Every year, 826CHI publishes at least one book that draws from the collective imaginations of about 4,000 students from more than 150 Chicago public schools, spotlighting material crafted in a variety of creative-writing sessions. The best stories from 826CHI’s most recent writing programs and workshops will be compiled in the forthcoming 826CHI Compendium Vol. 3, a professionally published book that will be distributed to the student-authors and their families and sold to the public at the Boring Store on North Milwaukee Avenue. Each book costs about $5 to publish, and proceeds from book sales will help to fund and promote 826CHI’s programming, with the goal of engaging even more children in the art of writing.
Since opening its doors in 1998, Language Stars has introduced more than 30,000 children to foreign languages with small-group classes and full-immersion activities. Through a selective process, Language Stars recruits ambitious teachers from more than 20 countries who share a common goal of revolutionizing how and when American children learn foreign languages. Parents and Tots Classes are available for children between 1–3 years old, and Kids Only classes are available for children 3–5, 5–8 and 8–10 years old. Absorbent little minds soak up Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, or Arabic with the help of their FunImmersion approach, learning naturally through games, songs, activities and art projects to help kids finally understand their foreign-exchange imaginary friends.
While lectures, experiments, and term papers have their place in the educational system, play and hands-on activities can be the most effective way for young children to learn. Seeing and touching objects in a playful environment engages their minds and helps them memorize facts, while training their developing brains to take in new information.
My Corner Playroom aims to start kids on the right educational path by hosting hands-on play and daycare sessions in a structured environment. Inside the playroom, children can prepare invisible food atop wooden appliances or practice the art of guarding keeps inside plastic play castles. They can also enjoy outdoor activities during summer camps, which are designed to teach kids healthy eating habits and ways to protect the environment.
The teachers and child development professionals at Bubbles Academy operate on a very simple principle: it is never too early, or too late, to start learning. That's why their music classes start practically at age nothing, and fitness classes go all the way up to mom and dad ages.
Still, the main focus of the curriculum is early childhood education, and the structure of the program is designed to help little ones achieve developmental milestones through art and play. From the cooking class for 2- to 6-year-olds to the Bubble Step class that encourages 2.5- to 3.5-year-olds to gently separate from caregiver, the programs at Bubbles Academy are meant to ensure kids grow up to be curious, creative, and confident. Bubbles Academy's programs have attracted the attention of some high-profile moms: Laurel at Chicago Mom Source called Bubble Academy's programs "perfect for a child who will be starting preschool soon."
Jessica Roubitchek, owner of Purple Monkey Playroom and the mother of a toddler, creates a friendly, community play space for young children and their parents. Her 1,500-square-foot playroom entreats sock-clad young ones to join their parents in exploring age-appropriate activities as they shuffle, bounce, and slide across plush carpet. Jessica commissioned Crayons Gone Wild to paint soft, yellow wall murals depicting friendly animals. The whimsical images frame colorful, interactive toys and set pieces such as flexible tunnels, a soft, padded train, and a wall made entirely of velcro for vertical napping. As parents keep a close eye on their kids, Jessica enhances the pleasant space with complimentary tea, coffee, and wireless Internet. The playroom seats up to 26 guests for parties, and can comfortably accommodate up to 50 in all.
NannyYou's founder, once a nanny herself, is on a mission to ease the process of finding childcare. Her online portal features full-time and nighttime nannies with CPR certifications, as well as part-time nannies who may juggle college classes and childcare jobs.