor planning and consequence planning..."it looks like you are close to the edge. Pay attention to where your feet are going." We also live in a time where kids are indoor more than ever before. This has been termed "nature-deficit disorder". A quick google search of that phrase will bring up article after article of the importance of getting outdoors.
Tinkergarten also believes in experencing the outdoors in every season and so we hold class year round! My children are already asking when "Tinkergarten in the snow will happen!?"
:: What made you decide to become a teacher?
I researched Tinkergarten to enroll my children in the classes but as I read more I learned about the opportunity to become a leader. I was so excited about working with a team of educators whose desire was to support local leaders in facilitating outdoor play. Tinkergarten has an amazing company culture and it's been awesome working with them. They create the curriculum that I use as a guide for classes. It's the perfect balance between creative, flexible, and independent work and being supported by a community of others. After all, life is best when shared with others!
:: How do we contact you?
My email is melissa.dixon@tinkergarten. com
Instagram account is 'homeschooltinkermom'
Class list is at https://tinkergarten.com/cl asses/all/illinois There are two leaders in Naperville and we would love to see you at a class soon!
Tinkergarten also has a blog More than Mudpies at http://blog.tinkergarten. com
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