About Tic Tac Grow

Imagined by Judith K. Lavender, M.Ed.

 

Founded in 1987, Judith Lavender developed Tic Tac Grow as a resource for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers to foster the imagination of young children.

 

Originally, Tic Tac Grow promoted play and reading activities for the preschool set, tutored school-aged children in reading and writing, and facilitated small parent groups focused on early childhood development.

 

She added Tic Tac Grow PlayWear creative clothing to encourage imagination through play. That’s what defines Tic Tac Grow today. Judith believes creativity is a lifetime gift. By encouraging curiosity and fostering young children’s interests through playful interaction, possibilities become reality.

 

Find out more about our consulting services, including speaking, workshops and Reggio Emilia inspired learning.

 

 

Meet Judith

 

As a child I loved to play. I was born and raised in Gallup, New Mexico as the fourth of eight children, spending my childhood playing in the stacks of Navajo rugs at my father’s trading post, at home with my brothers and sisters and outside with the kids that lived on our block. There were always games to play and friends to enjoy.

 

Playful interactions continued when I had my own children, who are both highly creative. They each write and produce for the entertainment industry, using their imaginations every day.

I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of New Mexico, and my M.Ed. in child development from the Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois. I’ve devoted my professional and personal lives to improving the quality of life of young children, their families, and their communities. My husband, Harold, and I live in New Mexico, our beautiful home state, which feeds my own creativity every day.

 

An advocate for Reggio Emilia inspired approach to co-learning with young children, I believe the natural development of children’s imaginations and creativity comes from having ample time to explore their environments and develop relationships -- all through play. Children realize their potential, become powerful thinkers, creative, and curious individuals when given opportunities to explore. Through observation, questioning, and discussion with other children, their family, their teachers, and their community they discover learning and take ownership of what they learn.

 

Find out more about Tic Tac Grow PlayWear, bringing Judith to your community or group to speak about fostering creativity and imagination, and improving learning for young children.