austin-moms-blog-tinkergartenTinkergarten1Welcome to Tinkergarten!

“Sparrow sparrow time to fly
Through the meadow through the sky
Sparrow sparrow time to fly
Come to Tinkergarten”
– opening song, Come to Tinkergarten

Tinkergarten3This past season, hundreds of Austin area families have taken part in the Tinkergarten experience. Toddlers and preschoolers from Cedar Park to Dripping Springs met at local parks, once a week, to explore nature, problem solve, sing songs and build social skills. Tinkergarten parents and caregivers joined in by guiding their children, connecting with like-minded parents and gaining valuable insight on how to grow inquisitive, self-reliant, creative leaders.

“Last season was a time of wonder and discovery as our guides and explorers embraced learning outdoors! We made memories and messes and had a TON of fun! Looking forward to a summer season of new activities and new adventures!” – Grace Loggins, Tinkergarten leader in Leander and Cedar Park

Sharing the same ideals as Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia, the Tinkergarten curriculum is expertly developed for 18 month to 8 year olds, when brain development is in its most vital stages. Vetted and trained Tinkergarten leaders, oftentimes local parents themselves, present inquiry and play-based lessons that build with each season and are individualized to meet the needs of each learner.

“I was constantly delighted by the many directions my Explorers took during our time together since they had the space to do just that. The beauty of our open-ended activities is that I got to observe what my Explorers were naturally drawn to, and as the season went on, tailor the curriculum to their interests while building in challenges and problems for them to solve. It was wonderful to see the children transform from independent collectors and problem-solvers to a community who worked together to lift heavy pulleys, protect each other’s found living creatures, and collaborate on how to build just the right campfire for making stone soup.” – Nancy Nicholas, Tinkergarten leader in North Austin

Tinkergarten2Tinkergarten also offers an amazing resource for local families on their website.  Families can register on the Tinkergarten website to receive free, creative, easy-to-implement activities bimonthly and for notification when classes are available at their local parks.  

“Our Spring season was full of fun & discoveries! It was such a treat to welcome the same families week after week & to learn alongside my group of guides & explorers as they formed connections with one another. This summer we’ll be not only working with the summer sun, but making it the star of our show! Experiments, teamwork, problem solving, getting dirty & keeping cool are on the agenda!” – Sarah Maxwell, leader in Dripping Springs & Bee Cave

Tinkergarten4For more information about Tinkergarten, you can also check out this video.

Don’t let the summer heat deter you from joining classes. Tinkergarten leaders work with the heat, using the sun to teach about science and using water as a play tool, in addition to keeping cool.  

Free trials and new classes are happening right now in Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, and the Austin area! Be sure to RSVP to ensure there’s a spot for you – including in the trial class.   

Summer classes are flexible: join an 8-week summer class, come as often as you wish, and you’ll only pay for 6 sessions. There are also 2-class workshops that are just 1 week, in Pflugerville and Round Rock.  

Join in on the fun today!

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1 COMMENT

  1. Our family has participated in Tinkergarten for both summer and fall sessions and I have been blown away by how wonderful the experience has been. Anna Smith is an absolute gem whose passion for accompanying children as they learn through play shines through. I’m in the final months of my PhD in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology, so I’ve spent a lot of time reading and thinking about what helps kids learn and grow. A caring teacher who offers kids new ways to engage with their environment is one of them- and Tinkergarten is a wonderful space where that happens every week. My kiddo has been in music classes, Soccer shots (soccer), and some art play times- and Tinkergarten is at the top of the list. The socioemotional development that this class deftly supports is *so* crucial to a happy childhood and successful early education experience. Playing outside, singing songs, working across age-ranges is such a beautiful experience for children. And we’ve learned many new ways to play at home both through the online portal as well as the activities in class.

    I also like that there are free demo classes so you can get a sense of what it’s like before you commit.

    PS> For those who have any considerations/special needs/accommodations/language choices/supports that would help your child really thrive in class, Anna is excellent. She really knows her stuff!

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