PD Opinion

Y EXERCISE

September 6, 2009

Making school fun

By Laura Musto Cowher

The Greater Pittston YMCA will start its half-day school program for two, three, four and five-year-olds the week of September 14 and enrollment is still open!

“Seeing the kids come for the first day of school is such a beautiful sight,” said Ronide Louis-Hypolite, childcare director. “It reminds me of why I wake up every morning to come to work.”

The half-day programs include the Terrific Twos on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; the Thinking Threes on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and the Fabulous Fours & Fives on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Classes are taught by Marta Jones, who has been teaching at the YMCA for 20 years, and Michele Dillon, who has been teaching for five years. Classes are built around learning, socializing, and having fun.

Children in the Terrific Twos sing, do crafts, and play in the facility’s gymnasium, said Jones. “It’s to socialize them,” she said.

The Thinking Threes allows children to learn their numbers and letters and teaches them about the weather and holidays. Playtime in the gym and on the playground, walks, crafts and parties are also part of the children’s daily routine.

The Fabulous Fours and Fives prepare children for school.

“This is a kindergarten readiness program,” said Jones. “It’s more structured.”

Children in the three-day a week class learn letters, numbers, science, and math. “It’s taught in a fun way. They do it through play,” said Jones.

Children are also taken on walks and field trips as well as play and swim at the YMCA’s facility.

For more information on the half-day programs, call Ronide Louis-Hypolite at 570-655-2255.

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