Two Harrogate mums have launched parent and child classes to combat the impact of covid on local education.
Fiona Cunningham, who teaches at Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery, and Charlotte Davison, who teaches at Grove Road Community Primary School, felt the pandemic stunted young childrens’ speech and language development, as well as “overall school readiness”.
Early Explorer classes will offer sensory story time sessions improve communication and speech skills ahead of starting school.
Ms Cunningham said:
“Having had children of our own we are hoping to provide something we felt was missing in this area.
“As passionate teachers and mums, we noticed the impact that covid had on children’s development in terms of speech and language. We wanted to use our teaching skills and experience to support families and children in the area to inspire a love of learning through sensory stories and experiences.”
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The pair hope the classes will help children better understand narratives, increase vocabulary and cognitive development.
Ms Cunningham added:
“In our classes, stories come to life through a symphony of sights, sounds, textures and scents.
“Through carefully curated tales, interactive props, soothing music and tactile elements, children will embark on a journey of exploration and imagination.”
Once established, Ms Cunningham and Ms Davison hope to offer maths and writing classes too.
“We are so excited to be starting this new project and have enjoyed meeting our first Early Explorers in the recent weeks and can’t wait to welcome even more of you to our sensory story time classes!”
Early Explorers will be held at Staveley & Copgrove Village Hall on Monday mornings, and at Killinghall Village Hall on Friday mornings.
The classes are suitable for parents with babies and children up to the age of 4. Prices start at £9.