Winter/Spring Course Offerings 2009

The Early Childhood curriculum at Imagination Stage takes a holistic approach in order to nurture the whole child. Learning for children of this age is experiential; therefore, teachers use stories, songs, movement and visual arts to engage children in multi-sensory play and to introduce them to the world of creativity.

In Just Imagine classes, a parent/caregiver shares in the creative process working with the teacher to stimulate all aspects of the child’s physical, cognitive and emotional development while simultaneously strengthening the bond between the child and caregiver.

Classes for ages 3–5 are designed for children to attend without a parent/caregiver. The curriculum supports the child’s emerging sense of independence and greater capacity for ‘pretend play.’ Classes continue to work in a multi-sensory manner to engage the multiple intelligences of each child.

Please note: All listed classes are available for registration EXCEPT for those noted as "Closed". Website information is updated every day, at least once.

Winter/Spring 2009

Just Imagine

You and Me
Children explore the arts through music, movement, visual arts and dramatic play, fostering creativity and imagination. Each class session focuses on a different theme such as shapes, animals, the body and more. The multi-sensory play promotes a child’s development of social and motor skills, and strengthens the bond between caregiver and child.
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Dramatic Journeys
For returning students, this class focuses on storytelling as a means of fostering creativity and imagination. Each class session uses a different theme such as shapes, animals, the body and more. The multi-sensory play promotes a child’s development of social and motor skills, and strengthens the bond between caregiver and child. <back to top>

Winter Wonder
Stories, songs and movement associated with winter themes such as snowmen, bears and mittens, help children connect art, music and stories to the changing season. <back to top>

Musical Journeys
For returning students, this class focuses on music as a means of fostering creativity and imagination. Each class session uses a different theme such as shapes, animals, the body and more. The multisensory play promotes a child’s development of social and motor skills, and strengthems the bond between caregiver and child. <back to top>

Arts Immersion
Working in a multi-sensory and multi-disciplinary way, children make connections to stories through music, dance, visual art and dramatic play. These theme-based, half-day classes promote social skills such as active listening, teamwork and turn-taking in an environment that facilitates creative expression. Classes are structured to provide students with a variety of activities. Special guest artists join the students and teachers to enrich their understanding of different themes and cultures. <back to top>

Creative Drama
Students use their bodies, voices, minds and imaginations to explore both classic and contemporary stories. Classes encourage creative expression and promote confidence and self-esteem while working on skills such as active listening and sharing. Connections to stories are made through dramatic play, music, movement and visual art.
Pirates & Mermaids
Busytown
Knights & Princesses
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Creative Movement
Using stories and music around a theme, students develop coordination, physical and spatial awareness and rhythm skills. These movement classes encourage students who want to use their imaginations and move without being held to specific dance steps.
Animal Adventures
Under the Sea
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Drama & Music
Creative drama and music are integrated in this fusion class. Students create their own stories, songs and dances based on popular children’s tales. Using simple props and costumes they create characters and bring their stories to life.
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Dance

Ballet for Beginners
Students twirl into beautiful swans or courageous beasts
using the stories of Beauty and the Beast, Swan Lake, or Cinderella as a springboard to learn beginning ballet steps. Using creative and fun activities, students cultivate motor skills and develop spatial awareness.
Beauty and the Beast Ballet
Swan Lake Ballet
Cinderela Ballet
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Drama & Movement
In this class, students explore popular children’s stories through both creative drama and movement. <back to top>

Mini Broadway Jazz
This exciting class draws from Broadway musicals to develop students’ rhythmic awareness and the ability to use their bodies as instruments. Individual expression is encouraged as students learn basic jazz steps, including kickballchange, jazz arm work and mini-jumps and turns. <back to top>

Tiny Tappers
The perfect class for budding "tappers!” Students learn developmentally appropriate tap steps, coordination and rhythm. <back to top>

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Classes begin January 17. Late registration is subject to availability and suitability of the class.

Questions?
Contact your mentors:

Rachel Dempsey
rdempsey@imaginationstage.org
301-280-1636

Veronika Farkas
Creative Movement/Dance
vfarkas@imaginationstage.org
301-280-1643

Imagination Stage
Students learn

• Gross Motor/Body Awareness through obstacle courses, physical games and creative movement
• Fine motor skills through simple art projects
• Social/Interpersonal skills through circle time, clean up rituals, sharing and turn-taking
• Cognitive skills through story sequencing, focus and concentration, active listening
• Imagination, Sense of self, resiliency by exploring /experimenting, and problem solving through class activities