Favourites of Kitchener-Waterloo
The following list is partial in at least two senses; it is a listing
of activities in the area which we have tried and liked. We did some
research into each one, but I don't feel qualified to comment on the
rejected choices.
Daycares
- Hildegard Marsden Day Nursery. Our kids were here when they were
very young (ages 15-24 months for one kid, ages 5-24 months for the
other). The turnover of teachers seemed to be fairly high in the
classes for older kids (mostly due to teachers having their own kids
and deciding not to come back to work), but less so for the younger
ones. A loving atmosphere with some great teachers.
- Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre . Our kids were here from 2 years up. It
is run by a wonderful woman, Penny Curtis; both the regular and supply
staff have many years of experience, and make for a warm and exciting
environment. They also run a summer camp for ages 6 and up
- YWCA afterschool program.
Schools
- The following information was written for the benefit of a parent moving to town from the United States. I've discussed differences between the educational systems and listed various links for further information in researching specific schools in Waterloo.
Other instruction
- Contemporary School of Dance. Dance classes for ages 3 up to
adults. This is a place to have a great time learning to dance; there
isn't a competitive component nor overemphasis on silly clothing. The
teachers have wonderful ways of conveying ideas in age-appropriate ways
and of integrating budding interests in music and language into the
curriculum.
- Beckett School early childhood music class. Children are taught
fundamentals of rhythm and musical notation through movement and use
of rhythm instruments, drawing from Orff and Kodaly techniques. The
teacher, Carolyn Wettlaufer, has an infectious enthusiasm for her
subject; she expects a lot from the kids and they live up to her
standards, while having fun.
- KW Community String School. A Suzuki violin school run by four
teachers with extensive experience. Each student has a weekly private
lesson with one of the teachers and every two weeks has group lessons
in some subset of ensemble playing, rhythm classes, music reading,
etc. During the year there are frequent concerts, play-ins, recitals,
special guests, and other activities.
- Big Black Pig Studio. It would be worth the price of admission
just to have kid spend time with Linda Carson -- a bargain that they
learn how to make art as well. This is serious stuff, not
entertainment; Linda has an MFA as well as credentials and experience
in such diverse areas as play-writing, mathematics, and sign
language.
- Waterloo Rec Centre swimming classes. The quality of
instruction is hit or miss, but the facility is nice and the lessons
not too expensive.
Places our kids have enjoyed going (at various ages)
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