From July 18^th through August 15^th, Tandem partnered with Edgewood FRC in the Bayview to pilot a new play and learn group program for fathers called Give Me 5. Throughout the five weeks of the program, fathers enjoyed learning with their children by participating in new, fun activities each Wednesday.  Tandem staff members, Edgewood Family Resource Center staff, and participating fathers shared laughs and fun moments together, all while engaging in fun activities focused on strengthening critical kindergarten readiness skills all children need in order to be successful in school. Best of all, dads and kids alike reported having a blast while learning together!

These play and learn groups are designed to get families working together and learning new concepts through creative play. Activities throughout the course of the program are designed to encourage children’s curiosity and persistence while developing self-regulation strategies and critical thinking skills. As families were building puzzles, singing songs and dancing together, or following fun recipes to create their own playdoh and slime, Tandem and Edgewood staff members were available to share how these fun, simple activities were making a huge impact on each child’s developing brain.

At the conclusion of the program, participating fathers shared that the program taught them new ways to spend quality time with their children, and fostered a greater sense of community among the participants. Due to the success of this San Francisco pilot, Tandem’s Alameda County team will host a pilot program for families in Oakland in the coming months.