Tots can play, explore, cook at Schaumburg park classes

Give tots and preschoolers a jump start on learning in 2016 with early childhood classes at the Schaumburg Park District.

From a travel-themed class giving youngsters a passport to the world, to one-day programs cooking up scrumptious treats, the district's early childhood lineup offers something for every interest. Among new classes in 2016 is Tots Around the World. Children ages 3 to 5, will "visit" different places in the world each week, including Paris, Spain, China, Italy and Africa. Participants will sample foods from various countries, and learn about different traditions and cultures. Also new is Pete the Cat, featuring a hunt for "groovy buttons," and creating an edible Pete the Cat jacket.

Happy, Healthy Me allows children to play and exercise with their favorite Doc McStuffins characters - Doc, Lambie and Chilly. In February, youngsters may celebrate Valentine's

Day during A Berry Sweet Celebration.

During Little Chef, from Feb. 12 to March 18, youngsters ages 4 to 6 will stir up fun each week, creating recipes and using self-expression to explore foods. Starting Feb. 22, children will explore various forms of transportation at Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Twice in January, children ages 3 ½ to 5 are invited to celebrate winter Anna and Elsa style during Journey to the Ice Palace.

Other classes follow the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics trend in schools, including Bubbleology-The Magic of Bubbles. Children will discover whether all bubbles are the same, if they may be prevented from popping and what may be done with bubbles.

"Early childhood classes are a great way for children to learn to socialize and develop their motor skills," said Teresa Varco, early childhood supervisor. "It also allows parents to meet other parents with children around the same age."

Favorites such as Disney-Mania, Doll's Day Out and Tot Rock also are returning in the new year.

Many of the early childhood classes take place at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N.

Springinsguth Road.

New 2016 classes include:

• Tots Around the World: 1-2 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 25-Feb. 8, for ages 3-5 years.

• Pete the Cat: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, for ages 3-5 years.

• Pirate Adventure: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, for ages 3-5 years.

• Happy, Healthy Me: 1:15-2 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 22-March 7, for ages 3-6 years.

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles: 1-2 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 22-March. 14, for ages 2 ½-4 years.

• A Berry Sweet Celebration: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, for ages 3½-6 years.

• Journey to the Ice Palace: 1-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, for ages 3½-6; and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 for ages 3½-6 years.

• I Spy Winter: 1-2 p. m. Fridays, Feb. 26-March 18, for ages 2-3 years.

• Frosty Friends: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, for ages 30 months-4 years

For information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit www.parkfun.com.

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