Why Play Based?

We use a play based curriculum for a very simple reason; there is compelling research which shows that children learn best when they are at play. They engage with their entire brain, focus, and develop new skills and abilities. It is my goal to set the stage for play, allow the students to decide what they’re going to learn on any given day, and create opportunities for them to extend their play to the next level.

Additionally, my goal is not to prepare students for kindergarten. Rest assured, they will be prepared for kindergarten by the time they leave, but that is not my primary objective. My goal is to teach your children to be the most self-sufficient, well balanced people they can be. In short, my goal is to prepare them for life. Noted researcher, Stuart Brown, MD, states that “… remembering what play is all about and making it part of our daily lives are probably the most important factors in being a fulfilled human being. The ability to play is critical not only to being happy, but also to sustaining social relationships and being a creative, innovative person.”

Our schedule is thoughtfully composed to offer children the opportunity to explore various materials and scenarios without becoming bored. We hold most of our toys in reserve, which allows children to focus on their chosen activities without becoming overwhelmed. It also allows us to rotate toys in so that there are always new and exciting things to explore. Many of our toys, however, seem unsophisticated to the untrained eye.

In the article Conversation with Dr. Alison Gopnik, Gopnik is quoted as saying “The old standbys of water, sand, mixing bowls, and cardboard boxes are still the most effective ways for babies and young children to learn about the physical world while the whole world of pretend – dolls and costumes and toy dishes – is the most effective way to learn about the social world.” We strive to provide children with opportunities to explore this world in which we live and the people who share it.

We spend time outdoors gardening and enjoying the weather. This sort of play is extremely meaningful for people of any age, but it provides extra benefits for young children. Children will often try different foods if they’ve had a hand in growing and preparing them, and they will learn patience, responsibility, and a respect for nature that is difficult to teach through other methods. The memories that children create in a garden will help to shape a respect for nature and an understanding of our place in the world.

In short, my home has been set up in order to provide your children the most meaningful experiences and comforting memories that I can secure for them.