Continued from Best in Class: Part I
Language
Baby Fingers
Babies, toddlers
and children and adults learn American Sign Language through music, guitar
lessons, drama or storytelling classes. Music therapy is available. Manhattan and New Jersey
Infant Massage classes also available. Various locations in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, 212-874-5978, mybabyfingers.com. (Ages newborn to 6 years)
Bilingual Buds
Bilingual Buds’s After School
program focuses on all areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking,
reading and writing. During each session, students enter a full immersion
environment where inspired, native-speaking teachers bring lessons to
life. Science, the arts, culture and technology are integrated into
high-energy themes and creative projects. Class placement is determined by both
age and proficiency to ensure the best fit. Beginners welcome. 175 Riverside Boulevard (at 68th Street), 212-787-8088, bilingualbudsnyc.com (Ages
5 to 10 years)
Bilingual Birdies
Bilingual Birdies is a
foreign language and live music program for children. They offer group classes
in Spanish, French, Mandarin and Hebrew. Children learn through live music,
movement, puppetry, and games. Each class ends with an awesome bubble dance
party! Original music CDs, in-home private classes, birthday parties, and
concerts by the Bilingual Birdies Band are available. This fall Bilingual
Birdies launches a drop-off afterschool program. Various
locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, 646-443-1313, bilingualbirdies.com. (Ages 8 months to 5
years)
Carousel of Languages
The Carousel of Languages seeks to enrich
the minds and spirits of young children through the beauty and discovery of a
foreign language. Hourly classes available in Italian, Mandarin, French and
Spanish for children from birth to age 12. 1300 Madison Avenue and 144 West 72nd Street, 212-501-8524, carousellanguages.com. (Ages 6 months to 12
years)
Collina Italiana
Toddlers can pick up basic Italian words
and phrases through songs, games, dance, film and arts and crafts. Classes also
available for elementary and middle-school kids. Specialty theater, cooking and
arts and crafts classes and homework help also available. 212-427-7770, collinaitaliana.com. (Ages 2 years to adult)
French Institute/Alliance Fran%uFFFDaise
Children
between the ages of 1 and 5 can enroll in “%uFFFD petits pas,” a fun program that
uses games, songs, dances and stories to teach basic French. Summer camp for
children ages 6-10 is stratified by fluency level and includes arts and crafts,
theater, cooking classes and more. 22 East 60th Street, 646-388-6612, fiaf.org. (Toddlers, Kids, Teens and Adults)
%uFFFDHOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish
For
ten years, %uFFFDHola! has followed a natural approach to help develop oral
skills. Programs focus on a wide repertory of concepts to build vocabulary and
help acquire the correct use phonetics. Classes are taught through use of
original and traditional music, movement, games, props and art. %uFFFDHOLA! will be
offering a 5 week Summer Program at all locations. Various locations in Manhattan, 917-648-5006, holaplaygroup.com. (Ages 12 months to 8 years)
Iberian American Institute
This new Spanish language school in Manhattan offers
Saturday classes, and provides a safe and encouraging atmosphere in which to
learn. The consistent, year-round program is taught by experienced,
native-speaking teachers. Classes taught
at Church of the Epiphany, 1393 York Avenue, 212-688-6619. (Ages 3 years to adult)
Instituto
Cervantes
Instituto
Cervantes offers year-round Spanish language courses for kids and teenagers,
including one-week summer camps in July and August. Through a unique immersion
program imparted by native instructors, children learn to understand and
express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills. 211 East 49th Street, 212-308-7720, Ext. 3, newyork.cervantes.org. (Ages 4 )
Language Workshop for Children
Original
LWFC songs, visual aids and games are used to teach French, Spanish, Italian
and Chinese. Classes, Camps, & Preschools. This fall, LWFC begins
offering mixed age Languages for Tots%uFFFD classes for kids 6M-3Y. Many educators
advocate mixed age classrooms because they mirror the way that children learn
at home. Various locations in Manhattan, 212-396-0830, languageworkshopforchildren.com. (Ages 6
months to 9 years)
Music & Performance
ABC Do-Re-ME!
Offers enriching
quality, affordable and flexible drop-in music programs for babies, toddlers
and kids including the popular Musical Playdate, Musical Stories and Classical
Playdate. The guitar playing teachers lead the class in giggles, dance and song
by performing favorite nursery rhyme-songs
and other great children’s songs. Multiple locations in
NYC, 646-434-1419, abcdoreme.com. (Ages
newborn to 7 years)
Applause New York City
Programs develop musical and rhythmic
skills, incorporating costumes, props and musical instruments. Budding stars
ages 5-18 can take classes in acting, dancing and singing and auditioning. 184 East 76th Street, 212-717-0703, applauseny.com. (Ages newborn to 18 years)
Atlantic Acting School
Atlantic for Kids
offers classes in acting, playwriting, improvisation and much more. Aspiring
actors and playwrights can also sign up for the Saturday Youth Program. Their
Summer Young Creators Workshop allows children ages 9-11 to perform a show,
create costumes and sets, learn how an actor prepares, and more! 76 Ninth Avenue, 212-691-5919, atlanticactingschool.org. (Ages 4 to 18 years)
Creative Play For Kids
Creative
Play For Kids brings music, movement and play all together in their fun and
upbeat program! Developmentally appropriate classes are designed for
babies and toddlers. Children’s senses are stimulated by the singing, dancing,
instrument playing, story telling, bubbles and a play time. Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-729-1667, creativeplayforkids.com. (Ages 3 months to 3
years).
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
Early
childhood instruction teaches children basic music concepts through listening,
movement, singing, playing authentic percussion instruments and, eventually,
reading and writing music. The Early Childhood Music and Art and Preschool
Music and Art courses provide a creative alternative to a nursery school
program; classes feature professional pianists and multiple teachers. 24 East 95th
Street, 212-369-1484, diller-quaile.org. (Ages 4 months and up)
The Early Ear
Highly-skilled music
teachers and pianists work together to introduce music to children. Kids engage
in sing-alongs, movement, musical games and stories. Specially-designed
kid-sized music instruments await the touch of curious little hands. New at the
East 78th Street Studio is “Dance with Me,” a dance and pre-ballet program for ages 2.5
and older. 48 West 68th Street, 110 West
96th Street, 353 East 78th Street, 212-877-7125, theearlyear.com. (Ages 4 months to 5 years)
Eastside
Westside Music Together
Nurtures
children’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement through singing, dancing,
chanting and playing instruments. Teachers trained in developmentally
appropriate practice lead you through musical ways to interact with your
children both in and out of class using a rich and varied collection of songs
and chants. EWMT is rolling out Music Together%uFFFD Big Kids this fall. The Big
Kids class blends elements of the Music Together curriculum with new musical
activities, skills, and challenges. 102 West 75th Street, 212-496-1242, eswsmusictogether.com. (Ages newborn to 4
years)
Greenwich House Music School
Greenwich House offers private lessons,
group classes, and ensembles with regular recitals. Children ages 6-10 can
develop their voices through individual and group singing in the Young Voices
class, which incorporates sight-singing exercises, theory and songs
representing a range of musical styles. 46 Barrow Street, 212-242-4770, greenwichhouse.org. (Ages newborn and up)
Hands On!
Age-appropriate music classes teach basic
music concepts, which are introduced while children play miniature instruments.
Each class has a pianist. Art classes are also offered. Multiple locations, 212-628-1945, handson4music.com. (Ages 4 months to 5 years)
Jazz at Lincoln Center
WeBop!
classes introduce little musicians to the spirit of jazz. Infants and toddlers
sing and stomp, while older children tap out their own beats and learn to match
sound to symbol. Classes are available for enrollment now for Fall: “the ABC’s of Jazz” and
the Jazz for Young People concert series kicks off with “Who is Duke Ellington”
with host Wynton Marsalis on November 5. Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, 212-258-9800, jalc.org. (Ages 8 months to 8th grade)
Little Maestros
Each class features four live
musicians who sing and play guitar, piano, and drums. Little Maestros takes
children on a fantastic musical journey each week. You and your child will love
our musical story times, songs of all kinds, imaginative play, language
development activities, puppet shows, and “bubble music.” Come and join the
fun! Various locations, 212-772-8435, littlemaestros.com. (Ages newborn to 5 years)
Moey’s Music Party
Birthdays,
Christmas and Hanukkah come once a year, but every day’s a party in this fun,
interactive music class with Off-Broadway songwriter, Moey! Sessions include
songs, dances, props, instruments, puppets and letters based on a weekly party
theme. The Fall Semester will have weekly themes including train party, pirate
party, jungle safari party, and a sun, moon, stars solar system party. New York Junior League, 130 East 80th
Street, moeysmusicparty.com. (Ages newborn to 4 years)
Music for Aardvarks
Interactive classes include simple movement, dancing,
singing, storytelling and instruments, often with a city-focused theme. Classes
are held all over NYC and the Tri-state area. 199 Lafayette Street, 718-858-1741, musicforaardvarks.com. (Ages 6 months to
5 years)
New York Jazz Academy
New
York Jazz Academy is NYC’s fastest-growing music school. Students are
introduced to musical fundamentals, including instrumental technique,
note-reading and music theory, while also developing their improvisation
skills. Check the NYJA website for fall 2011 scheduling for Jelly Jamz
baby/toddler music classes. 263 West 86th Street, 718-426-0633, nyjazzacademy.com. (Ages newborn
and up)
School For Strings
Early childhood music classes are offered
for kids ages 16 months to 4 years. The Instrumental Program gives kids of all
ages expert instruction in violin, cello and piano. 419 West 54th Street, 212-315-0915, schoolforstrings.org. (Ages 16 months to
adult)
StageCoach Theatre Arts
Through classes in dance, music and
drama, kids gain an appreciation for the arts and build self-confidence.
Classes are broken down by age and skill level, and most feature a presentation
at the end of the season for family and friends. Held at PS6, 45 East 81st St, 347-678-8989, stagecoachschools.com/uppereastside. (Ages 4
to 16 years)
TADA!
Musical
Theater summer camps are in full swing all summer at TADA!, where kids learn to
sing, dance, and act. Summer is a time for kids to learn and have fun, so
week-long summer camps have themes like “Grab Some Magic,” “Pirate Tales and
Treasures,” and “GLEEk Out!” At the end of each week, campers perform
their original TADA! musical for friends and family. Come join the TADA!
family this summer! 15
West 28th Street,
3rd Floor, 212-252-1619, tadatheater.com. (Ages 2-14)
Three Little Birds Music
Whether by plucking guitar strings or tapping out staccato
beats, parents and children learn together in TLB’s rich sensory environment.
Age-specific classes teach elementary music theory and improve cognitive skills
while exposing kids to every instrument in the orchestra. TLB’s
spring/summer curriculum, “Joey Gets a Job,” has children exploring
professions through music. Musical selections include classical hits
by great composers, children’s songs everyone knows, and contemporary
popular music. 266 East 78th Street, 212-744-0404, tlbmusic.com. (Ages 4.5 months to 5 years)
Sports & Adventure
Yorkville
Sports
The Yorkville Youth
Athletic Association is a not-for-profit organization serving children in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. They offer
baseball, basketball, flag football, tackle football, soccer, lacrosse, roller
hockey, tennis and drama. Don’t miss out on the Competition, Camaraderie,
Community. 212-360-0022, yyaa.org. (Pre-K to 12th Grade)
Big City
Volleyball
This co-ed
adult volleyball league with full-size courts scattered throughout the city
offers instruction for kids, too. Classes focus on the fundamentals of
volleyball, proper mechanics, and skill development. Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-288-4240, bigcityvolleyball.com. (Ages 10 to 16 years)
Brooklyn Boulders
Active
kids will love the classes at Brooklyn Boulders, the city’s largest rock
climbing gym. Children can join Kids League, where they’ll learn climbing
basics and participate in fun climbing games and activities. Climbers 10 and
above can join BKB Academy, where they
can have fun with other tweens. Also look for BKB Summer Adventures; week-long
camps featuring climbing, arts and crafts, yoga, games, and more. 575
Degraw Street, Brooklyn, 347-834-9066, brooklynboulders.com. (Ages 3 to 10)
Dasha
Wellness
Dasha
Wellness introduces its new children’s wellness program, Generation D.
Generation D focuses on three wellness platforms: Sports & Games, Fitness
and Nutrition. Your child’s plan can include anything from baseball or dance to
body weight training and nutritional coaching. Recreational therapists and
certified trainers teach your child to set goals, learn healthy habits, and
have a blast doing it. 115
East 57th Street, Suite 520, 212.755.5500, dashawellness.com. (Ages 5 and up)
Fastbreak Kids
Offers basketball and football (both flag
and tackle) weekend sports leagues for kids. Provides coaching in small groups
(or even one-on-one instruction.) Various
locations in Manhattan, 212-724-FAST, fastbreakkids.com. (Ages 6 to 14 years)
Kids In Sports
This athletic program offers a variety of
sports including baseball, basketball, floor hockey, flag football and soccer,
in a fun and encouraging setting. This fall, Kids In Sports is expanding
programs with JUST CLASSES where kids can focus on their favorite sport! Various locations in Manhattan, 212-744-4900, kisnyc.com. (Ages 1 to 12 years)
Lil Sluggers
Lil’ Sluggers
offers an introduction to baseball, tailored specifically for each age group.
Students learn to throw, catch, hit and run bases in a friendly environment.
Advanced sluggers can sign up for weekly league classes. Various locations, 631-367-9378. (Ages 2 to 7 years)
Simply Sports
This athletic program for kids emphasizes
not just skills and technique, but a love of the game. Classes available in
soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, hockey, and dodgeball. Various locations in Manhattan, 877-213-BALL, simplysports.net. (Ages 3 to 13
years)
Sportime at Randall’s Island
SPORTIME Tennis & Sports Camp offers young athletes high
quality, professional tennis instruction from experienced pros, combined with
friendly competition in a wide variety of team sports activities. Campers
participate in two hours of daily tennis instruction–drills, strategy,
matchplay and speed & agility training. In addition, Tennis & Sports
campers learn to play basketball, soccer, kickball, flag football, softball and
other team sports on beautiful outdoor fields and facilities. One Randall’s Island, 212-427-6150, sportimeny.com.
Sutton East Tennis
The youth program
at Sutton East trains students in an age-appropriate environment. In Pee Wee
Tennis, the courts, rackets and foam balls are sized down to allow for
comfortable skill development. Pre-Junior classes function on a half-court,
while Junior level students use a full-court to practice advanced strokes,
double strategies, and serving techniques. The Pee-Wee Multi-Sports Academy introduces
children to tennis, soccer, basketball and t-ball. 488 East 60th Street, 212-751-3452, suttoneasttennis.com. (Ages 3 to 18 years)
Wollman Skating Rink
Learn to skate outdoors at Central Park’s iconic
Wollman Rink. The rink offers classes as well as private lessons in skating and
figure skating. Central Park at 59th
Street and Sixth Avenue, 212-439-6900, wollmanrink.com. (Ages 3 and up)
Martial Arts
East Side Tae Kwon Do
East Side Tae Kwon Do’s yoga classes are developmentally
appropriate and taught by experienced instructors. Kids experience all the
benefits of yoga, plus they have a great deal of fun! Classes develop
stamina, core muscle strength and flexibility as well as discipline,
perseverance and mental acuity. 325 East
65 Street, 212-755-5982, eastsidetaekwondo.com. (Ages 18 months to 12
years)
Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts
Tiger Schulmann’s Cubs program (ages 3-5)
is the perfect choice for preschoolers to learn developmental skills in a fun,
safe environment. Children’s (ages 5-7) and Kid’s programs (ages 8 and up)
teach discipline and self-defense while developing confidence, focus and
determination. 39
West 19th Street,
212-727-0773 or 1-800-52-TIGER, TSK.com. (Ages 3 years and
up)
West Side Taekwondo
Classes for children ages 3-5 use
physical activity to promote respect and confidence. Starting at age 6,
children can enroll in the Children’s Program, which emphasizes discipline. 700 Columbus Avenue, 212-663-3998, westsidetkd.com. (Ages 3 years and up)
Soccer
Carlos Oliviera Soccer Academy
Soccer
classes to develop individual skills as well as the fundamentals of team
playing are available for kids. More
than 30 locations throughout Manhattan, 718-743-9402, cosacademy.com. (Ages 2 to 14 years)
Kick
& Play
A
parent-child pre-soccer & movement program for toddlers. Brought to you by
Super Soccer Stars, experienced instructors along with our puppet friends, Mimi
& Pepe, take you and your little one through a world of exciting physical
activity. Weekly classes develop pre-soccer skills that will have your toddler
learning to balance, run, kick & play—all while having a blast! Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Hoboken, 212-877-5425, kickandplay.com (12 to 24 months).
Soccer
by Coach Fher
Soccer by Coach Fher offers his
popular classes year-round. The program introduces children to basic soccer
skills through a series of fun games and activities. Summer camp runs through
August and the fall season runs September 12 to November 19. Locations vary, 917-650-3008, coachfher.com. (Ages 3 to 8)
SocRoc
Age appropriate soccer classes taught by professional
coaches, emphasis on fun, learning basic soccer skills, balance, strength,
coordination, endurance, teamwork, and SCORING GOALS! 235 East 49th
Street,
917-703-0409, jcsocroc.com. (Ages 2 to 14)
Super Soccer Stars
Summer
programs include: Flexible Drop-in Classes, Day Camps, Mini Camps, Advanced
Clinics, and more. Positive reinforcement, a non-competitive environment, and a
low child-to-coach ratio ensure that each child will improve his or her soccer
skills—while having endless fun! More
than 150 locations throughout the Tri-State area, 212-877-7171, supersoccerstars.com. (Ages 2 and up)
Swimming
New York Sports Club
Lessons available for
kids of various ages and skill levels. Class levels range from Water Tot to
Swim Team Conditioning. Private lessons also offered. 1637 Third Avenue, 212-987-7200, mysportsclubs.com. (Ages 6 months to 14 years)
Physique Swim School
Offers a progressive program designed for
all levels of swimmers. Kids ages 8 and older can enroll in swim team prep,
while kids under 3 years and their parents will like the sing-along program,
“Me and My Shadow.” All swimmers will learn to be safe, confident and
efficient. Various locations around Manhattan, 212-725-0939, physiqueswimming.com. (Ages 4 months to 15
years)
Swim Jim
Toddler classes teach children ages 6
months to 3 years how to be comfortable in the water. Classes for older kids
focus on stroke technique. Individual and group classes offered. Lessons taught
year-round. Pool locations throughout
the city, 212-749-7335, swimjim.com. (Ages 6 months and up)
Tutoring
Bright Kids NYC
Bright Kids NYC is the premiere
tutoring and test preparation company for grades Pre-K to 8th in NYC. A Stanford
Binet summer value course is now available to prepare for the fall Hunter entry
exam and the wildly popular OLSAT bootcamp is back, running from September to
January. All courses are one-on-one with a certified teacher. 225
Broadway, Suite 3104,
917-539-4575, brightkidsnyc.com. (Ages Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade)
EBL Coaching
EBL Coaching provides one-on-one tutoring
to students in grades pre K-12 using research-based, multi-sensory strategies.
They specialize in reading, writing, math, organization, and study skills
development, and also offer specialized programs for students with learning
disabilities and ADHD. 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, 212-249-0147, eblcoaching.com. (Ages Pre-K to 12th grade)
Kumon Center
Kumon
is an after-school enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children so
they can achieve more on their own. The Kumon method uses an individualized
approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading
skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase
confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Various
locations, 1-800-ABC-MATH, kumon.com. (Ages Pre-K to 12th grade)
Launch
Math
Launch
Math Achievement Centers provide Pre-K through 8th grade kids with inspiring
math instruction throughout the year and exciting camps during summer months.
Launch engages kids with fun, real world activities that illustrate math’s
connection to subjects they love. Contact Launch today about clubs, workshops
and flagship Launch Learning program. Launch—Real
World Math—Out of this World Fun! 173 West 81st Street, Lower Level (between 81st and Amsterdam), 949-528-6240, launchmath.com. (Ages Pre-K to 8th grade)
Mathnasium
Through
tutoring and enrichment programs, students build a solid math foundation, receive
both homework guidance and a customized program that fills in skill gaps and
builds fluency with numbers. Get your child back into a math state-of-mind at
end of summer “Re-Boot” Camps which include fun math games and activities! 1597 York Avenue, 212-828-6284, mathnasium.com/manhattan. (Ages Pre-K to 12th
grade)
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review helps students by
focusing on preparation and practice to improve performance in the classroom
and on standardized tests. Through its website it also helps parents, teachers,
students and schools navigate the complexities of school admissions. 594 Broadway, Suite 502, 646-613-9500, princetonreview.com. (All Ages)
Yoga
Karma Kids Yoga
New York’s only yoga studio just for
kids, Karma Kids Yoga offers yoga classes for infants 6 weeks old through
teens, Family Yoga, CircusYoga, free Story Time Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga for
mommies-to-be. Yoga Birthday Parties, too! 104 West 14th
Street,
646-638-1444, karmakidsyoga.com. (Ages 2 months and up)
The Prenatal Yoga Center
In
addition to Mommy and Me Yoga, Infant Massage, Tummy Time, Music for Babies,
and Baby Fingers, the center offers workshops and lectures that address issues
related to pregnancy, childbirth education, breastfeeding, early childhood
parenting, and family dynamics. 251 West 72nd Street, 2F, 212-362-2985, prenatalyogacenter.com. (Ages newborn to 18
months)
Yoga
Stars
From
the creators of Super Soccer Stars, class structure engages children through
songs, games, and poses that get kids moving and focusing! Classes
maintain a low child-to-instructor ratio opening up a universe of
individualized learning and growth. 131 West 86th Street, 212.787.9642, yogastars.com. (Ages 2-10 years)
Yogi Beans
Yogi
Beans is an educational, energetic, and transformative yoga-for-kids program.
The Yogi Beans’ curriculum is tailored to introduce kids to the foundations of
yoga, while giving them the freedom to let their individual personalities
flourish and develop organically. Various
locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, yogibeans.com. (Ages prenatal to
10 years)
