Children are meant to play and learn at the same time. As much as a good structure ensures stability, calm, and lowers anxiety in small children, having set aside time for play is what they need to thrive. Many educators in recent years have pushed against too many strict and formal academic methods in a preschool classroom. Play-based preschool curriculum models seem to be trending, and for all the right reasons.
The first five years of a child’s life are the most important for laying the learning foundation that will keep them on a positive trajectory throughout their careers. Play-based learning not only provides them with the freedom to test things out, but it also provides a space for them to grow in every other facet of life, too. Think about social, cognitive, and emotional intelligence skills, as well as getting some exercise, motor skills, and building confidence. Our holistic approach at Inspiring Minds Preschool is exactly what early learners need.
Play-Based Learning at Inspiring Minds
Our approach at Inspiring Minds incorporates the best of the Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia principles. With a harmonious balance between structured learning and active exploration, our little ones benefit from the learning platform our staff provides with the greatest passion for what they do.
Our preschool program allows children to step into their natural curiosity, giving them the stepping stones they need to explore as deep, far and wide as they want to! Learning has a creative, cause-and-effect type of engagement for our early learners, and they enjoy every moment along the way.
Our certified teachers make sure they watch each individual closely to pick up on learning styles and nuances, which makes supporting each child’s unique journey easy. We want to ensure everybody is set up for success with all the right foundations in place.
Cognitive Development Through Hands-on Play
One of the best ways to stimulate a child’s brain is by providing opportunities for them to problem solve. Building blocks, sorting out shapes and colors, experimenting, or even playing imaginative games all contribute to a strong cognitive skill set. It’s no wonder toddlers constantly touch everything. They learn by touching, feeling, tasting, and engaging in activities that require them to contribute fully. How can you introduce small children to math and science? Well, you let them experiment and test new things to learn the basic principles and give them some good practice too.
When children go to preschool, they encounter the same familiar and friendly faces on a daily basis. These relationships grow throughout the year, both with their teachers, peers, and other families. Forming special bonds encourages children to try to communicate with one another, which reinforces their language and communication skills development. At school, we read and tell stories together too, which is one of the best things teachers and parents can do to nurture a child’s communication skills. Social skills also lead to strong emotional intelligence and empathy.
Emotional Intelligence and Regulation
Emotional understanding and learning how to regulate emotions are very important foundational skills to start nurturing in early learning development. These skills take a while to get right, and even into adulthood, people can still be learning how to regulate emotions. Which is why we hone in on it in our preschool. Teaching children how to identify their feelings, knowing they are in a loving and supportive environment, and that everyone matters is essential. Practicing these in a group of peers and attentive adults allows learners to become resilient, cope with big feelings and know where to place them.
Motor Skills and Physical Development
Let’s be honest, do children ever sit still? There are some very good reasons why they don’t! Children need to develop their physical strength, abilities, and their motor skills as they grow. Which is why when they are so small, hands-on physical activities, games, and challenges will go a long way to developing strong and healthy bodies. Spatial awareness, balance, and coordination are part of how children start to feel confident in their bodies. This confidence quickly translates into a growth mindset and resilience in other areas of life, too.
Inspiring Minds Is A Quality Tamarac Preschool Program
Parents love our school for many different reasons, and our choice of curriculum, teaching style, and play-based approach is just one part of it. If you’re a parent looking for a haven that will nurture your child in every possible way so that they thrive in life, then look no further!
Inspiring Minds Preschool is a place you can trust with what matters most. To learn more about our preschool curriculum, give us a call at 954-933-2982 and schedule a visit to the school. We look forward to enrolling your child soon.