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Playful Pathways, a play-based class for children
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A play-based class led by therapy experts

We are thrilled to offer a brand new intentional play class designed for young children in Richmond, Virginia!

Led by a team of expert pediatric therapists - including a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist - this class supports every aspect of your child’s development.

From building language and thinking skills to improving coordination, strength, and sensory processing, our fun, hands-on activities help your child grow, learn, and thrive - all through play!

We welcome individuals of all abilities to participate in our classes!

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At Playful Pathways, your child will learn, grow, and have fun with the support of a caring team that includes occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Here’s how each specialist helps your child thrive:

OUR MODEL

1

Speech Therapist

Our pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have created fun and engaging activities to help your child grow their speech and language skills. Each week, we focus on important areas like:

  • Using and understanding language through modeling and imitation

  • Asking and answering questions

  • Learning new words and concepts through exciting weekly themes

  • Enjoying songs and story time together

Along with building communication skills, we also help children make friends and practice positive social interactions in a supportive and playful environment.

2

Occupational Therapist

Children learn about the world through their senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Sensory play (like squishing playdough, splashing water, or exploring different textures) helps your child explore, ask questions, and spark creativity. It’s a fun and natural way for them to learn and grow!

Fine motor skills are all about the small movements in your child’s hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are very important for everyday things like getting dressed, brushing teeth, holding a pencil, drawing, and playing with toys. Our pediatric occupational therapists (OT's) have created play-based activities that will address these areas!

3

Physical Therapist

Our pediatric physical therapists (PTs) focus on helping children build gross motor skills—these are the big movements that use muscles in the arms, legs, and core. These skills are important for your child’s overall physical development, including posture, coordination, and balance.

Our PTs have designed fun, movement-based activities to support your child’s strength, confidence, and ability to move through their world with ease, from running and jumping to climbing and playing

CLASS HIGHLIGHTS

What does a typical class look like?

These classes are drop-off events, giving children the opportunity to play, create, and explore independently while parents enjoy a little time for themselves. Our class follows a semi-structured format that blends open-ended exploration with engaging group activities—designed to support your child’s development through intentional play. Each child will take home a sensory activity and a craft project to continue the fun at home, making every class a memorable experience that extends beyond the session!

Here’s what a typical class schedule looks like:

🎵 Welcome Song & Introductions

📚 Story Time

🧩 Playful Pathways Exploration with themed stations and guided group fun

🎨 Interactive Sensory Take Home Craft with Magical Journeys RVA

🤝 Group guided games and relay races that get everyone moving!

👋 Bubble Dance Party & Goodbye Song

We can’t wait to play, learn, and grow together!

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Our classes create a welcoming and inclusive community where children of all abilities can build friendships and connect through meaningful, shared social experiences. We welcome individuals of all abilities to participate in our classes! If your child requires special assistance, please reach out to us directly.

Class Schedule

Saturday, May 9: Bugs and Blooms 🐞🌻🦋

Time: 2–4 PM
Crawl, flutter, and buzz into spring with Bugs and Blooms! Our explorers will discover colorful flowers, friendly bugs, and nature-themed activities while creating crafts and making new friends. Perfect for curious minds and playful garden adventures!

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SUMMER 2026

​Our summer programming is designed to spark curiosity, connection, and joyful learning through play. Each themed session is thoughtfully created by our team to support communication, motor development, sensory exploration, and social engagement in a fun, nurturing environment. Through hands-on activities and imaginative experiences, children build skills while making meaningful memories all summer long.


Under the Sea 🐠🌊🐙
June 16 & 18

Dive into an ocean of imagination as little explorers discover life beneath the waves. Children will engage with sea creatures, explore ocean-inspired sensory bins, pop bubbles, and create beachy crafts. It’s an underwater adventure full of wonder, without getting soaked.

 

Camp Playful Pathways 🔥🌲🛶

June 23 & 25

Step into the magic of summer camp. Children will “roast” pretend marshmallows, explore forest-themed sensory play, sing playful camp songs, and embark on mini nature adventures. Cozy camp vibes and big imagination come together in this engaging experience.


Bloom and Explore 🌸🔎🐞
June 30 & July 2

Little gardeners will dig, plant, and play while discovering soil, seeds, and bugs through hands-on sensory experiences. With garden games and nature-inspired crafts, this session is perfect for curious learners who love to explore the outdoors.

Barnyard Bash 🌾🚜🐄
July 7 & 9

Join us for a lively farm adventure. Children will explore life on the farm through animal-themed games, sensory play with hay and vegetables, and interactive songs and stories. It’s a joyful, hands-on experience full of down-on-the-farm fun.


Christmas in July ☀️🎅🌴
July 14 & 16

Celebrate the holidays with a sunny twist. This festive session features beachy snowmen, creative crafts, and playful summer-inspired holiday activities. Santa hats meet flip-flops in this cheerful mid-year celebration.


Construction Zone 🚧🚜🦺

July 21 & 23
Hard hats on. Children will build, stack, dig, and design through hands-on construction play. With kinetic sand, block challenges, and teamwork-based games, this session supports creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.


Mission to the Moon 🌌🚀👩‍🚀
July 28 & 30

3…2…1… blast off. Young astronauts will explore the wonders of space through imaginative play, rocket building, glow-in-the-dark stars, and sensory activities inspired by the solar system. This high-energy adventure is ready for liftoff.


Rainbow Remix 🌈🎨💙
August 4 & 6

Celebrate color, creativity, and self-expression. Children will mix, swirl, and experiment with vibrant hues through hands-on art, movement-based activities, and sensory exploration

Interested in hosting a class at your location? Reach out to us today: playfulpathways@ignitetherapyrva.com

In addition to Playful Pathways classes that are open to the general public, we offer 6 week enrichment programs at daycares, preschools, and private schools in the Greater Richmond area. If you are interested in bringing Playful Pathways to your school, please contact us today!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

toddler sensory exploration play class

GET STARTED TODAY

"Play is the highest form of research."
— Albert Einstein

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