Growing curious minds in the city
Sparrows and Sprouts works to cultivate children's love of nature and themselves as a part of it. We offer urban nature study, sensory play, and mindfulness classes for children, ages 2 and up and their families. Our classes aim to follow the natural curiosity and questions of the children. We also offer birthday party planning and entertainment, and programs for schools, scout troops, summer camps, and libraries. Sparrows and Sprouts has been recognized as a 2024 Philadelphia Family Favorite for nature education.
July 10 - Sight
July 17 - Sound
July 24 - Touch
Little Sprouts Nature Classes
Summer Session: Our Senses in Nature
Learning about and enjoying nature starts with tuning into our senses. In this specially themed class, we’ll explore nature with a focus on one of our senses each week while having all the fun of our traditional Little Sprouts classes: books, crafts, songs, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and games!
Children are always invited but never required to participate in group activities. Young children are not always able to sit through a structured circle time, and that's OK. Families are welcome to engage with the class in whatever ways work for them.
Intended for children ages 2-6 and a caregiver.
Where: FDR Park (Philadelphia)
When: July 10 - August 14 (6 weeks)
Time: Thursdays at 10 AM
Cost: $75 for all 6 classes OR $15 per class (please register in advance)
NEW! Bloom & Create Art Classes
This class will be a process-oriented class to explore different art media, relax, and socialize in a small-group setting (5-7 children). This class will be comfortable and fun for kiddos who are sensitive/anxious/neurodivergent and may find it difficult to attend art classes regularly offered by other organizations. Some classes may explore themes related to identity, coping with anxiety, and building social skills. Others may focus on art related to the specific interests and passions of the kids in class. The 11:00 session is for 5-7 year olds and the 12:30 session is for 7-9 year olds. Parents are asked to remain on-site during the class.
Where: Guerin Recreation Center, 16th and Jackson (Philadelphia)
When: July 12 - August 16 (6 weeks)
Time: Saturdays at 11 AM (ages 5-7) and 12:30 (ages 7-9)
Cost: $120 (please register in advance)
July 31 – Smell
August 7 – Taste
August 14 - Movement
Birthdays & Presentations
Need help planning a party or entertaining kids? I would love to customize a fun themed celebration for you. Whether you’re looking for someone to brainstorm ideas with you or just to come and keep the kids having fun, I specialize in offering unique activities to achieve your vision.
Looking for a visitor for your classroom, library, or summer camp? I am available for one-time presentations, or ongoing classes at your location. Most of my nature, mindfulness, and messy play classes can be adapted, but I especially love developing new activities based on your needs.
Contact me to share a little about your event or program and I will get back to you with some ideas!
What caregivers are saying
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"Bri is a wonderful teacher. I love that activities are invitations. I like the combo of structured learning and open-ended exploration."
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"Fun, casual and yet super informative. She thinks of little projects that I wouldn’t come up with on my own. Great for getting out in nature!"
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"I like the range of activities during class, walking around exploring is our favorite - very inclusive vibe and I think Bri is a great teacher!"
About Briana
I hold an MA in Museum Education and have taught in a variety of settings, including both traditional classrooms and informal environments such as museums, theaters, play spaces, and nature centers. I am a mom to a 7-year-old daughter and an 13-year-old son, and a co-founder of the South Philly Cooperative Playschool (my third baby). I started attending nature classes at Tyler Arboretum with my son when he was 18 months old and was astounded by how much he learned. He could identify more birds at 2 than I could at 30! When his phenomenal teacher left Tyler, I was offered the opportunity to take her place. In the 11 years since, I have developed my own style of teaching that is respectful of children, meets them where they are, and follows their curiosity. I recently completed training to teach the MindUp program, based in neuroscience, social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and mindfulness, that blends perfectly with my approach to cultivating children’s love of nature and themselves as a part of it. It’s important to me that Philadelphia families can find joy in urban nature without spending 45 minutes in the car first to “get there.” We can be mindful and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the outdoors right here in our own city parks.