I’ll be the first to admit that I was nervous about taking my 3- and 4-year olds to Story Time at Brazee Street Studios. While the website specifies that these classes are geared toward kids 3 and up, I was definitely skeptical. My kids have been known to use felt-tip markers as serious weapons — and my still-very-much-a-toddler son definitely doesn’t sit still for very long. So, would glasswork and little kids really mix?
Absolutely.
Story Time at Brazee Street Studios is indeed perfect for the preschool-aged crowd. Here’s what you can expect, and why you should definitely sign up for an upcoming Story Time at Brazee Street Studios:
After signing in, you and your kids will head to a designated table. This table is empty; it’s where the kids will sit for story time. (Having separate tables is genius — what little kid would pay attention with safety goggles and glass beads at his little fingertips?) Our instructor was Chelsea, and she read Blueberries for Sal, which I’m embarrassed to say I’d never read to my kids! The story time was very interactive; Chelsea has the kids repeat “Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!” as she read. Harvey absolutely loved that, enthusiastically shouting his kuplunks!
Each Story Time features a craft that is inspired by that week’s story; after the book was finished, Chelsea spent about 10 minutes going through the craft itself, and explaining safety. Obviously, the main safety issue here is getting glass in your eyes, and Brazee has child-sized safety goggles for each of the kids. She modeled the correct and incorrect way to wear the goggles, and the kids all listened very carefully. (Important side note, there has never been an eye incident or injury from the glass — and that’s absolutely due to the diligence of the staff.)
While she was explaining all the procedures, I was impressed by how calm the kids were and how well they listened. This calm energy extended through craft time, and I think a lot of that had to do with the kids knowing exactly what to expect — and what was expected of them. Chelsea used vivid, step-by-step descriptions for craft that the kids could readily related to: the frit was “spaghetti noodles,” the glass beads and leaves would bake in the kiln like melting cheese on a pizza.
Also worth mentioning: all the glass pieces were already organized and laid out for the kids, and everything for Story Time is always pre-cleaned and cut, so there are never any sharp edges. Plus, the kids have everything they need right at their seats, so there’s no need to walk around during class. Chelsea was at the craft table the whole time, helping the kids and answering any questions. Brazee’s Story Time was clearly created with preschoolers in mind: it’s fun and interactive, thoughtfully organized to keep kids’ attention, and designed so that safety always comes first, both in theory and in practice.
My kids had a blast at Toddler Story Time — and can’t wait to pick up their masterpieces later this week. I know my oldest is going to be so jealous he missed out, but we’ll definitely be back this summer for more glass work. Three kids 6 and under in a glass class? Absolutely — as long as it’s at Brazee Street Studios.
Brazee Street Studios is located at 4426 Brazee Street in the heart of Oakley (45209). Story Times happen regularly throughout the month, and can be found at Brazee’s website here.
