“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

— Fred Rogers

A Play-Based Model

As a play-based preschool and kindergarten, we believe that open play is one of the most important learning activities in childhood. Our little learners spend child-led time each day pretending, playing, and creating with their peers.

So, is this the really best way to teach our kids?

As adults, the concept of play as productive is counter-intuitive. After all, isn't play the opposite of work? Not for kids. Preschoolers are developmentally primed for play, and it's the best way for them to learn the "soft" skills they'll need to be successful later in life.

Why open play?

engages the child's imagination
supports social and emotional intelligence as children learn to read cues from other children
fosters decision-making skills and a sense of autonomy
teaches problem-solving skills
allows children to think, question, and test ideas
develops motor skills
creates confidence and independence
supports communication skills

The Real Learning in Play

A note from our Director, Emily Kavanaugh

Jean Piaget, a child development theorist, was of the mindset that education is not simply checking boxes. Rather, education is a life-long joy and love of learning. Piaget found that children benefited long-term from love and curiosity of play.

The phrase we often hear in today's early childhood area is "too much, too soon.” We believe children learn just fine through discovery, and at their own pace. In our program, we facilitate the play and find ways to encourage children to think through the processes of play and what they are experiencing.

Many of the questions we ask children pertain to math and science, they just don't realize it yet. "How tall will your tower be? Can you blow your tower down? Why or why not?"

During play, children test out their new knowledge, boundaries, and concepts. This not only builds their brain development but aids in their social and emotional development.

When you observe a child playing, you only see a fraction of what they truly are doing and understanding. Allowing a child to play and explore allows them to build their focus and concentration. It allows them to feel confident in their abilities. Some of these skills are problem-solving and analyzing. Another crucial aspect to play is for children to develop a healthy and positive attitude to play. When children feel safe and loved they are more likely to enjoy what they do, building their sense of persistence and enthusiasm. In this environment, children learn the joy of learning. These skills cannot be learned by rote memorization.