Anoka-Hennepin Community Education

Studies prove that spending time outdoors builds confidence, promotes creativity, provides unique stimulation, and gets children moving, all while reducing stress and fatigue. Parents and children will learn about the outdoors and nature through experiential, hands-on activities. Class will be spent outdoors. Dress for outdoor play and the weather.

Children are natural explorers of their environment. They use play to figure out how things work, build relationships, learn and more. The classroom will be set up for exploration for you and your child to play and learn together. Parenting discussions include the purpose of play for young children plus a variety of parenting topics chosen by the group participants.

This class will encourage hands-on discovery. Each week, you and your child will experiment with and explore exciting, sensory-rich materials that make learning fun. Together, we'll explore fascinating activities and concepts like: melting ice, discovering the properties of goop, sink and float, magnetism, and more. Get ready to ignite a love of investigation in your curious little ones! Parent topics will include the importance of exploration, learning from mistakes, and topics chosen by the group. Spanish speaking instructor in class.

Spend quality time with your child(ren) learning and playing together. Parent discussion will examine topics through the lens of fatherhood while sharing mutual experiences, joys, and challenges with other fathers. Spanish speaking instructor in class at Coon Rapids Family Place.

From picture books to rhyme-filled stories, reading with young children sets the foundation for later independent reading. Explore a variety of favorite children's authors and bring their fun stories to life. A licensed parent educator will lead discussions on reading to young children, how to foster a love of reading, as well as other parenting topics.

Come wiggle, jiggle, and jump in this fun and active class. Children can burn off some of their extra energy in the gym as they run, jump, ride, slide, swing, and climb. Besides the time jumpin' in the gym, we'll also have fun exploring some classroom activities. A licensed parenting educator will guide parenting discussions on the power of play and other topics.

We'll explore fun, hands-on activities that are secretly building the foundation for future success. Through squishing, scribbling, and creating, your child will develop the fine motor skills essential for later writing, school readiness, and everyday tasks. The "big mess" is where the magic happens. Your child is learning to problem-solve, express themselves, and build hand-eye coordination.

It is hard to find time for self-care as a parent! Join us for this interactive and creative, "make & take class" where we will share ideas for stress management and self-care while making stress relief items to take home each week.

Enjoy the wonders of nature with your child! Whether we are enjoying the outdoor classroom or exploring nature inside, this class will encourage curiosity and exploration with all that springtime has to offer! Parent discussions will include encouraging outdoor play and other parenting topics chosen by parents.

Come explore spring indoors as we dig in the dirt, plant seeds, and create art for your outdoor spaces. A licensed parent educator will lead discussions on a variety of parenting topics chosen by the group participants.

"Raising Good Humans" by Hunter Clarke-Fields is a practical, compassionate guide that helps parents break reactive habits and build calmer, more connected relationships with their children. Through mindfulness strategies, brain-based insights, and simple daily practices, the book teaches caregivers how to pause, respond thoughtfully, and create a more peaceful family dynamic. This 7-week book study class will support parents in exploring these tools together and fostering more patient, resilient, and emotionally aware parenting. Purchasing the book is not necessary for class participation but will enhance your learning throughout the semester. Spanish speaking instructor in class at Coon Rapids Family Place.

How many times have you heard or maybe said, "I wish parenting came with a handbook”? This class might just be the closest thing there is. Learn and share practical parenting tips. Discuss your child’s development. Parenting educator will guide discussions based on topics selected by participants. Play and learn with your child. Just like every child is different, every class is different. This is a class you can take again and again.

Engage your child's senses through play! Children will have a chance to get their hands messy, wiggle and jiggle, and practice different ways to calm their body between all the fun with the help of their caregiver. Connect with a licensed parent educator about the benefits of play and the emotional regulation of children, along with other developmental areas.

Come play with us as we spotlight all the fun activities spring brings. We will dig in the dirt, plant seeds, cut grass and experiment with water and bubbles. A licensed parent educator will lead discussions on a variety of parenting topics chosen by the group participants. Spanish speaking instructor in class on Thursdays at Coon Rapids Family Place.

In this class, you will unlock your child's innate potential by learning to observe and engage their natural curiosity! You will explore key milestones and discover how simple, everyday play can build developmental skills that you can recreate at home. Parent topics will include how to foster your child's curiosity, risky play, and topics chosen by the group. Spanish speaking instructor in class.