GALLERY | WonderTree

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So excited to share that the WonderTree family is growing by one more! 🌱

Lately I’ve been thinking about how special it is when like minded parents come together, slow down, and let kids simply be kids.
There’s something beautiful about creating a space where childhood gets to unfold. 🌟

✨ Next messy playgroup → September 21
☕ Catch WonderTree at Grow Café → September 19 & 25

You belong here! 🌿

Registration is now open for the next playgroup September 21st, 10am at Sedgefield Park! 🫶🏼

Link in bio🚀

I have some really exciting sensory trays planned for TOMORROW at Grow Cafe!😍 Get your tickets now! This is always such a lovely place to gather for sensory play and of course enjoy a delicious drink or treat! 🥰

https://www.growcafeclt.com/eventsandworkshops

Design, prep, play… repeat! 🫧
I loved getting everything ready for today’s August messy playgroup, and it felt SO GOOD to be back at it! Can’t wait to share the September date soon, stay tuned! 🌈

I missed you guys in July! 💛 the Messy Playgroup is back next Sunday and I can’t wait to see everyone again. 🫧🎨
Registration is OPEN! Grab your spot through the link in bio before it fills up! 🚀

Before ➡️After 💜I love starting each session with the trays arranged all aesthetic and inviting but my favorite part is seeing how it gets beautifully destroyed by the end! I love seeing the creations the kids have made and the stories that the leftovers tell. Their imagination transforms my art into their masterpiece. 🥰

There’s something incredible about watching children in their flow, completely absorbed in what sparks their curiosity.

When play is led by interest (and a little sensory magic ✨), focus isn’t forced… it just happens.

These moments remind me how powerful it is to give kids the space and tools to create on their own terms.

☀️ Next messy playgroup: August 24 at Sedgefield Park - sensory play, fresh air, and space to explore.
☕ Next Grow Café session: August 28 - cool indoors, and the perfect chance to grab a lovely coffee for you while your child plays.

There’s nothing like a celebration with messy play!
I had so much fun designing sensory trays for this dog themed pawty! 🐩🐾

If you’ve got a jumper or standing play center, try sliding a shallow tray of water underneath. Then wait for the happy feet! 😍🥹

💧 Letting little ones explore with their feet helps strengthen balance, coordination, and body awareness. Starting sensory play early also builds brain connections as they learn through touch and movement, even with their tiny toes! 👣✨

Here’s what I know from years of working with kids and now parenting: sensory play matters. It’s how children naturally learn..through touch, movement, and sound. When we give them space to dig in, splash, and explore, we’re supporting brain development, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

Say yes to play that meets their needs: body, mind, and heart. 💛

Today was our final July sensory play session at Grow Cafe, thank you for making it so joyful! Stay tuned for more dates to catch indoor sensory play at Grow Cafe or join us for the August Messy Playgroup at Sedgefield Park. Sign ups are open now at wondertreeclt.com 💛

What’s not to love about messy play without the heat? 😝☀️💦
Join us for our last July session at Grow Cafe this Monday, the 21st!
Spots are limited, so don’t wait! 🎉

Nothing like a little messy play to get the kids regulated and take the edge off 😂

I have tried to make a weekend in July work for a messy playgroup but my weekends have gotten so busy with our upcoming move I know I would be stretching myself too thin. 🥺 I want to make sure I can give it my ALL so that when we meet again the sensory trays are awesome for you and your kiddos! The next chance to catch a messy playgroup will be SUNDAY, August 24 at 10am. It’s far away but will be worth the wait!!
Until then you can catch WonderTree indoors at Grow Cafe on July 18 and 21st but spots are filling up quick and this event is selling out every time so grab your ticket asap!🎟️💫
I look forward to seeing you at Grow Cafe or at the full on messy playgroup in August. 🤩

Messy play at Grow Cafe is always a hit! 💫
There are TWO more chances to catch the fun this month, July 18 and July 21!
This event sells out every week so grab your tickets now!🚀

June is so special to me. As the month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this past year has meant to me.

Getting to share WonderTree with you and your kids, has been such a gift. And watching your little ones play, explore, and grow has brought me so much joy.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your journey with your children.

Here’s to another year of connection, curiosity, and messy, beautiful play. I can’t wait to keep growing with you. 🌿✨

Yesterday at Grow Cafe! 💫 I absolutely love bringing sensory play to this beautiful space! 😍

Stay tuned for more dates in July!🤭

We celebrated one whole year of WonderTree this Saturday and my heart is beaming.💓

This past year has been so special. Watching your children explore the sensory trays and play with such joy has meant so much to me! I’m so grateful I get to share this dream of mine with such a great community.

To every family who has been a part of this journey over the past year, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for embracing the mess, and for trusting me to create a space where your children can lead, explore, and just be kids. I’m moved and humbled that so many of you have opened your hearts to this messy kind of play.

And to those who are just finding WonderTree, welcome. You’re in the right place. I’m so glad you made it to this little corner of the world. 💫

Here’s to another year of knowing that the mess is worth it! 🎨

Friday mornings at Grow Cafe have been such a hit! 💫

There are only a few spots left for next week! Don’t miss the fun, reserve yours today!

https://www.growcafeclt.com/eventsandworkshops

Messy play looks wild, but it’s where real growth happens.

Today we wrapped up the final week of summer camp at Dilworth Weekday School, and I’ve had the best time. It’s been such a joy getting to know these little ones and bringing the messy sensory play experience to such a warm, welcoming community. 💛

Messy play in air conditioning is a YES! 😅
Beat the heat on Fridays at Grow Cafe!
WonderTree will return June 20 & June 27.
Link to sign up @ www.growcafeclt.com/eventsandworkshops

This morning was such a joy - perfect matcha, happy kiddos, and a beautiful space to play 🌿

WonderTree will be back for two more Fridays at Grow Cafe:
✨ June 20
✨ June 27
Both at 10AM!

Reserve your spot at growcafeclt.com/eventsandworkshops 💚

Summer is for friends and backyard play! 🌞🐄
These private playgroups are such a joy to create!
Perfect for families looking to do something special while school’s out! 🤍🐽

Wilderness wonders and sticky s’mores hands 🍫🌲
Loving camp week at Dilworth Weekday School!

The other day my toddler fell down and started crying. And without even thinking, I caught myself saying , “You’re okay!”

But was he?
It was a big fall. He was startled. He was overwhelmed. He wasn’t okay, and that’s okay.

We say things like
“You’re fine.”
“You’re a big boy.”
“Big girls don’t cry.”
“Don’t be scared.”

But… I’m a grown woman, and I cry. I get scared. I get frustrated when things don’t work out. I fall apart sometimes too.

So why do we expect our toddlers, who are still brand new to the world and just beginning to learn what feelings even are, to stay calm and composed all the time?

Here’s the thing:
It’s not wrong that they’re crying. Or mad. Or overwhelmed. What’s harmful is when we dismiss those feelings instead of helping them through.

When we tell our kids not to feel what they’re feeling, we’re not teaching them to be emotionally strong. We’re teaching them to hide those emotions. To doubt themselves. To think those feelings are bad.

But every big feeling is a chance to show them:
✅ You’re safe to feel.
✅ I’ll walk through this moment with you.
✅ Big emotions aren’t bad.

So now I try to catch myself. I try to say,
“That was big fall. Did that scare you? It’s okay to feel scared. Would you like a hug?”

Not because it’ll stop the tears right away… but because I want him to know that his feelings matter and are normal. Because as we know, there is a huge scope of emotions that come with this human experience, and they’re all okay.

Most of the time, before I can even wrap my arms around for the hug he wanted, he already wants to move on and try again or do something new.😂

Our kids don’t need perfection. They just need presence. 💛

Hot coffee for you ☕️ Sensory play for them 💛

Join us this Friday at Grow Café for a cozy, kid-friendly morning where everyone gets to enjoy! ✨

Link to sign up below⬇️

www.growcafeclt.com/eventsandworkshops

Spring Fling at @goddardschooldobysbridge 🌞🌸
A huge thank you to this school and all the families that made this event so fun!☺️💗

Once you know how to enjoy this kind of play, there’s no going back! 😜

June 21 is the next Messy Playgroup! Grab your spot now!⚡️

Schools out and these backyard playgroups are the absolute best!

If you’re curious about having a backyard playgroup with your mom friends this summer, let’s chat! 😍😊

It’s a beautiful thing to create a space just for them, space made for play, exploration, and wonder. 🌿✨

The next messy playgroup is coming up June 21, and it’s a special one, we’re celebrating ONE YEAR of WonderTree! 🎉 Come get messy and honor a year of joy, growth, and child-led play. We can’t wait to see you there! 💚

Don’t be ridiculous, Andrea 😉😜😂

A little mess never hurt anyone. I always remind myself, they’re washable, the clothes are washable. It’s all washable. 🧼

So excited to get messy & celebrate one whole YEAR of WonderTree!

June’s Messy Playgroup is at Sedgefield Park @ 10:00am.

Link in bio!🎉

All through the power of play! ⭐️

📆June 21st is the next Messy Playgroup at Sedgefield Park.

Link in bio to sign up! 🥰

Toddlers are still learning how to process language, so when we say “don’t throw the rocks” they may only hear “throw” and “rocks”
Their brains can’t fully process words like “don’t” and “not”. Instead of repeating what not to do, give them a clear direction for what they CAN do.

I used to say, “Don’t throw rocks, that’s not what we do.”
Now I say, “You can drop the rocks or you can squeeze the rocks.”

I give him options that work for me and my boundaries on rocks.

I give him a yes, while maintaining the limit.

It’s a small shift, but it’s monumental when it comes to communicating with your little one.

We’re not just managing or correcting behavior, we are building cooperation, and connection.

Had to hop on this trend!😝🔥

Because yes, you should let your kid get messy.

Here’s why:

🧠 Sensory-rich play literally builds connections in their brain
🌊 It supports emotional regulation
🎨 Encourages creativity + independence
✋AND develops fine motor skills!

It’s time to embrace the mess! 🌟

YOU’RE INVITED! 🥳
WonderTree is turning ONE- and I’m celebrating the only way I know how… with messy play!

June’s playgroup is extra special 🎉 After the best first year, I can’t wait to celebrate with the families who’ve made it all possible.

Come play, get messy, and mark this milestone with me!🥹

Details at www.wondertreeclt.com

Sometimes he’s right there beside me, washing trays with a sponge. Other times, he’s just playing in the bubbles while I get it done. 🧼
Either way, we’re side by side, doing our own versions of “work.” 💛
Including him doesn’t always mean we’re doing the same thing. It just means he’s involved in the process.
These are small, shared moments that teach him so much about responsibility, independence.

Hello, fine motor development! 👋✍️

Every time little hands squeeze, scoop, and pour, they’re strengthening the muscles needed for writing. ✨

These early movements build hand strength, coordination, and control- these are essential foundation for holding a pencil and forming letters.

My favorite part is how they’re so focused, so joyful, and completely immersed in the moment, not even realizing they’re hard at work developing skills that will serve them for years to come. 💛🥹

Week 4 at Dilworth Weekday School 💛

I’m filled with gratitude as we wrap up the final week of our enrichment program. What a joy it’s been!

Each week these children brought so much wonder and joy, truly bringing the sensory trays to life!

Thank you, Dilworth, for welcoming WonderTree into your space. These past few weeks have meant so much to me both personally and professionally. I’m already looking forward to returning for summer camps in June. 🌿🐅💧✨

In May of last year, I had a wild little idea: what if I started a playgroup?

I just wanted a space to take my son, where he could play with other kids, get messy, and explore in a yes space. When I realized nothing like that existed nearby, it hit me: maybe I could be the one to create it.

That thought came fast. My brain started bubbling with ideas and, for once, I didn’t overthink it. I hit the ground running, something flipped in me, and I knew I had to bring this to life.

June 15 was the first ever WonderTree playgroup. Most of the families were ones I had taught before, or friends of friends. Slowly, the circle widened. Playgroups began filling with families I hadn’t met yet, but would soon come to know and love.

So many of you have shown up and said yes to this kind of play. You’ve made room for your kids to be messy, curious, and free.

WonderTree has grown in ways I used to only hope for. Birthday parties became a big part of what I do (I LOVE building trays around your kids’ favorite themes), and I’ve started working with schools too- which is so exciting!

Every time I load my car with trays and materials, I feel a huge sense of gratitude that I get to do what I do.

Thank you to everyone who has joined a playgroup, booked a party, told a friend, or simply cheered me on. You’ve helped make it all happen!

Here’s to another year of magic & mess! 🎨

You bring the cake, I’ll bring the fun!

If you’re planning a summer birthday and want something truly unique for your little one and their friends, I’ve got you.

Fun, purposeful play for a party they’ll never forget!

Tap the link in bio for birthday party details 🥳

We love a tea party moment! 🫖🌸
•
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If you’re planning a summer birthday party, let’s chat! I love designing trays for your little ones special day!

Details 🍓🧚‍♀️🌱🍋✨

May’s Messy Playgroup🌼

The May messy playgroup is happening this Saturday!

📆 May 17 at 10:00 AM at Sedgefield Park - and it’s going to be a fun one!

Bring your little one for a morning of sensory play, connection, and creativity. 🎨

I’m looking forward to gathering with a great group this weekend!

See you there!🌞

Sometimes all it takes is a little corn flour, a few trucks, and a bowl (or two) to turn a morning around.

Want the sensory fun without the cleanup?

Join us this Saturday, May 17 at 10 AM at Sedgefield Park for this months WonderTree messy playgroup!

Sign up at www.wondertreeclt.com

Sensory play is where it’s at!

May 17 • 10 AM • Sedgefield Park

Link to sign up in bio!

Messy and mesmerizing! 🤩

Join us May 17 at 10 AM at Sedgefield Park for a messy morning of fun!

Sign up at www.wondertreeclt.com

Week 3 @dilworthweekdayschool 🚜❤️🫧

What may look like chaos to us is actually careful, curious exploration to them.

When a child sinks their hands into rice or scoops oobleck - their brain is firing with discovery.

These textures spark connections between neurons, laying the groundwork for motor skills, language, and emotional regulation.

At first glance, it may look like they’re playing side by side without noticing each other.

But in reality, something really cool is happening.

This stage, known as parallel play, is where children begin learning the rhythm of relationships.

They’re absorbing. They’re becoming aware of others, finding comfort in shared space, and building the confidence to connect.

There’s no rush to interact, no pressure to perform.

Every stage of pay can be honored, because every stage has a purpose.

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919.819.2352 | @wondertree.clt

wondertreelearning@gmail.com

WonderTree 2024 | Website by Candor Creative Company, LLC

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