Question 1

What does NJ Ready 2 Play believe?

Accepted Answer

Here at nj READy 2 PLAY we strongly believe the first few years of all children's lives is the most precious time to nurture a love of literacy. It has always amazed us that babies to school age children have the incredible gift of being naturally curious about everything!  We believe there is no better way to learn than to let children play and explore! At nj READy 2 PLAY we lead engaging sessions that foster early literacy skills through books, sensory play, cooking, & STEAM. The combination of our interactive read aloud and unique play experiences gives your little one the perfect opportunity to practice their emerging language, literacy, and social skills in playful ways.

Question 2

What can caretakers expect?

Accepted Answer

We encourage caretakers to be active participants in our sessions. Caretakers can expect to leave each session with a toolbox of strategies to engage their child during bedtime story, gain tips for encouraging language and vocabulary development, and gain an understanding of literacy skills such as rhyming, alphabet knowledge, and much more as your child grows! We hope you also get ideas for fun engaging play activities that you can continue to do at home!

Question 3

What can I expect a session to include?

Accepted Answer

Each session will have an interactive read aloud to listen and participate in. We will read books of course! And also immerse ourselves in songs, poems, and chants! Children will then have opportunities to cook, experiment, or play in stations related to the story we read that day.  The play experiences thoughtfully reflect the age group we are working with. As children explore & play in sensory bins, cook up recipes, or explore hands on experiments they are guided by the expertise of the session leader. During the last few minute of class children will invited to make a literacy artifact that reflects the theme of the day incorporating key emergent reading skills, language and vocabulary goals. Each class ends with a sticker and a smile!

Question 4

Is this class right for my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Each class is specifically designed to work on developmentally appropriate skills through storytime and play opportunities for ALL children. From the earliest babbles to a proficient reader we have you covered at nj READy 2 PLAY. Our sessions are focused on child strengths and natural curiosity. We believe in creating a safe space so children feel happy to take risks and do what they do best, play! We pride ourselves on not only creating a safe space, but also a truly inclusive one. Please feel free to discuss with us any way that we can accommodate your child to make it the best experience for them.

Question 5

How is this different from other story times or classes offered to young children and babies?

Accepted Answer

We feel we have developed something special here at nj READy 2 PLAY and hope you will too! What makes our sessions extra special is your child will be actively playing while also practicing developmentally appropriate language & literacy skills that we have intentionally woven into each session. Our expertise is making play and learning go hand and hand. Our years of early childhood development will allow us to guide each individual child as they play & learn.

Question 6

Are there opportunities for older children to learn at NJ Ready 2 Play?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have a deep knowledge of school aged children's literacy development. We will soon have opportunities for children 5-7 years old to participate in after school sessions. Here, we will take a deeper dive into strengthening literacy and social skills combined with a range of experimental play opportunities. Please reach out for information regarding private tutoring/consults or small group reading clubs.

Question 7

What do I need to bring for my child?

Accepted Answer

We always recommend leaving the house with a change of clothes in case things get a little messier than we expect! There is no eating in our room, but you can bring water/snack for after class. Remember we are a shoe free facility, socks required for all children and adults.

Question 8

Is there a place to stay during drop off sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes we have a cozy, beautiful lobby right outside our classroom doors that caretakers can wait.

Frequently Asked Questions