Children are natural explorers who learn the best when surrounded by interesting and safe activities. And “play” provides children with the opportunity to actively interact with their environment and encourages children to discover their own understanding of the world.
With that in mind, Saint Anthony’s Health Center sponsors Play Pals Gym to encourage and promote purposeful play to families. Play Pals gives families a way to enhance their teachings as they develop a special bond with their child. Play Pals realizes and respects that the family members are the first true teachers for their child and is assisting the families in providing learning and fun opportunities.
 | Lori Jones of Brighton and her son, Henry, work together on an art project. “Our older son, Max had a great time in the Play Pals, as is Henry,” said Lori. “We are expecting and will be signing up our third child because we have all enjoyed Play Pals so much.” |
“At Play Pals, we feel like we develop an important partnership with our families to ensure their child has the best possible start,” said Amy Monahan, Family Wellness Coordinator and Director of the Play Pals Gym. “We really believe in the idea that great beginnings last a lifetime. Our program is designed for young, energetic children. Classes are challenging and fun and are a way to use the child’s energy and imagination while enhancing their social skills and self confidence.”After teaching for 16 years, Amy has been with Saint Anthony's for the last 10 years working with children and families in the Play Pals Gym. Amy leads Play Pals to take advantage of critical learning periods by matching activities with the appropriate developmental skills. Parents and family members can enjoy the special time with their children and meet and become friends with other adults who are attending the class. Amy’s belief of the importance of the class is very apparent by her dedication to the children and each class.
“Each week I use my experiences and imagination to make activities that will interest, excite and teach the children,” said Amy. “Each fun activity has a lesson plan behind it. Developing early social skills is a big part of our program. We help children develop skills as they learn to take turns, sing and dance together in group activities and feel comfortable around other adults and children their own age. Play Pals is all about laughing and learning together and I think we do that together every week. The families enjoy sharing their child’s milestones with each other.”
Located at 815 E. Fifth Street in Alton in Saint Clare’s Professional Building, Play Pals Gym is filled with fun equipment designed for toddlers to play on to develop coordination, balance and strength. Puzzles are used to develop eye-hand coordination and to teach how to complete a task. The pretend play that is done through Play Pals, helps children develop language skills and use their imaginations. Simple games, music and songs are used to teach directions and how to cooperate with others. Many of the activities are “homemade” to show the families that learning and fun can take place with very simple things.
According to recent government studies, there is a strong connection between the development a child undergoes early in life and the level of success they find later in school. When young children are provided an environment rich in interaction and full of opportunities to listen and learn, they can begin to acquire the essential building blocks for learning. Every study proves that there is real value in early learning and the development of social skills for children.
Play Pals sessions are divided into three age groups, with 4 or 6 week sessions: Tiny Pals for children 6-12 months, Mini Pals for children 12-24 months old and Motor Pals for children 2-3 years olds. There are day and evening sessions available.
For more information, please call 618/465-2264.