Surprise! Children learn through the act of playing. Let’s dig a little deeper! During the act of play children are exploring, engaging in risk, problem solving, and beginning to develop their imagination.
While getting their hands dirty in paint, dabbling with the wood xylophone, or taking turns kicking a ball together on the playground, children are constantly acquiring new skills and behaviors. Simply put, play-based learning supports social, physical and cognitive development as children engage in experiences based on their own unique interests while making sense of the world around them.
Our educators tailor their teaching opportunities to align with the type of play the children are actively engaging in. We believe our work in early childhood education is about developing the whole child: socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
That’s why we focus on play-based learning through:
Fit Buddies: Our Fit Buddies program will provide each child experimental basics in a variety of healthy activities such as yoga, deep breathing, stretching, meditation, and more. Practicing healthy forms of exercises helps increase blood flow to the brain, strengthens muscles of the heart and lungs, and also helps improve energy and stamina. Exercise such as yoga and stretching also improve a child’s overall sense of mood, increasing endorphins while also lowering stress.
Paints and Pianos: This program allows our kids to experiment with various types of music, instruments, and even art-based experiences, such as Pop Art or Classical Music. Through Music and Art, it is more than possible to teach children how to evaluate and translate their own thoughts into language, observe and appreciate multiple global perspectives and customs, and also provides them the opportunity to live in the true joy that comes from experiencing the visual arts. Art projects include anything from taping and stenciling to watercolor and oil pastels!
Art of Living: Our Art of Living program reinforces the idea that doing good for others, being a part of a community of people, and being appreciated feels pretty good! Children engage in age-appropriate activities through direct learning experiences inside the classroom each day that mimic “chores” — caring for your pet or writing a thank you note are two wonderful examples! These direct learning experiences are rewarding and fulfilling and directly impact and increase children’s self-esteem and sense of self.
A great play-based curriculum sparks joy and proves to be fun for everyone, while encouraging children to dive in and learn more. It is interactive and exploratory and does not restrict learning freely in any way, shape or form. It will involve opportunities for risk and involve outdoor play! Most importantly, a great play-based curriculum will be meaningful for all participants!
