Hamilton High School will offer Play Group this spring to local children ages three to five. The long-standing program provides high schoolers studying Early Childhood Education with meaningful hands-on teaching experience while young learners receive a positive introduction to a preschool setting.
“We transform this Hamilton High School classroom into a preschool classroom,” explains Hamilton High School Family and Consumer Sciences, Educational and Early Childhood Teacher and Play Group Coordinator Janine Farrell. She says the older and younger students learn side by side, providing a unique opportunity for both groups to grow. “There are a lot of things happening that benefit everyone. For example, our young students are quite often learning how to say goodbye to mom and dad,” she explains. “Meanwhile, my older students are learning how to help the children with that important transition.”
Play Group is open to all local children ages three to five. They are paired with one or two high school students. Together, they participate in age appropriate activities in a preschool environment. Daily routines include group time with songs and read-alouds, followed by structured lessons planned and led by the high school students.
The 2026 Play Group will run April 9 – May 22, meeting Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:55 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. at Hamilton High School. The $35 fee covers the entire spring session. Independence in the bathroom is preferred but not required. Enrollment preference is given to families who can attend all or most days.
“As an educator myself it’s so wonderful to see my high school students in the classroom,” beams Farrell. “Reading about early childhood education is different from actually working with young children. It is fabulous to see these junior and senior high school students use what they’ve learned in earlier classes and actually apply it in real life!”
Families interested in enrolling their child may complete the Play Group Pre-Registration Form or contact Janine Farrell at farrja@hamilton.k12.wi.us with questions or for more information.