Teaching Philosophy

Why is play based learning more effective than academic learning for ages 0-5? 

Play-based learning is often considered more effective for children ages 0-5 than traditional academic learning for several reasons:

Natural Developmental Stages: At this early age, children are in a stage of rapid developmental growth, and play is a natural way for them to explore and make sense of the world. Play-based learning aligns with their developmental needs and abilities, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in a way that feels natural to them.

Engagement and Motivation: Children are more engaged and motivated when they’re playing. Play-based learning uses activities and games that capture their interest, making the learning process enjoyable and less stressful. This increased engagement can lead to better retention of information and skills.

Social and Emotional Growth: Play-based learning often involves social interactions with peers. Through play, children learn to communicate, share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. These social skills are crucial for their emotional development and future success.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Play often involves problem-solving and critical thinking. For example, when children build with blocks or engage in pretend play, they explore concepts like cause and effect, spatial awareness, and creativity. These experiences help develop cognitive skills in a hands-on way.

Physical Development: Many forms of play involve physical activity, which supports motor skills development. Running, jumping, climbing, and manipulating objects all contribute to physical growth and coordination.

Language Development: Through play, children have rich opportunities for language development. They use and hear new words in context, engage in conversations, and practice storytelling, all of which contribute to their language skills.

Intrinsic Learning: Play-based learning promotes intrinsic motivation. Children are driven by curiosity and enjoyment rather than external rewards or pressures. This intrinsic motivation fosters a love of learning that can last throughout their lives.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Play is flexible and can be adapted to different interests and learning styles. It allows children to explore topics in a way that suits their individual preferences and developmental levels, providing a more personalized learning experience.

Overall, while traditional academic learning has its place, especially for older children, play-based learning provides a holistic approach that supports the full range of early childhood development in a way that is both engaging and effective.

Will my child be academically ready for kindergarten with play based preschool?

Yes, children who attend play-based preschools can be academically ready for kindergarten. Play-based learning supports a range of foundational skills that are crucial for academic success in later years. Here's how play-based preschool prepares children for kindergarten:

Early Literacy Skills: Through play, children are exposed to language in meaningful contexts. They learn new vocabulary, engage in storytelling, and practice listening and speaking. These experiences build a strong foundation for reading and writing.

Mathematical Concepts: Play-based activities often incorporate basic math concepts like counting, sorting, and recognizing shapes and patterns. Activities such as building with blocks or playing with measuring cups help children develop an understanding of these concepts.

Social Skills: Play-based learning emphasizes social interactions, teaching children how to work collaboratively, share, and resolve conflicts. These skills are important for navigating the social environment of kindergarten.

Executive Function Skills: Play helps develop executive function skills like self-control, planning, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for following instructions, staying focused, and managing tasks in a classroom setting.

Curiosity and Enthusiasm for Learning: Play-based learning fosters a love of learning and curiosity. Children who enjoy learning through play are likely to approach new challenges in kindergarten with enthusiasm and confidence.

Independence and Self-Regulation: Through play, children learn to manage their emotions, make choices, and solve problems independently. These abilities contribute to their readiness to handle the more structured environment of kindergarten.

While play-based preschools focus on these foundational skills, they also often incorporate some structured activities to introduce children to basic academic concepts in a playful manner. This balanced approach ensures that children are well-prepared for the more formal aspects of kindergarten while still benefiting from the engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences provided by play-based learning.

Overall, play-based preschool can effectively prepare children for kindergarten by fostering the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in a more structured educational environment.

What is Reggio Inspired Curriculum?

A Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool incorporates key principles and practices from the Reggio Emilia approach, though it may not implement the approach in its entirety. Here’s what you might find in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool:

Child-Centered Learning: Like in Reggio Emilia, a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool focuses on the child’s interests and developmental needs. Learning is often driven by the children’s questions, ideas, and curiosities, allowing them to explore and learn through play and investigation.

Environment as a Teacher: The classroom environment in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool is thoughtfully designed to be engaging and stimulating. Spaces are organized to encourage exploration and creativity, with materials and resources that invite children to interact, experiment, and learn.

Project-Based Exploration: Projects and activities in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool are often developed based on children’s interests. These projects allow children to delve deeply into topics, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences.

Documentation: Teachers in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool use documentation to capture and reflect on children’s learning processes. This might include photos, notes, and children’s work. Documentation is used to communicate learning with families and to guide future planning.

Teacher as Facilitator: Educators in these preschools act as facilitators of learning rather than direct instructors. They observe, listen, and support children’s explorations, using their observations to guide and enrich the learning experience.

Family and Community Involvement: A Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool values the involvement of families and the community. Parents are seen as partners in the educational process, and their input is encouraged and respected. Schools may also involve the wider community in projects and activities.

Respect for the Child: Respecting children as active and capable learners is a core principle. This includes valuing their ideas, fostering their autonomy, and supporting their individual learning paths.

Creative Expression: Artistic and creative expression is integral to the learning process. Children are encouraged to use various media to express their ideas, and creativity is seen as a vital part of their development.

While a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool might not fully replicate the original Reggio Emilia approach, it incorporates many of its core elements to create a learning environment that supports and nurtures young children’s development in a holistic and engaging way.

Why is age 0-5 so critical for development?

Brain development between ages 0-5 is crucial because this period lays the foundation for a child's cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Remarkably, about 90% of the brain’s structure and function is established by age 5. During these early years, the brain is highly plastic and exceptionally receptive to new experiences and learning. Early interactions, such as responsive caregiving, social engagement, and stimulating environments, significantly influence the formation of neural connections. These early experiences help shape critical skills such as language, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Investing in brain development during this formative stage can lead to better learning outcomes, healthier relationships, and improved overall well-being as children grow.