"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Offer Play and Learn Group

***"Mollee Thilges, 3 yrs old read to by Lydia Adair, Play and Learn Group Educator, during a Cherokee Nation Play and Learn activity."***

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is offering parents the opportunity to introduce Cherokee culture and social interaction into the life of children by participating in the Cherokee Nation’s play and learn group every Monday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kids Connections, located at 816 S. College in Tahlequah, every Monday and Wednesday, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Sequoyah County Health Department, located at 612 N. Oak Street in Sallisaw, and every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a. m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, located at 160 Alyene Hogner Drive, in Stilwell. In addition, a Cherokee speaking only play and learn group is available in Stilwell every Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Housing Office..

“The play and learn groups provide opportunities for parents and relative providers to connect with the children in a learning environment and is a wonderful way to expose them to Cherokee language and culture,” said Arlene Greenawalt, Cherokee Connections Program Coordinator. “School readiness begins at infancy and includes a healthy and safe learning environment for children to grow and develop.”

The play and learn group is a part of Cherokee Connections, a service provided by the Cherokee Nation’s Early Childhood Unit and is open to children through age five who is being cared for by a relative caregiver or a parent. At least one child attending with the caregiver or parent must have a CDIB card.

“We provide Cherokee language activities during circle time as well as books, toys, art and science activities,” said Greenawalt. “The idea behind the play and learn group is to stimulate a child’s potential to learn through themed activity kits and other activities that integrate cultural, social, emotional, physical and intellectual learning.”

There is no cost to attend the play and learn group, but space is limited and reservations are recommended. Children should wear play clothes that can get dirty. Snacks will be provided. For more information, call 918-453-5078 or 918-453-5077.