I have a long history with Wee Play. My now elementary-aged children went there frequently for their Open Play Times and Special events. I often get updated on their schedule and yearn a little for the days when they were younger and we could attend. But, I had the opportunity recently to take my 3-year old neighbor Georgia to a Wee Play class. I knew I would like it — after all I got the chance to socialize and meet lots of great moms. Some of the moms I met in my Wee Play days are still part of my motherly support system. We all need one!
I knew Georgia would like it too. Upon entry you are welcomed into a colorful, roomy, clean environment with toys and themed sensory bins just waiting to be touched! Georgia had no qualms about walking up and diving into the fun. The toys and bins are carefully selected to enhance fine-motor skills through manipulative toys and provide a sensory-friendly experience. Often they reflect seasonal and holiday themes as well! Wee Play’s description that children are measuring, experimenting, discovering, creating, classifying, sorting, and imagining is really accurate.
After arrival and table/sensory-bin time we all sat in a circle — moms, caregivers and the children. Miss Kathy, Wee Play’s owner and our class leader, started off with a name song where each child was specially recognized! We then did poems and stories. All aspects of the circle time encouraged listening and participation. We practiced 
understanding “over” and “under” and counting! Now — don’t let this scare you off if you have a child that won’t sit still. More than one child wandered to the toys during this time. No one said anything — no one made a fuss about it — it was mutually understood and accepted that kids do what they do when they want.
After circle time we did a fun spring-time themed art project. The tables and chairs were all kid-sized and the supplies spread out through the middle of the tables so the kids could create at their own pace and style. Again, the art encouraged creativity and fine-motor skills as well as color and shape recognition.
After circle time came active play time! The kids got to go into the main studio area — an enclosed section of Wee Play with low walls and a door. The play area was filled with balls, ride-on toys, a mini-trampoline, and other fun toys. Everything was kid-touchable and safe. Miss Kathy played energetic music while the kids had free time and an 
occasional group “dance”. It gave the moms a great opportunity to talk one-on-one while the kids played with each other.
After play time we had a healthy snack and said our goodbyes. Georgia has a GREAT time — I had a GREAT time. As always, I was impressed by how Wee Play is designed just for our little ones. I loved how the class was broken into different increments to keep the attention of the kids. And, the content of each increment was engaging and educational. And as a mom — it was a treat to get out of the house and be among other moms. I’d highly recommend taking a Wee Play class! They also offer weekly drop-in open play times. You can see that schedule here.
Per their Web site: Wee Play is located in a 3,000 square foot, bright, colorful studio in the beautiful Sugar Oak Office Park near Reston Town Center and Fairfax C
ounty Parkway and offers innovative parent/child enrichment classes, drop-in open play, special events, memorable birthday parties, and “mommy and me” summer camps. Weekend drop-in open plays are held occasionally, space permitting.
You can join their mailing list to receive updates here as well as find them on Facebook and Twitter.
