(formerly Let’s Playgroup)
We are Toca, where learning happens through play.
Toca is a forest school in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for children ages 2 and up. Our educational program takes place outdoors year-round. We meet every day to explore, observe, create and play together using primarily elements we find in nature.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Every day
& year-round
We’re Bilingual! English & Portuguese (Brazil)
"The substance of play is joy. And nature is its essential territory."
— Maria Amélia Pereira, Brazilian educator
Childhood Culture. The Culture of Play.
Toca is an outdoor educational program centered around childhood culture, where play is the universal language that guides children toward a life filled with freedom, joy, autonomy, humanity and confidence. Through play, children develop their imagination, creativity and social skills. They learn to express themselves authentically, to empathize with others, and to navigate the complexities of life.
Nature is the source from which all the elements of childhood culture spring from. By connecting each child with the wonders of the outdoors, we cultivate a generation that appreciates and protects the natural world.
Methodology
Our methodology is guided by the following principles:
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We observe and listen to each child, allowing their natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation to guide our activities. By tailoring our approach to individual children, we create a supportive environment that nurtures their growth and empowers them to explore and learn at their own pace.
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Unstructured play is a vital component of childhood culture. Everything children do freely gives them the power of deciding what to do and which direction to take, which is exactly what they need in order to grow. This is what fosters independence, decision-making, and the development of social and emotional competencies.
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In our nature classes we encourage children to observe and interact with the natural elements around them. From studying plants and animals to exploring natural phenomena, the wonders of the outdoors offer rich opportunities. Nature teaches us that there is a time for everything - we just need to be receptive and patient.
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Children learn as a whole - their minds and bodies together. By understanding how physical, cognitive, emotional and social development are interconnected, we are able to support holistic growth, encompassing not only cognitive skills but also emotional intelligence, physical coordination, social interactions, and environmental awareness.
Who we are
As teachers, we strive to reconnect with our own inner child. When we experience the world through their eyes, we create a connection that fosters trust, empathy and mutual respect.
Meet Lelé.
Say Leh-Leh!
Founder and Program Directress
With a background in Fine Arts, Lelé has discovered and researched the philosophy of Childhood Culture since 1990 in her hometown of Belo Horizonte and throughout Brazil.
She has also worked for the Brazilian government assisting vulnerable children for over a decade applying this approach. Lelé moved to New York and for the past 21 years she became a reference of Childhood Culture, which she brought to life at Let’s Playgroup - now named Toca.
Lelé is also the founder of Childhood Rescue Project, a 501c non-profit organization.
Things we do at Toca
We walk, we sing!
We greet our trees.
We do “silence time”.
We build together.
We hunt for treasures.
We let children be.
What parents say
“Our experience with Toca has been a genuine celebration of childhood, and some of the sweetest moments in my day come from seeing my daughter come around the path at pickup time, with a bright light in her eyes, a big smile on her face, acorns filling her pockets, and bits of leaves in her hair.”
“Typically we talk in terms of skill or performance, but those metrics fail to capture what she gained over the year that she spent with Peter, Vivi, and Lele in Prospect Park”
“My son has been there since he was 2 and it is the most magical setting - the way they nurture the children and play with them is something so incredibly special and I feel so lucky to have found Toca! “
”Every morning I drop my son off knowing he is spending his days in the most beautiful setting with truly magical educators - being a part of the Toca family has enriched our whole lives as a family and I feel truly blessed!”
“Lele is an extraordinary educator, with a remarkable vision and vocation. She created a unique, inclusive and creative environnement in which each child could find his voice, build confidence, self esteem and develop a strong sense of belonging to a warm community.”
“ Time spent in playgroup is magical: stories come alive, nature transforms into art, wild two and three year olds become little angels.”
“Under the guidance of his teachers and with the wonders of an outdoor classroom, Isaac’s connection to nature has grown incredibly.”
FAQ
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Toca is a verb of multiple interpretations: To touch, to play an instrument and to create an emotional bond. It’s also a noun, meaning nook, or a place to hide.
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It means our program takes place in nature and every class is outdoors. We combine learnings from Casa Redonda and Casa das 5 Pedrinhas along with Lele’s extensive reseach and understanding of childhood culture and work with only what nature can provide. Prospect Park has all the elements childhood culture springs from. By connecting each child with the wonders of the outdoors, we cultivate a generation that appreciates and protects the natural world.
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No. Curriculums are wonderful for specific learning - but here they make no sense. Toca is the place to learn about oneself in their own space and time, which will always be honored and respected.
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There will always be a nice place for rest, but napping is not obligatory.
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No - and we’re really experienced in helping you through the process.
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Yes, absolutely! In fact, that’s the most beneficial enrollment for the child. Our minimum is twice a week (less than that is simply not beneficial; not for the child, nor for the rest of the group).
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Our minimum is 20 months. So, technically, yes.
Contact
Reach out to us at
✉ hello@toca.nyc
Want to become a teacher or feel interested in our philosophy?
✉ lele@toca.nyc