GTA Playgroup with Amharic Instruction Starting Soon!
We are pleased to announce, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Association in the
GTA, a drop-in style Playgroup for anyone interested in learning some Amharic
with their children in a playful environment. It is open to children of all
ages even if your babe-in-arms isn't at the talking stage yet. This program is
offered through "Friends of Ethiopia", a new segment of the Ethiopian
Association.
The Playgroup will be offered every Saturday morning from 9:30-11:30 starting
July 11, 2009 at the Ethiopian Association (please see address below). As it is
a drop-in, feel free to arrive late and/or leave early. We know that travel
times, nap schedules, and morning wake times vary immensely so come when you
can.
The curriculum is currently in development by Retta Alemayehu Shewaferaw, a
professor of Ethiopian Studies at U of T. Retta is also the Executive Director
of the Ethiopian Association. Each week:
-new words and phrases will be introduced; parents and children are invited to
integrate them into their play
-we will have circle time where we will play games and sing songs
-Ethiopian customs will be introduced through play and/or story time
-the previous week's learnings will be refreshed
The level of involvement will depend on your child's interest and attention
span, so each family may participate as much or as little as they wish. There
is a basic kitchen facility available for preparing and serving snacks.
Children of all ages are welcome with at least one parent or guardian.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Playgroup is organized by volunteer parents, and new
volunteers are certainly welcome! To ensure the success of this program each
week we will need two or more people to set up, register people as they arrive,
and ensure the space is left in pristine condition at the end of the session.
If you can volunteer for one shift per month, please let me know at the email
address below.
The program will be fee based until corporate and/or government funding can be
established. The fee is $7 per session, per family. As this is a brand new
program, donations of toys, high chairs, and booster seats in good condition are
welcome. For now, please bring your own booster seat, if needed.
If you know of a company or organization that may be interested in funding this
program, please let me know.
If you are planning on attending the first Playgroup session on Saturday, July
11, please email me at amberjaclyn @ rogers.com (remove spaces) with the number
of people in your family that will be attending, and the ages of the children.
Please include "Playroup" in your subject line. This information will be
helpful for the first few sessions. Advanced notice will not be necessary once
the program is well established.
The Ethiopian Association is located at 2064 Danforth Ave. (Danforth Ave and
Woodbine Ave). Metered street parking is available in the immediate vicinity.
If you have any further questions about the Playgroup, please email me at the
address above.
Hope to see you there!
Amber
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