Play Archives

How To Enjoy Christmas in July

July 18, 2022/in Celebrate, Front Page Blog, Fun, Guide, Party, Play, Taste /by Shine

July kicks off with a bang, as Independence Day fireworks explode in the night sky. Yet, if you live for celebration, it can feel like a long, uneventful stretch until Labor Day. If you missed Friendsgiving, no worries: there are still a few more weekends this month to slap together a Christmas in July.

Food

The perfect dish varies from family to family, but a potluck makes planning easy.

Appetizers invite artistry, with snowman cheese balls, fruit and cheese Christmas trees, or one of these creative Christmas wreath veggie trays.

Try to think of summer twists on your typical fare. For instance, you might bake a ham with pineapple rings and cherries on top or throw turkey legs on the grill. Serve with sides of S’mores Sweet Potatoes, Mexican street corn, and refreshing Holiday-Spiced Cranberries.

Or prefer pasta? Try this Easy Summer Grilled Lasagna, along with Christmas Salad and Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks.

Everyone loves a traditional sugar cookie cut-out for dessert, but you might also try Hot Chocolate Icebox Pie, a Christmas Jell-o, Santa Hat Crispy Cheesecake Squares, or quick and easy Peppermint Bark.

Frills

The details bring the concept of Christmas in July to life:

Encourage attendees to dress in their favorite Christmas tees, hats, and ties. Christmas themed sunglasses or necklaces made of flashing lights and jingle bells make easy accessories for the group. Choose someone to play Santa!
Be sure to bust out all your Christmas serving trays and centerpieces.
Add Christmas inflatables, themed table cloths, tiki Santa statues, festive flamingos, strands of lights wrapped around the trees, or a lit palm tree to your décor.

Fun

There are countless ways to spice up a summer Christmas party:

Too early for Christmas music? Never! A microphone with a built-in speaker and YouTube is all you need for a Christmas karaoke party.
If you have a sandbox, you might have the kids build and decorate a “sandman” instead. Or you could fill red, white, and green water balloons for a fight. Christmas themed pinatas are always a hit with the kids, too!
Organize a “white elephant” gift exchange. Everyone picks a number out of a hat to choose a gift, with an option to steal. For a simple-yet-silly twist, have everyone wrap up a re-gift or something from their home they want to get rid of! Pick up a few items from the dollar store for the kids like a wiffle ball toss game, excavation eggs, chalk, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, or plush toys.
Play a game like Santa Cookie Elf Snowman or the 12 Games of Christmas.
Put on your favorite Christmas movie. Since the weather is much better than December, you might consider an outdoor movie experience with a projector and inflatable screen.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Why wait until December to make memories that’ll last a lifetime? For more ideas on summer entertaining, contact The Shine Studio. We can bring games, crafts, and activities to entertain the kids at your next party or you can drop in for classes, workshops, and camps all summer long.

Why & How To Celebrate National Children’s Day June 12th

June 9, 2022/in Celebrate, Front Page Blog, Fun, Play /by Shine

“The days drag, but the years fly by,” according to a common parenting adage. Amid the hustle and bustle of a busy week of work, school, sports practices, dinners, and bedtime routines, it’s all too easy to lose track of how we spend our daily minutes.

In fact, 6 in 10 parents worry they aren’t spending enough “quality time” with their children, and 1 in 3 children say their parents “work too much.” While parents report feeling happiest playing games with their kids, watching tv together is the most common activity.

National Children’s Day, celebrated this year on June 12^th, reminds us to slow down our fast-paced lives, turn off technology, and focus on togetherness.

The History of National Children’s Day

Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard of Chelsea, Massachusetts first set aside this day in 1856 to hold a special baptism service and addressing problems affecting the child welfare.

Formally, different administrations have chosen different days to celebrate — the second Sunday of October (1989-2000), the first Sunday of June (2001-2016), and November 20^th (2016-present).

Because of all these changes, people choose when they want to celebrate. The second Sunday in June is truest to the original proposed date — and also the nicest weather-wise, so why not take a moment the weekend before Father’s Day to celebrate the “future changemaker” in your life?

How To Celebrate National Children’s Day

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a mutually satisfying activity, as kids often prefer imaginative play which adults may find boring. Here are a few ideas to get the gears turning:

Go to a park — preferably one with a playground (and pack a picnic!)
Dine out — show your child to your favorite restaurant (bonus for an outdoor patio!)
Road trip — check out one of these nearby locations within a few hours of the East End
Play board games — consider some of these expert and parent-tested classics
Make a craft — stop by the Shine studio to pick up a custom-themed craft bag
Play Hide & Go Seek, catch with a ball and frisbee, or croquet in the yard
Visit a family activity center — try roller skating, go karts, bowling, and mini golf
Organize a dance party — all you need is music, but add balloons to make it more fun!
Paint — create a family mural to make a lasting memento of your memories
Hike, bike, or swim — fresh air and activity is a nice change of pace to work and school
Stop by the Shine studio — drop in for a class, workshop, or dance session

Consider this opportunity to break from routine, explore the outdoors, share family stories, ask your child about life, and start new traditions. If you want to connect with the larger parenting community, you can share your adventures using the social media hashtag #NationalChildrensDay.

How to Help Your Kids Benefit from Boredom

May 20, 2022/in Front Page Blog, Guide, Learn, Play /by Shine

With summer break a little over a month away, you can almost hear it now: “I’m BORED.”

While the slumpy complaining and morose attitude can be frustrating to witness, all boredom is not created equal—and most types are actually good for child development.

Researchers have identified five types of tedium:

Indifferent boredom – relaxed, withdrawn, indifferent
Calibrating boredom – uncertain, receptive to change or distraction
Searching boredom – restless, active pursuit of change or distraction
Reactant boredom – motivated to leave a situation for specific alternatives
Apathetic boredom – the unpleasant feeling of helplessness or depression

Researchers say living in this Age of Information overloads our minds with information that produces a scarcity of attention and the ability to engage in productive activities. Allowing boredom provides the mind with a relaxing break that alleviates stress. Allowing the mind to wander and daydream can trigger self-reflection, development of goals, and heightened creativity. Boredom motivates the search for novelty, improved self-control, and fulfillment.

You can interpret your child’s boredom as an emotional signal that something in life needs adjusting. We’ve all been there when unstructured time that doesn’t involve screens results in squabbles, meltdowns, and wrestle fights. To attain household harmony, your child’s life needs a healthy balance between structured activity and idle time.

Here are a few ways to tweak the summer routine ever so slightly to allow boredom:

Plan together time. Sometimes “I’m bored” is really your child’s way of saying, “I need to spend more quality time with you.” Proactively schedule small chunks of together time into your day. Maybe it’s a quick post-breakfast talk and walk around the block or a half hour of board games after you finish work or Friday family movie night. A little goes a long way.

Set up surprises. After your child goes to bed, set out toys for your child to “discover” in the morning. There are probably many toys your child has forgotten about—be it a Lego set, MagnaTiles, paper dolls, puppets, puzzles, or craft supplies. Arrange a plastic animal scene, a stuffed animal tea party, or a blanket fort. Set out a bin of random open-ended play items like pipe cleaners, colored scarves, cookie cutters, costumes, or paper rolls for your child to find and consider. Buy supplies and invite your child to dig, plant, and decorate their own garden. Rotating your child’s environment with new playthings every few days keeps the days fresh and inspiring without requiring immediate oversight from you.

Make a list of boredom busters. Have your child help you brainstorm a list of what to do when the doldrums inevitably strike. Keep the list in a handy place for your child’s reference.

Make a snuggle up and snack spot. Create a quiet corner of the house with a beanbag chair, reading light, snacks, books, stuffed animals, and blankets. Let your child know whenever that feeling of boredom rises, this special spot is always waiting to take the mind on an adventure. You might consider using a sticker chart or punch card with a reward for 10 uses of this space as a way of incentivizing constructive use of boredom.

Help your child set goals. Sometimes we feel aimless when we have no hopes or dreams. Help your child pinpoint a goal to work on this summer, whether it’s achieving a new development milestone like riding a bike or tying laces, taking instrument or sports lessons, finishing a Summer Learning workbook, or learning how to draw. Setting aside time each day to work on improving a life skill can be empowering and productive.

Yes, summer boredom can be fun! If you find these steps aren’t cutting the mustard, remember you can always stop into the new Shine studio in the Hamptons for fun workshops and classes geared toward children 0-12. Contact us for schedules and details.

4 Reasons to Say “Yes” To Spring Break Camp

March 30, 2022/in Celebrate, Front Page Blog, Guide, Play /by Shine

Kids need certain ingredients to thrive—quiet time for reading and learning; structured tasks to build esteem and learn responsibility; fun activities to make new memories; exercise to keep mind and body sharp; and alone time to develop independence. Public school break week is fast approaching: April 11^th to 22^nd. If you haven’t made plans yet, consider sending your kids to Spring Break Camp to keep them off the computer and thriving during their days away from school.

Benefits of Spring Break Camp

It provides structure. Kids who grow up with predictable daily routines are less likely to have attention deficits, self-control challenges, and time management issues as adults, according to University at Albany psychologist Jennifer Weil Malatras. Spring break camp provides a structured routine that keeps kids engaged with learning and off screens.

Make new friends. Socialization is an important aspect of child development. Laurie Kramer, professor of applied family studies at the University of Illinois, noticed that children grow up with different social competencies if they have close relationships with a sibling or peers. “Growing up just with parents is a different environment for young people,” Kramer says. She recommends that parents of only children seek ways to help their child “have social experiences with other children, whether that’s through childcare, preschool, or play dates.” Social interactions with kids the same age fosters cooperation, personality development, respect, communication competence, and problem-solving abilities. At least one study found a direct correlation between camp and improved ability to read social-emotional cues.

Build your child’s memory. Researchers have found that camps are educational, and not just “recreational.” One study found that children at a four-day zoo camp performed 35 to 64 percent higher on test scores about animal classification that kids who hadn’t attended the real-world experience. The findings “highlight the enriching potential of real-world programs like summer camps,” explained Layla Unger, a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University. “This suggests organization of knowledge doesn’t require years to happen; it can occur with a short, naturalistic learning experience.”

Help your child discover new hobbies and skills. It can be difficult to find a sport, activity, or hobby for your child, but camps provide exposure to a number of different opportunities to see what sticks. A spring break camp might include arts and crafts activities, nature and science, music and culinary skill building, theater and physical activity.

American Camp Association surveys highlight the impact camp can have on how children view themselves and how they perform in school:

“I was more confident; I wanted to know everything.”
“I learned a lot about how to control my anger.”
“I feel like I am accomplishing something by being here.”
“I feel that I am better at interacting with friends and family.”
“When I’m at camp I feel that I can be more open with others and myself.”
“I learned to listen… and cooperate with people who have different opinions.”
“I can do more and be proud with myself.”
“I learned to have fun, be a leader, discipline, and most of all – respect.”
“My experience helped me look at challenging situations differently instead of giving up.”
“At camp, I am totally at ease because of the constant fun, activities, and emphasis on self-discovery.”

Need a Little Extra Sunshine This Spring?

Come see us at the new Shine studio! We offer half-day and full-day spring break camps for children ages 3-12, as well as flexible on-demand workshops and at-home or park classes. If you have an open day, we can fill it with creative programming based on a memorable theme. Contact us at info@shinenyc.net for details.

National Puzzle Day Reminds Us to Make Time for Play

January 31, 2022/in Front Page Blog, Guide, Learn, Play /by Shine

January 29^th was National Puzzle Day – a reminder to stop and enjoy brain teasers of all sizes, shapes, and forms. From Crosswords and Sudokus to Jigsaws and Tetris, puzzles encourage the brain to think in different ways that can foster growth and development – especially in young minds. Researchers have discovered that certain types of puzzles accelerate growth in spatial abilities, math, science, and focus. Consider adding some of these fun games into your weekly routine to grow your children’s brains and set them up for success.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Children who play puzzles between ages 2 and 4 develop better spatial skills by 4.5, according to University of Chicago researchers. The ability to mentally transform shapes lays the groundwork for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The study findings were consistent across all income and education levels and unaffected by the amount of parental input. Other research found that children as young as 3 use trial-and-error, while 4-year-olds are able to use clues from the picture to solve jigsaw puzzles.

Q-Bitz

Rhodes College psychologists studied how spatial puzzle play could boost academic performance. When kids practice puzzles that help them reason about space, they are learning life skills – how to navigate a busy street, how to assemble a piece of furniture, or how to best load the dishwasher. Children ages 4-7 who engaged in this type of high-level thinking — by playing with puzzles, blocks, and board games — six or more times per week had higher WPPSI block design scores, which is used as a measure of general intelligence. Other types of play studied included teaching shapes, number skills, playing math games, musical instruments, riding bikes and scooters, and telling stories; none of these activities were associated with improvements in spatial ability. If you’re looking for a fun game that mimics the WPPSI block design test, try Q-Bitz, which challenges memory, visual agility, pattern identification, and hand-eye coordination in children ages 4-8.

Tower of Hanoi

Four to six-year-olds who complete puzzles on tablets are able to transfer these skills to similar physical puzzles, says Joanne Tarasuik, of the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The study used the “Tower of Hanoi” disc-stacking puzzle invented by French mathematician Édouard Lucas in 1883. Scientists use this game to assess frontal lobe deficits, while teachers introduce the game in basic programming studies. Children were able to improve their speed with the physical puzzle after practicing online.

Cut the Rope

Researchers from Nanyang Technology University in Singapore found that adults who played the kid-friendly physics-based puzzle computer game “Cut the Rope” for an hour a day had “significant improvement” in their executive functions. After 20 hours of complex puzzle play, players were able to switch tasks 33% faster, adapt to new situations 30% faster, and block out distractions 60% better. Other study participants played non-puzzle games like Fruit Ninja (arcade), Modern Combat (first person shooter), and StarFront Collision (real-time strategy), but showed no improvement in executive function.

Love to play? So do we! Contact Shine to learn what classes, workshops, and activities we have planned.

Q&A with Shine Founder Aaron Goldschmidt: All You Need To Know About the New Creative Arts Space for Children in The Hamptons

December 1, 2021/in Celebrate, Front Page Blog, Fun, Guide, Learn, Make, Party, Play /by Shine

Shine has been the Tri-State’s leading provider of workshops, camps, pop-up classes, and events since 2004. Programming involves a unique blend of visual arts, science and nature, cooking, cultural immersion, music, and movement, geared toward ages 6 months to 12 years.

Over the years, meetings have taken place at some of the East End’s most iconic locations, like the LongHouse Reserve, Bridge Gardens, or CMEE, but Shine never really had a place to call “home base” – that is, until now!

The Shine Studio debuted to the public earlier this month. Inside, you’ll find three large studios and a café. Outside, you’ll find another café, garden space, an outdoor classroom, a stage, and direct access to the Long Pond Greenbelt trails. It’s an exciting space, designed to inspire creativity and learning.

East End parents are always looking for fun places to go. Whether you’ve experienced our programming before or this is all new to you, company founder Aaron Goldschmidt answers all your questions in this exclusive Q&A about the brand-new Shine Studio, located at 977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932.

Q: How did you arrive at the decision to create a physical space for Shine?

Aaron Goldschmidt, Shine Founder & Director: Shine has always been a mobile, pop-up business. That was the original idea, it has served us very well, and we will continue to offer those services. But with our popular summer camp and growing business on the East End of Long Island, it felt like the right move at the right time. Also, I am a firm believer that things happen when they are supposed to — and I found the most amazing space that just felt like home the minute I walked in. I had to take this place, even without a plan.

Q: What seasonal events are you planning for The Shine Studio that you hope people will want to come back to, year after year?

A: We are hoping to have at least one seasonal or holiday-specific event per month. We’ve only had a small Halloween party this year and are gearing up for a Family Holiday Party on Saturday, December 18^th from 1-4pm. The excitement is in creating and developing events this first year that will hopefully become tradition as we continue to grow and expand!

Q: Is anything exciting coming up over winter break?

A: We will be offering Winter Break Camp at The Shine Studio from Monday, December 20^th through Friday, December 31^st for kids 2-11 years old. We want families to enjoy all the innovative and creative activities they love from our popular summer camp. Activities may include: music and movement, signature Shine craft projects, visits from performing and visual artists, outdoor play, and more! Families can choose from a full day session, or morning or afternoon sessions with the option to stay for lunch. And our Grand Opening Events will be mid-January.

Q: What paint palette, materials, and design aesthetic did you choose, and why?

A: I wanted to go with a clean, beach vibe. Most of our materials are wood, glass, and natural elements with a slight nod to ‘old-school meets modern.’ We also took a lot of inspiration from our new website, as you can see on our graffiti wall. The Shine Studio offers outdoor and indoor spaces for a wide range of our signature activities. The space was renovated by a team of craftsmen from Benenaula Construction, a local Hamptons construction company, who worked with us on every detail to make our space inviting, functional, beautiful, and modern. We wanted the space to act as a canvas for all the art and energy we are going to create here. It is truly a dream come true.

Q: Which is your personal favorite part of the space and why?

A: That is a hard question! It’s all so new, and I’m discovering things I love each day! The outdoor stage/classroom and The Shine Studio graffiti street art behind it are really special to me. But I also love the Craft Studio. I could spend all day in there.

Q: Give us a virtual tour: Tell us how the different rooms function at the studio.

A: Currently, Studio 1 is our multi-use room: perfect for classes, parties, and a variety of our programming. Studio 2 is our Arts & Crafts Studio that has been custom-designed for the sole purpose of making art! Studio 3 is currently being used by Our Fabulous Variety Show, the first artists-in-residence as a part of our @Shine program. Their state-of-the-art dance studio will provide a permanent space for classes, rehearsals, and boundless creativity. We are excited to partner with them on joint programming and help to foster their mission of bringing accessible and inclusive arts programming to the East End.

Q: Tell us how you started working with Our Fabulous Variety Show and why we should sign up for a class.

A: I met Anita Boyer, co-founder of OFVS, a little over a year ago when I hired her to teach some dance classes for Shine. I knew immediately if I were able to open a space out here, I wanted her to be involved. Our missions really go hand-in-hand. Kids should sign up for her classes because there is no better program for kids’ dance and theater around! She has an infectious energy and undeniable talent.

Q: Can parents rent out the space for private events? What can you offer hosts and their guests?

A: Absolutely. The Studio lends itself to being a fabulous event space for gatherings of all ages. With our outdoor space, multiple indoor venues, 1.5 kitchens, lovely bathrooms, the possibilities are really endless. While we could organize an adult craft night, we encourage grown-ups to rent the space and bring in any kind of entertainment or food they desire.

Q: Are all classes, camps, and workshops being held exclusively at the studio now, or will you continue area partnerships with places like the LongHouse Reserve?

A: That’s a very good question. The short answer is ‘no’. Part of what we do so well is show up in the most unlikely places and run our programming. We’re hoping that by having a permanent space we can actually attract more local artists, artisans, and specialists to come and run exciting programming year-round! In terms of summer camp, we would never give up a day at LongHouse, so we are planning on offering MWF here at The Studio, Tuesdays at LongHouse, and Thursdays as our pop-up field trip day!

Q: Do you have any drop-in times or classes available for people who have no experience with Shine to check out the space?

A: As an introductory offer, we are allowing one-offs and small class packs that can be used to try a variety of our current programs running. Anyone interested should contact krissy@shinenyc.net to inquire.

Q: How does the new studio better help Shine deliver on its mission?

A: Our mission has always been to help all children shine the light they have inside. We have been fortunate enough not to need a permanent space for that – and, in many ways, being mobile has afforded us the opportunity to inspire even more children. But setting down roots on the East End and having a space to create, collaborate, and congregate helps to solidify us as a brand and a part of the community. We can now be a destination for anyone who wants to shine their light!

Q: What’s next?

A: If only I knew. If you would have told me, four months ago, I would be sitting in my own process and creative arts studio in the Hamptons, I never would have believed you. I love the adventure that life provides if you follow your passion, work hard, and trust your instincts. We are hoping to begin filming more videos out of The Studio, so kids all over the country can have access to our content. We are also interested in showing local artists in our gallery space, developing branded curricula for a variety of programs, and throwing some pretty awesome parties!

Well, there you have it! All are welcome to check out our new space, we’ve got a few exciting events coming up, and everything you loved about Shine is still available. Contact us at info@shinenyc.net or 212.414.5427 to plan your next visit.

Experience East End Gardens and Farms

July 12, 2021/in Front Page Blog, Fun, Guide, Learn, Play /by Shine

Shine’s “Pop-up Field Trip Thursdays” invite you and your child to take a trip to the best gardens and farms the East End has to offer to enjoy our local bounty. This has been one of our favorite pastimes for years now, as we cultivate deeper community relationships with the good people who produce our food. We believe gardening and farming experiences enrich the mind, body, and soul of children and adults alike. There are still spaces available if you’d like to join us.

Gardening and Farming are Ideal Summer Activities for Children

Young children can practice a number of developing skills – from locomotion and muscle management as they ambulate around the dirt rows, to fine motor control as they grasp trowels and pick up seeds.

Research tells us children are more likely to eat healthy when they see how food is grown and prepared. Kids are also less likely to suffer from asthma and more likely to have healthy immune systems when they interact with farm microbiota.

The fresh air, moderate-to-high exercise, and sensory stimulation intrigue both mind and body. Learning the different names of foods and animals on the farm helps develop burgeoning literacy skills. For kids with attention deficits or hyperactivity disorders, regular green time has been shown to reduce adverse symptoms.

Kids love making mud pies, building stick forts, and having outdoor adventures, but all too often they’re glued to a screen. Engaging in nature play improves fitness, learning capacity, and social-emotional development. Free playing at a farm or garden setting promotes imagination, cooperation, and resilience.

New York’s East End is Blessed with Beautiful Gardens and Farms

A few of our favorite Thursday field trips include:

Amber Waves Farm

Kids enjoy participating in farm chores, walking through the chicken barn, taking a foraging hike, picnicking, story time, and puppet theater shows. They learn about composting, seed planting, natural crafting, and cooking. The farm itself grows over 350 vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, and grains.

Bridge Gardens

The Peconic Land Trust runs a great farm-to-table program at Bridge Gardens in the summer that teaches children about the plant life cycle and sustainable gardening through song, story, and fun take-home projects. This five-acre gem offers beautiful landscapes to walk through, complete with community gardens and art sculptures as well.

Madoo Conservancy

Madoo is about discovery and adventure. Children enjoy painting, crafting, storytelling, art exhibitions, music lessons, and picnicking in the gardens. The atmosphere is far from stuffy. Children are encouraged to run around until their hearts’ content.

Longhouse Reserve

The Longhouse Reserve specializes in art and music programs for children. From the Yoko Ono chess board and the red garden, to dry woodlands and playful second lawn — the whimsical sculptures and well-cultivated spaces spark the imagination.

Ready To Get Out Into Nature?

Gather with like-minded friends for a Shine field trip. We work closely with each venue to create fun, age-appropriate activities that leave a lasting impact. Our enriching combination of art, culture, music, culinary, and fitness activities are beloved by families across the East End. Contact us for details on our next Thursday adventure.

Benefits of Block Play – and How to Inspire a Lifelong Love of Construction

May 17, 2021/in Front Page Blog, Guide, Learn, Play /by Shine

From rudimentary wooden squares and rectangles to complex interlocking plastic Lego sets, block play is serious business for growing young minds. One of the great things about blocks is that they are a timeless toy that transcends all ages. In the words of playwright George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” We invite you to consider the many benefits of block play and to get involved with your child.

A Few Benefits of Block Play

There are countless advantages to block play, but spatial reasoning, math skills, and improved cognitive flexibility are among them.

Spatial Reasoning is vital to investigating and solving problems. Spatial intelligence is used heavily in architecture, art, astronomy, construction, engineering, plumbing, technology, science, and surgery. A study of 51 preschoolers found that those most interested in block construction and built more sophisticated structures also performed best on a standardized test of spatial intelligence.

Math skills improve when a child plays with blocks of different shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Researchers found that young children who were better at copying block structures performed better in early mathematics all the way through middle and high school. This is great news, whether your child is an aspiring financial analyst, computer programmer, medical scientist, actuary, data scientist, or math teacher.

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between two different concepts or to consider multiple concepts at once – in other words, “multi-task.” The chance of being successful in life greatly increase with the amount of cognitive flexibility a person has. One study found that cognitive flexibility greatly improved among preschoolers subjected to structured and unstructured daily block play activities, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Beyond these perks, educators use blocks in the classroom to improve social emotional skills, cooperation, sharing, problem-solving and empathy.

Ideas for Block Play at Any Age

Babies – Aim for soft blocks at this age, as everything goes into the mouth for exploration! These interactive Baby Einstein blocks feature different textures, a vibration effect, a mirror, and a variety of colorful pictures. Soft stacking blocks can provide endless hours of fun – even if you’re the one stacking and your baby’s the one toppling it down.

Toddlers – At this age, anything goes! Simply provide a variety of blocks – wood, foam, plastic, or whatever you have. They love shape and color sorting, carrying and dumping the blocks, stacking up towers and knocking them down. By preschool, most kids will start to experiment with building bridges, castles, roadways, and more complicated structures, while developing elaborate storylines involving their toys as characters. Magna-Tiles are an investment that will grow with your child. We’ve also gotten years of use out of Bristle Blocks. Magnetic “Tangram” pattern blocks can be a fun way to explore how different shapes come together to form larger structures.

1^st Grade – 2^nd Grade – Use food to create edible structures. Marshmallows, apples, cheese, crackers, and gum drops all work great — with toothpicks to hold it all together. The JELL-O “Play and Eat” kits are another fun way to play with your food, while honing those construction skills. For the summer months, take the fun outdoors by collecting loose items in a tote and setting up a building zone; use mirrors, crates, tree stumps, boulders, knitting spools, pom poms, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, felt pieces, kitchen utensils, pots, recycled containers, plastic pipes, and more. Use PVC pipes to construct a simple playhouse for dolls, a pulley system for action figures, or a more elaborate structure the kids can actually play inside themselves.

3^rd Grade – 4^th Grade – At this time, kids are able to put together more elaborate LEGO sets matched to their interests, though some kids just prefer creating their own structures using open-ended Classic bricks. More time is spent in planning, arranging for symmetry, and adding detail work. Dramatic play involving an assortment of toys is still prevalent. Video games like Minecraft allow children the opportunity to explore block-like figures in a virtual environment they can control. Marble runs and erector sets can take block building to the next level. Circuit Cubes appeals to older kids, inviting them to build tanks, mechs, robots, and other vehicles using more sophisticated materials.

Block Play for NYC Kids

Shine invites you to join Block Party, a constructive arts class geared to ages 4-10. Over multiple sessions, little architects will expand on traditional designs using a variety of materials, including sugar cubes, marshmallows, toothpicks, tree blocks, and more. Sculptural art projects translate block play into creative applications of all we’ve learned. Contact us for details.

Additional Resources:

https://www.parentingscience.com/toy-blocks.html

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/ten-things-children-learn-block-play

https://babyyumyum.co.za/7-benefits-of-block-play/

https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/steam-challenges-for-block-play-in-early-childhood/

https://docs.msl.mt.gov/librariesweb/documents/Ready2Read/PlaySpace/pg_rrps_stagesinblockplay.pdf

https://www.theempowerededucatoronline.com/2017/08/block-play-ideas.html/

https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/best-structure-building-activities-kids/

Youth Camps Are Safe, New Study Says

March 22, 2021/in Front Page Blog, Fun, Guide, Play /by Shine

Warmer weather has many New Yorkers looking forward to better times, including the ability to gather in small groups outdoors again. Spring Break is coming up for our kids, which means they’ll need child care and entertainment during school-free days. We’re pleased to report great news as to the safety of spring break and summer camps. Shine camps operated last summer without a single positive case reported. Beyond that, on a grander scale, new analysis confirms the almost nonexistent transmission rate when proper hygiene and distancing protocols are put in place.

Youth Camps Provide Opportunity for Safe Social Interaction

Last month, Duke University researchers published a new study in the journal Pediatrics, affirming the safety of summer camps. They analyzed data covering more than 6,500 children and staff members at 54 YMCA programs in North Carolina from March through August 2020.

Though overall regional community transmission rates were peaking at this time, researchers identified just 10 campers and nine workers with confirmed COVID-19 infections during that time. Out of the 19 infections, only two individuals were believed to have caught the virus there. All others were infected outside of camp. Symptomatic spread rate (with the presence of cough or fever) was 0.6% and asymptomatic spread risk was 0.07%, according to the study.

They added that the social and emotional benefits of the “in-person programming” camps provide further “outweigh any risk of transmission.” This past year has been difficult, but families can feel comfortable promoting the wellbeing of their children through camp settings this spring and summer.

COVID-19 Safety Measures Make a Difference, Experts Say

According to researchers, the low transmission rate can be attributable to measures like:

Offering outdoor activities, as well as indoor.
Minimizing groups to 10 kids per adult.
Pre-camp quarantining for overnight campers.
Conducting daily temperature checks and health questionnaires.
Enforcing hygiene measures like mask-wearing and hand-washing.
Encouraging social distancing of six feet or more whenever possible.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, play spaces, and materials daily.

All Shine camps and workshops follow NY State best practices and the latest CDC guidance. Visit this link for details on how we’ve been operating safely this past year.

Shine Spring and Summer Camp Registration in the Hamptons and NYC Are Now Open

We’ve been cooped up too long! Shine can keep your kids active, educated, entertained, and safe this spring with classes, workshops, and day-long programming at camps in the Hamptons and NYC. Shine programming is run by experienced educators and geared toward ages 4-12, incorporating art, music, science, culture, foreign language, cooking, free-play, sports, theatre arts, games, as well as your child’s own unique interests.

Our Spring mini-semester runs from Monday, April 5^th through Friday, June 11^th

Summer programming is also available Monday, July 5^th to Friday, September 3^rd. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, group sizes will be limited. Contact us for details.

Best Places to Shake Off Your COVID-19 Blues on Long Island’s East End

July 18, 2020/in Guide, Learn, Party, Play /by Shine

As we prepare to enter the fifth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural to worry about the mental and emotional toll the isolation is taking on your child and family. You may yearn for normalcy, but worry about the risks of returning to family fun as usual. Many of the places you used to take the kids are still closed and highly anticipated summer events have been cancelled.

What’s a parent to do?

It’s important that we shine our inner lights, so our children remember this summer as a time of growth and enrichment, not stagnation. The places we love may be operating a little differently, but in some ways, timing your visit during this low-traffic time makes it better.

To help, we’ve curated a list of idyllic places to spend a safe, enjoyable summer afternoon on Long Island’s East End. Also, we offer the latest scoop on day camps that are running with expanded safety protocols, offering a fun, educational environment that isn’t so dependent on parental supervision.

LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre sculpture garden dedicated to reflecting world cultures and inspiring creativity. Here you’ll find a maze-like environment of giant chess boards, lotus plant ponds, and futuristic solar panel art installations. Two hours should be a good amount of time to take in the surrounding beauty and 60+ works of art.

The garden re-opened to the public on June 17^th — but due to COVID-19, visits are by timed ticket reservations ONLY. Day trips are $15 and Twilight Tours $30, but be sure to plan a week or two in advance, as tickets are selling out.

Everyone is required to wear a mask, except children under two – who must be kept in strollers. Restrooms and water fountains are closed, benches are roped off, INstore is closed, and six-foot social distancing with other groups is advised.

Bridge Gardens

The five acres of Bridge Gardens provides a welcome respite for birdwatching, painting, photography, and nature study in the heart of Bridgehampton. The mix of community gardens, demonstration plots, and ivy mazes makes it the perfect oasis for picnicking.

Bridge Gardens is open daily from 10-4 with free admission. Out of an abundance of caution, the Peconic Land Trust has switched their tour programming to virtual Zoom meetings instead.

Madoo Conservancy

Established by artist, writer, and gardener Robert Dash, Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack is a registered historic site replete with fairytale cottages, Chinese ponds, unique artwork, and enchanting gardens.

Madoo Conservancy opened for the season on June 22^nd. If you wish to visit the Madoo Conservancy, visits for groups of 10 or less are now by APPOINTMENT ONLY. The garden is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4pm through October 10^th, 2020.

All guests are required to wear face masks, which can also be found on-site if you do not have one. Guests are asked to wash their hands upon entering and using hand sanitizer upon leaving. Strollers are not permitted and there are no public restrooms at this time.

The $10 admission fee is waived, thanks to a generous grant from the Barry Friedberg and Charlotte Moss Family Foundation.

Amber Waves Farm

Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett has received praise for their safety-first approach to produce cultivation during the COVID-19 crisis. Normally, this time of year, there are pizza-making workshops, farm tours, and story hours for kids – but specialty programming has been placed on hold in light of recent events. Even so, Full Moon Suppers are on the calendar starting in August, and you can always stop by for a box of produce and a bite to eat.

The Café opened for the 2020 season on June 13^th with breakfast and lunch orders available to-go or to enjoy at their socially-distant picnic tables from 8am to 4pm. Guests are asked to wear masks any time they are on the property, except for when dining. You can also shop the market and order a produce box for next-day curbside pickup online. The staff is required to wear gloves and face coverings while working at the market.

Looking for a safe enrichment environment for your children?

Summer camp for ages 4-11 is a little different this year, with pods very limited in size to keep everybody safe. We have three full days of programming (9:00 am to 2:30 pm), with a few spots left.

Monday outdoor sessions at LongHouse Reserve will meet in two groups of 10, with no other camps on-site. Wednesday and Friday sessions at the Children’s Museum of the East End from July 20^th through September 4^th offers an exclusive opportunity to visit the museum while it is closed to the public.

Beyond the size limitations, Shine educators are strictly adhering to ALL State of New York and CDC protocols. Parents are to stay in the car during pickups and drop-offs. We will ask you a few questions, such as whether anyone in your household has experienced COVID-like symptoms in the past 14 days, tested positive, or come into contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected coronavirus. Campers will have their temperatures taken and wash their hands thoroughly before the day begins. Teachers and counselors will be wearing masks when interacting with children, remaining at a distance whenever possible, and sanitizing surfaces and materials frequently.

Children will receive the same high-quality Shine programming we’ve curated for the past six years. Carolina Fuentes and Drumanawé will be stopping by with their unique combination of music and movement. Mondays feature Chris Sahr’s fine arts groups and a coach from Super Soccer Stars. Wednesday Workshops bring in local farmers and artisans. Fridays include art with Chris Sahr and fun interactive STEM activities with Snapology.

Shine will be taking summer excursions to all of the places mentioned here. Check out some of the places we’ve been with the kids so far, from strawberry fields to beaches on our Instagram. We’re also working on adding private museum access and guided walks at SoFo in the coming weeks as well. Contact us to inquire about availability and the latest partnerships.