hot off the press...

Friday 9/17 - family concert 5:30pm

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:51:45 -0700

great music
for kids that we’re pretty sure you’ll like too!

LA-based children's performer and former preschool teacher Melissa Green is coming to Recess for a special evening show, Friday, September 17, at 5:30pm.

Bring dinner, enjoy some great live music & have a ball! Melissa’s shows combine traditional songs and original tunes that are adult-friendly, as well as engaging for the kids.

Her early childhood background integrated with her musical talent makes for songs that are quietly engineered to focus on building confidence, sharing, language development, and overall music appreciation. Kids participate by singing, dancing, waving scarves, and playing instruments.

Melissa is a popular performer at several venues around L.A. & we’re thrilled to have her join us in San Francisco!

Pre-sale tickets available here (they cost more at the door)
First 5 people to purchase Pre-sale tickets online will receive a free Melissa Green CD!

Individual Pre-sale tickets:
$7 members ($12 day of show)
$10 non-members ($14 day of shows)

Family Pre-sale tickets (up to 4 ppl in one immediate family):
$21 members ($30 members)
$30 non-members ($40 members)

If you have any questions, or would like more info, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

new to all of this?

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:34:59 -0700

are you a new parent?
have a baby age 0-12 months?
check out recess’ new
parent groups!

We have partnered with Amanda Ryer, a really amazing gal & child development specialist, who is going to be leading new parent groups at Recess--starting Friday, September 10.

These groups are going to be phenomenal, and provide an invaluable service to new moms & dads navigating the world of all things infant--sleep, introducing solids, play & development.

We've been dreaming about this sort of thing since the day we opened and are super excited that they've finally become a reality.

Details can be found at here!

If you have any questions, or would like more info, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Recess co-founders nominated for women entrepreneur of the year

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:14:51 -0700

Lisa & Kristin have been nominated for 2010 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. They need your support in order to win.

To vote:

Please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/san_francisco_nominees to endorse Lisa Nowell & Kristin Jamieson.

Then, spread the word! Voting ends soon.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards seeks to recognize women entrepreneurs in major cities of the Bay Area that demonstrate the following:

• Have been successful despite the barriers that exist for woman business owners,
• Exemplify how business ownership and leadership is beneficial for women and their families,
• Have a positive impact on local community or the community at large and/or
• Advance their business through innovation.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Recess.

Parenting strong willed children

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:18:45 -0700

"In order for discipline to be truly effective, it has to help a child learn how to regulate and appropriately express emotions as well as control behavior. Because the goal of discipline is for a child to internalize a sense of appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior and ultimately moral action, discipline has to be relationally relevant.

“[Thus, it is critical to identify effective ways to] set limits, deliver emotionally supportive guidance and foster the development of a healthy sense of self in your child in the toddler and preschool years."

Symbio led a workshop on Emotionally Intelligent Discipline at Recess last week. Noelle & Lele, Symbio’s co-founders, helped us gain a better understand of setting limits and shaping behavior in a way that also supports our young children’s development. Read on for some further information from Noelle & Lele about parenting strong-willed children.

click here to download the full article

july at recess

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:15:10 -0700

"The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco."
- Mark Twain

Summer in San Francisco doesn’t always feel as such. Recess has been hoppin’ and we’re so happy to see all of your faces.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the kids concert last week. It was a great event, with wonderful music, energy and fun. Norm was blown away by how much fun he had performing and loved all the participation, from grandparents and infants alike. We have a couple more concerts in the works, so keep your eye on the calendar.

In the much more immediate future, July classes begin Monday, July 12. Is your little one signed up yet? Schedules can be crazy in the summer time, so if you're only around for July, join us for this quick 3 week series (7/12-7/30). You may also combine it with an August series (8/2-8/27) for a bit more continuity. Check out the class schedule below, and see which classes fit your needs.

For Kids:

MONDAYS
• Music: Babytunes (ages 0-12mo) 11:30 Mondays, July 12-26.
• Music: Walk n' Roll (ages 12 mo+) 10:30 Mondays July 12-26.
• Drop Off Camp (2.5yrs-4yrs), 2:30-5:30 pm.

TUESDAYS
• Messy Art (ages 18 mo+) 10:30 Tuesdays, July 13-27.
• Messy Art (ages 2-4) 4:15pm Tuesdays, July 13-27.
• Drop Off Camp (2.5yrs-4yrs), 2:30-5:30 pm.

THURSDAYS
• Kids Yoga (ages 2-4) 10:30, Thursdays, July 15-29.
• Move n' Play (18-30 mo) 11:15, Thursdays, July 15-29.
• Drop Off Camp (2.5yrs-4yrs), 2:30-5:30 pm.

FRIDAYS
• just added: Little Chefs (20 mo-3yrs) 10:30 Fridays, July 16-30.
• Language through Play (9-18 mo) 12:15 Fridays, July 16- august 6 (NOTE this is a 4-week class). $65 members/ $95 non-members (class only)/ $110 non-members (+ play before/after class)
• Drop Off Camp (2.5yrs-4yrs), 2:30-5:30 pm.

Sign Up (please per-register for all classes)
*Email signups@recessurbanrecreation or call 415.701.7529 to enroll.

Pricing
*Class Series: $50 members/ $ 70 non-members (class only)/ $85 non-members (+ play before/after class)
*Single Class: $18 members/ $23 non-members/ $30 non-members (+ play before/after class)
*Drop-off Camp: $180/wk (M, T, Th, F) or $48/day per week. Sign up for one day a week, any one full week, or several weeks. July 12-July 30. August 2-13. August 23-27.

For Adults:

Emotionally Intelligent Discipline Workshop presented by Symbio. Tuesday, July 13, 7:30pm.

"In order for discipline to be truly effective, it has to help a child learn how to regulate and appropriately express emotions as well as control behavior. Because the goal of discipline is for a child to internalize a sense of appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior and ultimately moral action, discipline has to be relationally relevant. We will discuss effective ways to set limits, deliver emotionally supportive guidance and foster the development of a healthy sense of self in your child in the toddler and preschool years."

Enroll at: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/adm/home.asp?studioid=3210 . $35 mem/$40 non (couple pricing $55 mem/$60 non).

Mindful Parenting. Tuesday, July 27, 7:30-9pm

Mindful Parenting, simply put, is being present in your body and connected with your baby no matter what is happening. In this workshop, Marriage Family Therapist, Kory Orlanski offers current insights into the positive psychology of parenthood & infant attachment, translates science and theory into jargon-free language and immediately applicable tools.  
Mindful parenting directly affects the challenges parents face in daily life. The goal is to help parents become the kind of present, authentic, connected, emotionally competent, psychologically-balanced, and loving parents they want to be not to mention enjoying the extraordinary experience of parenting to its fullest extent.  
For you: You will learn that Mindful Awareness has scientific support as a means to reduce stress, improve attention, boost the immune system, reduce emotional reactivity, and help with a general sense of health and well being.

* For your child: Practicing mindfulness as a parent can help in building your child’s emotional intelligence, self-esteem, cognitive abilities, and social skills. 
Registration: Call 415-701-PLAY to register or visit: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/adm/home.asp?studioid=3210. Cost: $18 members/ $28 non-members

July 9, 6pm - family concert: drums, rhythm & fun

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:38:12 -0700

Imagine if Bob Marley, John Lennon & Otis Redding held a family music festival on Sesame Street. This is the kind of atmosphere created with every gathering of The Rhythm Child Network.

Rhythm Child is not just a band, it’s a movement. Formed in 2003 by husband and wife team Norman and Heather Jones, Rhythm Child’s mission is to encourage children to create soulful music and percussion, while also building their self confidence. “Eat a Bowl of Cherries” the group’s latest release, proves that not all children’s music needs to be hyperactive and saccharin sweet. In fact, it can be naturally, genuinely sweet—just like a real life bowl of cherries. Style-wise, Rhythm Child sounds more like Otis Redding than Alvin and the Chipmunks, an innovation that will delight children and parents alike.

The real magic of Norman comes to life in the Rhythm Child family concerts and drum workshops which are interactive performances that include the instruments, the instruction, and the opportunity for everyone, regardless of age or ability, to engage in a fun and spontaneous way. As the lead drummer of Rhythm Child, Norman provides a steady and flowing pulse that makes it easy for others to join in and jam along. This “player friendly” environment allows for everyone to become actively involved without pressure or fear.

After 25 years of singing, writing and performing, Norman’s ability to connect to an audience is his strongest asset. From the college audiences that danced to the reggae music of his 80’s touring band Crucial DBC, to the die-hard followers of General Public who responded to his contagious positive energy in the early 90’s, and finally to the thousands of families currently listening to the soulful sounds of Rhythm Child, Jones has always had a way of making everyone feel part of his world. Norman says, “My passion in this world is getting toddlers and young kids comfortable expressing themselves through drums and vocals; and I can do this by hosting drum circles, putting out CDs and doing live shows.”

In an on-going effort to help incorporate rhythm into a child’s daily life, The Rhythm Child Network website www.rhythmchild.net features music, videos, instruments, clothing and information that help teachers, parents and caregivers provide more opportunities for stimulating musical involvement.

Buy your tickets for the July 9 Show at Recess online & save!
members $6 online/ $10 door. non-members $9 online/ $14 door

DOORS: 5:30pm
SHOW: 6pm

recess needs your vote!

Sun, 16 May 2010 20:25:11 -0700

We are thrilled to announce that Recess has been nominated in 3 “Best Of...” contests.

Now, we need your support to win.

Deadlines are quickly approaching, so please vote! Thank you, in advance, for your time and for helping us out!

SF Chronicle for the "Best Family Fun!" Click on this link & help us win
http://baylist.sfgate.com/recess-urban-recreation/biz/546319

In a contest put on by the Bay Area Parent - Best of the Best, you can write in Recess, for best indoor playspace & best place to throw a party) at: http://bestofbayarea2010.surveyconsole.com/

Finally, we have also been nominated as one of the picks for Best Party Place in Nickolodeon's Parent's Picks Awards. To become one of the finalists for the 2010 Parent’s Pick Award, we need your vote. You can nominate us once a day, every day, from now until June 17 at by clicking here.

Thanks for your support!

Would you Know what to do?

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:10:01 -0700

Saturday, May 15, 9-11am

Would you know what to do if your child started choking? Or if they stopped breathing or you found them unconscious? What if the occasion arose, and right along with your adrenaline, you had to perform CPR? Could you do it? What about your nanny/spouse/parent? Would you know what to do? You will find the answers to these questions & more, on Saturday Morning, at Recess (470 Carolina St, SF or www.recessurbanrecreation.com) in the Infant/Child/Adult CPR Class.

You will learn basic procedures, such as how to dislodge something from an infant or child's throat and how to perform life-saving CPR depending on a person's age. You'll walk away from the class, which is around two hours long (with no beating around the bush), with two valuable things.

• First, you'll learn how to do something (which is much better than freaking out and doing nothing!).
• Second, and perhaps more important, you'll learn that you can indeed save your son's life, or anyone's, really, or at least keep them going until help arrived, by using some simple procedures.

In other words, the power is in your hands.

Join other parents & caregivers from the community this Saturday morning, 9-11am at Recess, in this workshop geared to fit with the hectic schedules of parents & caregivers. Instruction is in English & Spanish. The class is $55 per person ($45/recess members), or $90 for a couple. It may be the most important $55 you'll ever spend. Enroll at http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=3210&stype=-8, or at 415.701.7529.