Winter WonderLearn
A flexible winter recess program for hands-on learning
While Central Illinois hunkers down for the winter, Bloom Community School will be a hive of wonder and learning. We welcome your curious child to opportunities hands-on learning during our flexible holiday break programming, which offers indoor and outdoor exploration, thematic projects, mind-growing inquiry and collaboration, and imaginative play in a safe, fun, supervised environment.
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can investigate weather and precipitation, explore seasonal adaptations of plants and animals, take nature walks, try new experiments, explore our maker space, and dive into indoor and outdoor projects.
The lead teacher for these wonder-filled, welcoming sessions is Christy Willard , area Tinkergarten leader, providing expert nature exploration and play. Bloom is excited to partner with Christy to offer play-based, inquiry-driven programming that incorporates intentional life skills development.
SCHEDULE
Winter programming is offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following days of winter break for area schools:
Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 26-29, 2017
Tuesday-Friday, Jan. 2-5, 2018
The cost for this flexible drop-in program is $30 per day (regardless of the number of hours attended).
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LOCATION
Bloom's Winter WonderLearn programming will take place at our wonderful new location in Normandy Village, at 1100 N. Beech Street, Normal, IL. Turn into Normandy Village from N. Beech, then follow the drive toward the right around the clusters of cottages and arrive in the parking area on the east side. Bloom is located in the cottage on the northernmost side of the parking area.
ATTIRE
Dress for the weather, including snowy and cold days! Wear layers of comfortable clothes for outdoor and indoor activities, and hands-on, messy fun. You should plan to have a warm winter coat for outdoor adventures, warm gloves, a hat, and snow boots, at a minimum. Snow pants recommended for cold and snowy days. Extra clothes are advised for younger children, especially. Here is a link to a great article from the Tinkergarten blog about dressing for the cold for all ages.
WHAT TO BRING
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Water bottle and several hearty snacks daily (we'll be active, and we know that Bloom kids get hungry!)
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Packed lunch that does not require refrigeration
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Backpack to carry projects home
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Extra layers and/or change of clothes
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Registration has a rolling deadline; please contact us about registrations after Dec. 23 before making a deposit. Please submit the form below and pay a $25 deposit fee (see link below form) for each child; deposit will be applied to the total programming invoice as a materials/supplies fee for this special session.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Parents/guardians must apprise Bloom Community School leadership about any of the following considerations: relevant health/medical information including allergies, significant medications, behavioral considerations, IEP or 504 designations, and adults authorized to pick up the child from Bloom, etc. If there are other areas of information and communication with Bloom leadership and staff that would be helpful to your child for their adjustment and comfort, please share with us! Our desire is to create safe learning spaces in which all of our learners can thrive.
CONFIRMATION OF YOUR REGISTRATION
You will receive an automated reply immediately upon completion of your online payment and registration. After registering online you will receive periodic email messages with important Bloom Winter WonderLearn updates. Please note that all camp communication is sent to the email associated with your camp registration (the person who registered the child).
STEPS TO REGISTRATION:
1) Please register your child/ren (registration form is below) for the Winter WonderLearn days you have chosen. Each child must be registered separately.
2) Pay the deposit for the Winter WonderLearn program (link is below); a deposit must be made for each child.