Lots of Fun for Preschoolers at Highfield This Fall

Highfield Hall will be offering a bevy of activities for preschoolers and their caregivers this fall. Part of the popular Kids@Highfield initiative begun last April, the programs are designed to provide young children and their guardians the chance to enjoy fun and educational activities while older kids are at school.

Beginning next Wednesday, Sept. 26, Highfield will offer Spanish for Children, giving preschoolers the opportunity to get a head start on becoming bilingual. “It's never too early for children to learn a second language,” says Education Coordinator Caroline Inman.

Two separate classes will run each Wednesday for the next eight weeks. From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., kids up to age three will get started learning the Spanish words for colors, shapes, foods, and more. Then, from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., kids ages four and five get their chance. Both classes are taught by Maria Pechuk, a native Spanish speaker and experienced teacher. The eight-session course costs $60 per child and caregiver pair for Highfield family-level members, and $64 for nonmembers.

Beebe Woods Explorers begins Thursday, Sept. 27, and runs weekly through Oct. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. Geared toward children aged three to five, and hosted by Amy Sellers, the program will give kids the chance to meet local animal life on nature walks through Beebe Woods. Also included will be songs, crafts, and stories, all revolving around the animals and their home. Featured animals are squirrels, rabbits, mice, raccoons, and even skunks. The class is $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers.

To register for classes, or for more information, call (508) 495-1878, or visit www.highfieldhall.org.

Executive Director Barbara Milligan says, “When we launched these programs in the spring, it was the realization of a goal I had had since Highfield Hall opened in 2006. We went through a careful process to identify and create programs that we thought would fill needs in the community and that would also showcase Highfield Hall as an extraordinary resource for learning and enjoyment. The resounding success of the programs to date, including our Summer Discovery Days and Family Nights Out at Highfield Hall, has encouraged us to offer more options this fall.”

Still more programs, classes, and other events are set for October, both for preschoolers and the whole family. Check them out at Highfield's website, or watch for more on Patch.