Play and Learn is not a paper-pencil kind of place. The environment is enriched with activities, songs, crafts, and games that keep little minds engaged. The learning is not general or basic. The learning is purposeful and designed for each individual child. The reward from this learning environment is a child who feels successful, confident, and ready to tackle any academic or behavioral challenge. Here are some of my favorites:

VISUAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

• We can sing the rainbow! Kids love writing sight words, letters, numbers with smelly markers. Rainbow writing has never been so sweet!
• Show me the number! Kids learn to read and manipulate the number line with squishy bean bags.
• Letters Alive! Words and numbers are not just on paper. Kids learn to see letters and numbers wherever they go.

AUDITORY LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

• Writing on the windows is ALLOWED as long as you SING! Window markers and a catchy song help kids learn correct numeral formation.
• Rock that R-E-D song. Kids, get out your funny finger and sing and read those color words.
• DOT IT!  Kids practice saying isolated sounds to hear and read words.

KINESTHETIC AND TACTILE LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

• What’s in there?  The mystery box strengthens inference skills when kids pull out squishy bean bags, tactile letters, and slimy shapes.
• Count those Jacks! Jumping Jack counting by 10s is a great work out.
• Running is ALLOWED! Racing around the table and reading sight words is wild fun. Boost that brainpower!

PURPOSEFUL LEARNING STRATEGIES:

• Reading for understanding: Good readers use their mind, body, and soul to comprehend the text.
• Own your behavior: Kids learn strategies to help keep calm and confident even when things get tough.
• Look for clues: Why is math so tricky? Knowing what operation to perform boosts confidence when kids tackle a complicated problem.