NEST can be more than just fun. NEST uses play and active learning to open young minds, develop important skills and foster a life-long love of learning. Our programming has been endorsed by local leaders in pediatric occupational therapy and is always developmentally appropriate.

We strive to provide the perfect physical environment for exposing children to experiences that enhance their developing minds and bodies. Our classes, as well as our indoor playspace, are designed to help our little ones learn by employing play as a gateway to discovery and initiative. Here are the kinds of skills our programs are created to enhance:
 
 
Communication Skills
Listening, talking, reading and writing. All of these skills are learned in practically every class at NEST, beginning with listening. Run…Freeze…Jump… March. Listening for these cues from the teacher and learning how to follow instructions will help build the foundation for learning.

Observation and Exploration
There is lots to explore at NEST. Visual thinking means being aware of your physical space and environment. Solving puzzles, following maps, and building a LEGO tower are all examples of this.

Social and Emotional Skills
Working together as a team, sharing, taking turns and learning to get along with others are important life skills fostered through interaction with classmates.

Creativity and Imagination
Exploring the unknown, following your curiosity and pretend play are all healthy ways kids express themselves. In class, we pretend a parachute is a big camp tent or a hula-hoop is a space ship. This comes naturally to our instructors who enjoy becoming a kid again if for just an hour or two a day.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills Development
Large muscle movements are called gross motor skills and are included in activities such as catching or throwing a ball, running in a game of tag or climbing up a ladder. Fine motor skills refer to small movements, such as those needed to pick up a piece of cereal in a pincer grasp between thumb and index finger. Kids can practice fine motor skills with games like puzzles or sorting toys. At an appropriate age, these and other skill building activities are incorporated into every class at NEST.

Musical Skills
Musical skills include tapping out rhythms, singing songs, playing instruments, and listening to music and other sounds we make in our music and early enrichment classes.

Sports Skills
Gymnastics, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, even lacrosse are introduced to our kids in classes that begin at age 2. We can't promise your little one will earn a college scholarship on the merits of soccer skills, but they will be on their way to learning the skills and sportsmanship of competitive sport.

Risk Taking and Problem Solving
Walking on a balance beam for the first time. Jumping off a soft block. Climbing through a tunnel. These can be very big milestones for your little one and we don’t overlook the impact they have on their self-confidence.
 

In addition to providing these experiences that will enhance sensory, motor, cognitive, social and emotional development in your child, Parents will learn strategies for supporting their infants and toddlers so they can become more self-confident in their parenting. As a result, you can relax and enjoy the time you spend with your children. After all, that is what’s its all about, isn’t it?



Have questions about classes? Our Guest Services Manager, Grace Farrell, at Grace@nestphilly.com, would be happy to answer them for you!