We believe children learn best through play and that childhood should not be rushed. Mr. Rogers knew what he was talking about! Research confirms that play enhances imagination, problem-solving, and lifelong learning more effectively than direct instruction. Without enough play, children may struggle with academic pressure.
Our curriculum is play-centered, promoting development through exploratory, imaginative, and physical play. Teachers engage children through guided, uninterrupted play, using teachable moments to enrich learning. With extended opportunities for self-directed play, both indoors and outdoors, children build essential skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
Each of the five areas of learning in Connecting My World supports learning though play as follows:
Through play, children learn to master many important social skills, such as cooperating, negotiating, taking turns, playing games with rules, and solving disagreements. Children also learn to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and feelings by exerting control over their play environments.
Cognitive skills are developed as children learn to solve challenges though play. For example, they may consider such questions as: what does this do? Or, does this puzzle piece fit here? Children begin to understand logical thinking, cause and effect, and mathematical concepts as they experiment with, manipulate, and explore materials.
Language skills develop as children interact with others. During play, children talk more, speak in longer sentences, and use more complex language. Pretend play allows children to practice creating and using symbols to represent other things, an important pre-literacy skill.
When children have open-ended opportunities to play with art materials, they develop their creativity and artistic skills. Their imaginations blossom as they explore dramatic play roles and listen to music.
Physical skills are developed as a child learns to reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb, and balance. Fine motor skills are developed as children handle small toys. All of these skills can be developed inside the classroom as well as outside on the playground. Our classrooms spend a great deal of time exploring the outdoors. Research has shown that playing outside provides tremendous benefits for children: not only do children enjoy active play outdoors, it allows them to explore their environment, develop muscle strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence.