During my student teaching years I was placed at four schools around Manhattan. During those years I had the opportunity to work with many amazing woman who I still keep in touch with to this day. For my 2nd placement I was placed at a small progressive school. However there was one particular teacher there I will never forget. I remember like it was yesterday, I was so nervous when I was called to substitute in
her class. As the months passed I too joined the teaching team there but since then, we have both moved on. I will never forget what a hard working teacher
she was. You could always tell that
she truly cared about her duties and role as a teacher as well as her students, through her patient and creative teaching. Since then she has not only created a family of her own, but a new and upcoming program called
Homegrown Friends. And I couldn't be more excited for
her!!
Homegrown Friends is still very new, but Meredith Donnelly has already spread the Homegrown Friends playgroup through
6 states and
30 towns across America. Meredith is extremely busy spreading Homegrown Friends through more towns and counties but I was very lucky to have take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions...
BB: How does Homegrown Friends work?
MD: Homegrown Friends members complete a membership form that contains basic information (name, child’s age and location), as well as rate a list of interests that will help us connect like-minded parents. Once matched an email is sent to the new playgroup members introducing the parents and providing a rotating playgroup schedule.
Refer three people to Homegrown Friends and your membership is FREE!
A full credit card refund will occur once three people name you as the referring member on their membership forms. (Referral program does not apply to third party deals such as Plum District).
Homegrown Friends' playgroups are designed for children ages 0-3 matched by developmental ages 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2 years and 3 years. A playgroup is a consistent small group of children engaged in organized activities under the supervision of their parents or caregivers. The playgroups created by Homegrown Friends will consist of four children with playgroups occurring in the participants' homes on a rotating weekly schedule. No need to worry about what to do during your playgroup sessions! As part of your membership you will receive an eight-week playgroup curriculum designed specifically for your child's developmental age. Each week the host family will have the opportunity to plan the activities for the group's enjoyment.
The Homegrown Friends Curriculum is designed to grow with your child. Parents with children ages newborn to 6 months will notice that there will not be a weekly curriculum. Instead there will be recommended toys, books and music. These first crucial months are about nurturing your baby and yourselves. Finding a supportive network of parents is one of the best ways to nurture your new roles as parents. Babies will benefit and grow simply from being in your arms as you form friendships with other parents.
The addition of weekly activities begins at six months. As your children gain more independence and their attention spans grow the activities become more complex and the playgroup sessions become longer. In addition to weekly activities you will be provided with book and snack recommendations.
BB: Do you think Homegrown Friends would have been beneficial to you and your parents while growing up?
MD: Such an interesting question! I am lucky to have a mom who is an Early Childhood Educator. My mom, Trish, is also the author of “Come With Us to Playgroup”, an instructional manual for how to create playgroups written in the 70s. My mom is my inspiration for this business and is responsible for who I am as a mom. She embodies what it truly means to be a mother and a grandmother. Because of my mom’s education background my brothers and I were lucky to be part of playgroups. My goal is to make the type of playgroup I grew up with accessible to all parents.
BB: Do you need a teacher to be involved in the Homegrown Friends program?
MD: When you become a member of Homegrown Friends you and your playgroup members receive an 8-week playgroup curriculum as well as book, music and snack recommendations. I have worked hard to take my knowledge of Early Childhood Education and make the curriculum user friendly no matter what a parent’s background.
BB: Can expecting mommies/daddies and or families sit in if they are curious?
MD: Because the playgroups take place in individual’s private homes this is not a possibility, but I am always available to speak with potential members via email at info@homegrownfriends.com.
Become a Homegrown member by clicking here!
Like Homegrown Friends on Facebook by clicking here!
