Playful Zoology
A flexible home-based learning curriculum that lets you and your child enjoy the journey together.
“Playful Zoology lessons and teachers gave us the jump we needed to turn our yard and neighborhood into a learning area. My child excitedly anticipated outdoor excursions to look and listen for animals all around us.”
Playful Zoology parent
“Playful Zoology is a great source to get outside and learn from the comfort of your own home.”
Playful Zoology parent
Learn and grow with us – at your own pace!
Playful Zoology is a new virtual learning program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach that connects you with a supportive learning community and gives you the tools to provide a long-term quality nature preschool option for your child, at home.
We’ve developed a 36-week program that sparks child-led interests divided into four 9-week sessions. Within those sessions, we break up the learning into 3-week-long investigations that connect your child with animals and the natural world while exploring integrated social/emotional concepts and meeting developmental milestones. *Note: our 2020-2021 program is price adjusted for 35 weeks, with a 2-week initial investigation.
The program includes:
- Easy-to-follow suggested daily and weekly lesson plans
- Weekly scheduled small-group Zoom meetings with our expert educators
· With parents / caregivers for collaboration and coaching
· With children so we can engage and support their development - Documentation of your child’s learning outcomes
- Weekly newsletters
We seamlessly blend technology with our nature-based curriculum! You’ll use Google Classroom, Zoom, and the Brightweel app – we’ll help you navigate them all.
Playful Zoology registration is open to everyone but designed for kids 3-5 years old.
You decide when and how to engage.
Our lesson materials and resources equip you to guide your child to discover themselves, their abilities, and the animals in your own backyard and neighborhood while playfully achieving learning outcomes in all areas of child development.
Complete as many or as few of the learning suggestions as you like. We do recommend a full program commitment to optimize your child’s development and establish a learning community, for your child and for you.
Pricing
Playful Zoology costs $450 per child for each 9-week session. Dallas Zoo Members receive 10% off!
This averages out to just $50 per week.
Session 1
Sept. 11 – Nov. 6
Investigating Transition and Friendship / Inspired by Frogs
Investigating Personal Growth / Inspired by Grasshoppers
Investigating Resilience / Inspired by Spiders
This session has passed but please join us for our current session.
Session 2
Nov. 6 – Jan. 22 (2-week winter break)
Investigating Problem Solving / Inspired by Squirrels
Investigating Renewal / Inspired by Earthworms
Investigating Safekeeping / Inspired by Ducks
To join this session in progress, contact our Education team at 469.554.7300.
Session 3
Jan. 22 – Mar. 26
Investigating Love and Empathy / Inspired by Songbirds
Investigating Inclusion / Inspired by Ants
Investigating Interdependence / Inspired by Bees
Session 4
Mar. 26 – May 28
Investigating Gratitude / Inspired by Ladybugs
Investigating Big Emotions and Safe Spaces / Inspired by Snails
Investigating Trust and Hope / Inspired by Butterflies
Questions?
Call the Education department at 469.554.7300 or email Education@DallasZoo.com