Language Play® Language Play is the Upper West Side's only language and creativity program for toddlers. This fun and educational program creates a forum for caregivers and toddlers to play, bond, and build stories together in a supportive environment. It is for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds and you--parents and caregivers. It is an imagination-based, language enhancement program that cultivates every child's desire for imaginary play and narration by empowering them with first-hand experience in coherent story construction.

Most of all, it's fun!

Spring Schedule

The Spring Workshop Begins April 20th. Participants enroll for eight, weekly sessions, and may enroll on an ongoing basis. Registration is now open!

Mondays

10:30 to 11:15 AM
3:00 to 3:40 PM
4:30 to 5:15 PM

Thursdays

10:30 to 11:15 AM
3:00 to 3:40 PM
4:30 to 5:15 PM

Summer Camp

(Caregivers may take part if they wish)

August 2nd - August 5th

10am-1:00pm each day

Workshop Fee: $525

What are Language Play workshops like?

DEVELOPING STORYTELLING LANGUAGE

Speaking and writing are inseparable from thinking. When we encourage toddlers to relate their experiences or share an idea of funny made up thoughts, we show them that words have power. The more questions we ask them, the more they learn to process and narrate. The more we ask them to reflect and imagine, the better thinkers they become. Plus, it's fun!

LEARNING TO USE PROMPTS FOR INSPIRATION
Kids and caregivers pick illustrated cards from a deck and use them as prompts in creating one story as a group. Story building culminates in puppet shows and live performances by Writopia's children's theater professionals.

CULTIVATING SOCIAL SKILLS

As toddlers and parents work together to create stories, children experience first-hand the pleasure of brainstorming and building in a social setting.  

HAVING FUN

While the creative process is always exciting, developing stories with your own child is an even more deeply fulfilling experience. Caregivers enjoy the rare pleasure of playing and laughing with their children as they work as a team to brainstorm, narrate, and perform original stories.

The Foundation

The age-specific, original curriculum is based on an integrative learning approach that encourages critical thinking and helps develop narrative skills. While little pre-writers discover and express their own individuality through a variety of activities, caregivers witness, participate in, and enjoy these magical moments.

Classes are led by instructors trained in our method, all of whom have a strong background (degrees and/or licenses) in linguistics or language development and child development.

Writopia partnered with linguists and child development specialists to develop Language Play®, an innovative program designed to inspire and enhance your 3- or 4-year-old's imagination and language usage in a fun, interactive environment.

How To Register

Please call (212) 222-4088 to inquire about availablilty.

"The best thing about Language Play was watching the kids become active in story-telling, and involved in the creative process. No other comparable program offers practice using language, phonics, and creative language play."
-- Rebecca, mother of Avner, three years old.

"I was so impressed with how the children answered questions in a group setting... and how they were prompted to really think creatively. They worked together and listened to each other's ideas. And the instructor really focused on the children's ideas as well."
--Cecily Chester, mother of Lila, three years old.

"Language Play is more focused on writing than any program I know of--and the group is more intimate."
-- Stephanie, mother of Jack, 3 years -old