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Thursday Play Group: Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods
Join other area caregivers and kids on Thursday mornings for unstructured forest playtime. The goal of this event is to give kids a chance for unstructured outdoor play. We encourage adults to take a step back and let the kids lead the way!
This week we’ll meet at Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods. We’ll meet at the trail start under the tree at the very back of the parking lot. We’ll begin with hellos and introductions and then start down the path. The trail distance at Ted Lechowitz is much shorter than LaBagh so we can really slow down and go at the kids’ pace. We’ll make our way down the trail to the area near somewhat near the train tracks.
Time for Uninterrupted Free Play
The goal of this event is allow children time and space to play together in unstructured outdoor play. It’s very rewarding when we can stand back and let the children take the lead in what they notice and what they want to engage with. Some weeks it will be one thing that catches their interest, and other weeks it may be something entirely different. By not having a set curriculum, we are free to follow where the children’s curiosity takes them. In these Free Forest School gatherings, we resist our adult urges to point out what we are drawn to and do our best to follow where the children’s curiosity is taking them.
During this time of free play, it’s helpful as caregivers to try and be present and observe what is unfolding. Our children notice our presence and when they sense that we are not distracted with conversations or our own agenda, they can feel more freedom to engage with their surroundings and with the other kids. While it’s always great to catch up with the other adults, having a least some time of intentional observation can be extremely rewarding for us as well. It gives us a chance to appreciate what our kids are doing and to connect with our kids and each other through this shared presence.
If you’d like more info about how to facilitate child-led play, you can check out this document I’ve written (still a work in progress).
Age Range
Kids of all ages are welcome at this event! Kids tend to be between 1.5-6
What to Bring
Bug spray, sunscreen, sun hats, and a snack.
What to Wear
There are bugs and poison ivy so you might want to wear long pants and perhaps a long sleeve shirt. It’s often muddy and there is also an area to play by the river so shoes that can get wet/handle mud work best. It can also help to have a rain suit/muddy buddy. You may want to bring a change of clothes for the ride home.
Safety
Keep an eye on the children in your care and establish the safety boundaries that make sense for your family. There is a train track with running trains not far from where we will be. We have a general rule that no one is to walk up on the gravel paths because that will bring you too close to the trains.
The event will continue rain or shine. We will cancel in case of severe weather (lightning).
Snack
We will gather for a snack at some point, usually about half-way through or so. Please be aware of participants with food allergies. Communicate with fellow adult participants before offering snacks to other children.
Bathrooms
There are no bathrooms directly by the trail we’re meeting at but there is a porta potty at the adjacent parking area (you will pass it on your way in and out).