For little ones, play is serious business.
This spring, families participating in Ingham Intermediate School District’s Play & Learn Groups spent time exploring one of the things children know best: family.
Through hands-on activities, children talked about the people (and pets!) who matter most to them while creating family picture projects filled with personality, creativity and heart. Some children proudly included siblings, grandparents and beloved family pets—while others made sure their pet rocks earned a special place in the family portrait.
But these moments are about much more than crafts.
Ingham ISD’s Play & Learn Groups create opportunities for children and caregivers to learn, play and grow together through meaningful early childhood experiences. Designed for children from birth through age five, the free groups offer story time, music, movement, art, sensory activities and social play—all while helping families build connections with one another.
In the classroom, children explored materials, practiced sharing, strengthened communication skills and engaged in imaginative play alongside peers. For caregivers, the groups offer something valuable, too: a chance to connect with other families navigating similar stages of parenting.
Research consistently shows that early childhood experiences and caregiver interaction play an important role in a child’s social, emotional and developmental growth. Programs like Play & Learn help create supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive.
For many families, the biggest takeaway is simple: learning happens everywhere—especially when children feel safe, supported and free to explore.
Families interested in joining a Play & Learn Group can find schedules and registration information through Ingham ISD’s Early Childhood Services.
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