PALS, or Play and Learn Sessions, is an experience for caregivers to learn more about a specific topic or interest while playing and learning with your child(ren).  Topics change week to week and are relevant to early childhood, caregiving and/or the community. Some PALS may have guest hosts from the area to help discuss a topic. PALS begins with a topic chat, which may last 15-30 minutes depending on the topic. During this time, children (18mos+) may be invited to play in another room, supervised by a HUB team member.  This allows for a positive and less-distracting learning environment in which all guests can listen and participate.  Following the topic chat, caregivers and children will play and learn together via games, toys, activities and experiences related to the topic.  Participants will leave with access to a digital file of relevant resources, tips, further reading or suggestions, etc. regarding the topic.  

Registration is required.  PALS is offered on Wednesdays and is designed to accommodate our littlest learners and big tykes.  

Trojan Tykes includes special opportunities to engage in play, language, and social activities with your child(ren), while in the company of other caregivers and their children.  There are two Tykes classes:

Tykes Gold is 30 minutes of caregiver and child learning and playing with a focus on circle time, songs, movement and early stages of play.  This is a great introduction to learning and playing together in a public setting.  Families can expect the following:

• Smaller class sizes 
• Few transitions at a slower pace
• Social opportunities with peers and caregivers
• Sensory experiences
• Early play opportunities
• Songs, stories and movement
• Friendly and inviting space; safe for our littlest learners

Registration is required.  Tykes Gold is offered each Tuesday; a quarterly commitment is not required, leaving more flexibility for families and their busy schedules.  

Tykes Maroon is a structured hour of caregiver and child learning and playing  of circle time, experiences and activities and play-based learning.  This is a great class for children who are developing social, attention, self-help and transition skills that help them positively participate and engage in activities and experiences.  Families can expect the following:

• Larger class sizes 
• More transitions at a faster pace
• Socializing and playing with other children and adults
• Higher level play opportunities, such as pretend play, cooperative play, independent play, etc.
• Caregiver and child participation in Hello and Goodbye circles
• Listening to stories
• Following simple directions through lessons, play and activities
• Engaging in special experiences and activities
• Transitioning between centers and classrooms
• Friendly and interactive space for our big tykes

Registration is required.  Tykes Maroon is offered each Tuesday; a quarterly commitment is required to promote consistency and routine.  

Trojan Tidbit is a "bit" of the HUB, including a brief orientation and information chat, play time and sampling of Tykes and PALS activities.  Families will be asked to choose a date to attend during the enrollment process. Attending a Trojan Tidbit class is required, as this is a great way to better understand the HUB environment and what it offers.  

Families will be offered available dates via enrollment.  Trojan Tidbit is offered twice a month on Thursdays, from 10:30-11:30.

The HUB is open to families on Fridays, when school is in session, from 9-10:30 a.m.  Families may stop in anytime during this "Trojan Time" for open play, social interaction opportunities, a chance to experience the HUB with your child for the first time or get a tour of the space and/or to stop in for early learning resources.   

Follow us on Facebook and join our REMIND class for updates on any changes to the time and/or any important messages about the type of play that will be available that day.   

Registration is not required, but families must be enrolled.

HUB Book and Toy Exchange

Not sure what to do with books that your children have outgrown or no longer read?  Build a community give-and-take library with us! 

• Books should be gently used and in good condition and should be appropriate for infants through 5yo.
• If you plan to take books we ask that you are respectful in how much you take (i.e., donate one item, take one item, etc).  

Please donate or pick up books during HUB Trojan Time, during HUB events or by scheduling a time with the HUB coordinators.    

HUB Scholastic Orders

Did you know…

Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory. - Bardige, B. Talk to Me, Baby!(2009), Paul H Brookes Pub Co.

The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. - National Commission on Reading, 1985

The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home. - The Literacy Crisis: False Claims, Real Solutions, 1998

Build your library at home with Scholastic! https://orders.scholastic.com/YDFLW

Congratulations in advance for helping your child become a lifelong learner by supporting reading activities.  

HUB Resource Corner

219-983-3600 ext 1036
tkitchel@duneland.k12.in.us
acurtis@duneland.k12.in.us