I remember as a child running and playing in the woods after school. My parents had no concerns about our health or whereabouts and there were unspoken agreements of coming in when darkness descended. It was very natural, carefree and adventurous. My creativity was inspired as a result of this play time and my focus in school was never a problem. This is not the world we live in today and, although there may be some nostalgia and mourning over the past, my aim is to capture that freedom, choice and adventure for the youth of Steadfast Academy. This is why we are excited to offer facilitated creativity and play that young people may not get in school.
We are now offering new and exciting activities for the children. Including air hockey which requires dexterity and focus, Wii Just Dance “fun included” and ping pong for the eye/hand coordination. To meet the needs for creativity and imagination we have arts and crafts, a Barbie Center, Lego Land and a Block Building Area. Using Legos and blocks to make structures encourages a child to test spatial relationships and mentally rotate objects in the mind’s eye. So, increased capacity for geometric shapes and mathematical skills result from using these simple toys all while enjoying play.
America’s got talent and so do we…with a new Karaoke machine and stage for the aspiring pop stars! Let your child sing to his or her hearts content before they get in the car so you can enjoy some peace and they can enjoy some freedom. Keeping young school agers and older school agers in separate groups is important for peer connection. At the same time, we aim for inclusion and choice at Steadfast Academy so we have a strategy of rotating the different groups from room to room where all varieties of offerings will be represented. As the weather gets nicer, outdoor play is always an option with trikes, kickball, swings and a climbing structure.
All in all, I am excited to announce this growth and hope your kids will thrive with the added programs. We may not be able to recreate the freedoms we once enjoyed in our childhoods and that’s okay. With a child’s mind we can always find creative ways to meet those same needs. I invite you to join me and my staff on this journey.