Nashville's Week of the Young Child

April 15-25, 2009

Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children
Vanderbilt University
Nashville Community Organizations

2009 Schedule of Events

• Meet Children’s Author John Archambault
  Nashville Main Library Children’s Story Hour
  Wednesday April 15
  9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m.
  John Archambault, acclaimed author of Chica Chica Boom Boom, Hear Are My Hands, and Boom Chicka Rock will read the Imagination Library book Boom Chica Rock. Free. Sponsored by Information Books From Birth of Middle Tennessee.
  Information 936-7393

Throughout the Week, events and story hours will be held at the Nashville Public Library Main and branch libraries. Check with your branch library, or for a complete list visit http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy/woyc/libraryevents.html.

 

• Where Do the Children Play?
  Thursday April 16 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Warner Park Nature Center 7311 Highway 100 in Edwin Warner Park Free public screening of documentary film on modern childhood sponsored by Metro Park's Warner Park Nature Center with assistance from the U.S. Alliance for Childhood, a nonprofit research and advocacy group that works for the restoration of play in children's lives.
  Registration required.
  352-6299

• Early Childhood Education Conference
  Friday April 17 – Saturday, April 18
  Hillcrest United Methodist Church
  5112 Raywood Lane
  NAAEYC invites educators, child care providers, and parents. Features John Archambault, acclaimed children’s author (see above). The Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Trunk also will perform. Participants can earn up to 16 DHS approved hours.
  Register by April 1. Lunch provided. NAAEYC members $25, nonmembers $35, $20 registration late fee.
  Information and registration
  NAAEYC 383-6292

 

• Kick Off Celebration
  Sunday April 19
  2-5 p.m. (free admission children 12 and under)
  Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
  3777 Nolensville Road
  An afternoon filled with fun and learning. Children’s activities begin at 2 p.m. Join us for Zoo’s animal show and entertainment provided by Adam and the Couch Potatoes. After the Kick-Off celebration, families can explore the Zoo and enjoy activities provided by community organizations.
  Information 322-8076

 

• Banjo Demonstration: Ryan Holladay
  Sunday April 19
  1 p.m.
  Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  222 Fifth Avenue South
  Ryan Holladay, 16-year-old banjo, guitar, dobro, and mandolin player, is the youngest performer to play the Grand Ole Opry. Holladay has opened for Nickel Creek and Roy Clark, and appeared with Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, the Lonesome River Band, the Mike Snider Band, and others. Free.
  Information 416-2017

 

• Martin ArtQuest Gallery
  Sunday April 19-Saturday April 25
  1-5:30 p.m. Sun, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M-W, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Th-F, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat
  Frist Center for the Visual Arts
  919 Broadway
  Free adult admission with this flyer—children under 18 always free. Timed ticketing may be implemented. The Martin ArtQuest Gallery has a variety of hands-on, interactive activities for visitors of all ages to experience. Young children may want to explore the architecture block station and the reading area. ArtQuest is open until 5:30 p.m. daily.
  Information 244-3340

 

• Nature Under the Dark Sky
  Tuesday April 21
  10-11 a.m.
  Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
  Ages 3-5 years
  What do you think happens at Shelby Bottoms when the sun goes down during National Dark Sky Week? Prepare your five senses and bring your imagination to the Nature Center to discover the wonder of nature at night, even during the day. Register for this free program 862-8539

 

• Cheekwood Tuesdays for Tots
  Tuesday April 21
  10 a.m.—12 noon
  Frist Learning Center at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
  1200 Forrest Park Drive
  Coffee Creations. Who knew that a coffee ring on your newspaper could turn into a masterpiece? Learn about Cheekwood’s history as you learn how to paint with coffee. Free admission April 21 if accompanied by child 8 or under. Or you can excite your child’s creativity at any weekly Tuesdays for Tots art activities. Bring your imagination and dress for mess. Information 353-9827

 

• Wild & Crafty Animal Tales
  Tuesday April 21 & Thursday April 23
  10:30 a.m.
  Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
  3777 Nolensville Road
  Held indoors at the Zoo’s Croft Center Gallery, the Zoo provides the stories, craft materials--and the special animal guest! Each session hosts a different surprise animal visitor. Space limited. Pre-registration highly recommended. Phone-in registrations not accepted. Walk-ins welcomed if space permits.
  $5/child with Zoo membership or Zoo admission.
  For registration form, visit www.nashvillezoo.org or call 833-1534 ext 143

 

• Play and Language Development in Young Children
  Tuesday April 21
  4-5 p.m.
  McNeilly Center for Children
  400 Meridian Street
  This program will give simple tips that parents can use to help improve their child’s play and language, which are crucial developmental areas for young children. Free. Presented by staff of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD.
  Information 255-2549

 

• Bird Banding Day
  Thursday April 23
  9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  Warner Park Nature Center
  7311 Highway 100 in Edwin Warner Park
  For all ages. This day is devoted to birds! Stop by the banding table to learn about this important bird research technique and to see a bird in the hand. You’ll be amazed at their migration stories and natural history.
  Registration 352-6299

 

• Car Seat Safety Check
  Thursday April 23
  2-5 p.m.
  Vanderbilt Child Care Center
  1105 18th Avenue South
  An estimated 85% of all children placed in safety seats are not properly restrained. Join staff of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt to make sure your child is riding safely.
  936-SAFE or safekids@vanderbilt.edu

 

• Building Better Futures for All Children
  Thursday April 23
  2:45-5:30 p.m.
  Whitsitt Elementary School, 110 Whitsett Road
  Health Fair for children and families, featuring booths on child development and health, as well as activities for children and families. Free health screenings for children.
  Information Hispanic Family Services 445-8310 ext 222
  
  Construyendo un Futuro Mejor Para Nuestros Niños
  El día Jueves 23 de Abril
  2:45-5:30 p.m.
  En la Escuela Elementaria Whitsitt Ubicada en el 110 Whitsett Road
  Esta es una feria primaveral de salud para niños y padres, tendremos información sobre el desarrollo y salud infantil. Así mismo actividades y regalos para niños y adultos. Ofreceremos exámenes de salud para niños gratis
  Para mas información 445-8310 ext 222 comuníquese con la oficina de servicios para los hispanos de Caridades Católicas

 

• Art Education and Its Impact on Academic Outcomes
  Thursday April 23
  3:30-5 p.m.
  Martin Development Center
  2400 Fairfax Avenue
  The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Department of Education invites parents and teachers to hear Catherine McTamaney, Ed.D., who will address the academic, social, and intellectual benefits of high-quality art education and qualities to look and ask for in your child’s classroom. Following her talk, parents and children can create portraits of one another outdoors or add to a community art project. McTamaney is a former preschool teacher and Montesorri school director; she teaches art and early education courses at Peabody College.
  Information 743-3153

 

• Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children
  Thursday April 23
  4-5 p.m.
  McNeilly Center for Children
  400 Meridian Street
  Challenging behaviors can prevent children from taking part in daily family and community activities. This program provides parents and teachers with information on why behaviors occur and preventative and reactive strategies to increase desired and decrease undesired behaviors. Tips on how to use visual supports included. Free. Presented by staff of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD.
  Information 255-2549

 

• Pond Frenzy!
  Friday April 24
  10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
  Warner Park Nature Center
  7311 Highway 100 in Edwin Warner Park
  For ages 3-5 years. There is no better place to be than the Nature Center pond in spring! Come join the search for frogs, snails, fish, snakes, turtles, and eggs as we explore this wet wonderland!
  Registration opens April 9 352-6299

 

• Family Program: Banjo for Kids with Leroy Troy
  Saturday April 25
  10 a.m.
  Enjoy a performance by banjoist Leroy Troy and try out the banjo yourself! Troy plays old-time country music, preserving the traditions of Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones, and Stringbean. His music and entertaining style have led him from the set of Hee Haw to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. All ages. No reservations required. Free. Families are encouraged to tour the Museum at a discounted rate following the program. Visit the information desk or ticket window for more information.
  Information 416-2017

 

• How Does Our Garden Grow?
  Saturday April 25
  10-11 a.m.
  Warner Park Nature Center
  7311 Highway 100 in Edwin Warner Park
  For all ages. Tour the Organic Garden with a naturalist and learn tips for growing the organic way.
  Registration opens April 10 352-6299

 

• RuFuS
  RuFuS is a new partnership in Nashville aimed at assuring that all children are ready to start school. Look for RuFuS during the Week of the Young Child!

 

• Safety Central
  Visit Kohl’s Safety Central at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during the Week of the Young Child and receive a free gift! Low-cost, home safety products for all children, including children with health care needs or disabilities. Safety store educators teach proper installation and maintenance of safety products. www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/safetycentral
  

Week of the Young Child | Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

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