By Shaun Yurcaba
The Tinkergarden early-childhood education program is coming to Grant Park to help children develop critical capabilities such as self-reliance, creativity, persistence, and problem-solving skills. Tinkergarten classes are led by a technology-enabled network of trained and certified Leaders across the country and is rapidly expanding nationally with over 100,000 families outdoors, and 1,500 leaders across 50 states.
According to recent statistics, children’s free playtime is declining, and it’s diminishing the chances to develop critical life skills. Founded in 2015, Tinkergarten is a play-based outdoor learning experience designed for children ages 18 months to 8 years and their parents. Tinkergarten brings back rich, child-directed outdoor play as a way for this new generation to learn—something our generation took for granted.
Outdoor play-based learning is a proven way to give children the best foundation. Spending time outdoors provides children with a wide range of health benefits including social and emotional wellbeing. Research shows that time outdoors supports improved relationship skills and reduces stress, anger, and aggression. More than 80% of brain development occurs before the age of five. Children build foundational skills in their first five years that will affect the rest of their learning and life. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, parents need to balance screen time with outdoor time to raise healthy, well-adjusted kids.
Free trial classes will be held in Grant Park. Registration is required. Three dates are scheduled: Tuesday, May 21 from 10:30am to 11:45am (sign up at https://tinkergarten.com/classes/101557); Sunday, June 2 from 3:30pm to 4:45pm (sign up at https://tinkergarten.com/classes/101553); and Sunday, June 9 from 3:30pm to 4:45pm (sign up at https://tinkergarten.com/classes/101554).
Free Tinkergarten mini-sessions will be held at the East Atlanta Branch Library on Thursday, May 23 at 10:30am and Thursday, June 6 at 10:30am. A July date is to be determined.
Summer camp-style classes will take place in Grant Park on several dates: June 24 through 28 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm (bring a picnic dinner); July 8 through 12 from 9:45am to 11:00am; and July 22 through 26 from 9:45am to 11:00am. Information is available at https://tinkergarten.com/classes/all/30312. Registration is required for these classes.
Watch a video about Tinkergarten at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQNW77X-vsg&t=89s. Follow the local school on Instagram at @tinkergarten_in_atlanta.
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