Play-Based Curriculum

We believe that learning and playing are synonymous for children.

At Little Beginnings, we believe young children learn best when they have an opportunity to practice their intellectual, physical and social skills every day through activities of their own choosing in an environment carefully structured by trained staff.

Learning through play is a term used in education and psychology to describe how a child can learn to make sense of the world around them. Through play children can develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

— Fred Rogers

Beyond stimulating young minds to be receptive to learning, play is a necessary component of brain development for children. Child development expert Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek argues that humans learn best when at least one of these four pillars are present:

  • Individuals take an active role in the learning environment

  • They are engaged

  • Information is meaningful

  • Learners interact in a social context

This means that children learn well when they are mentally active, engaged, social, and can make meaningful connections to their lives, which are all characteristics of play.

At Little Beginnings, our emphasis on play-based learning means our teachers plan activities and investigations based on the children’s interest and passion as the year evolves. Children thrive and learn best when their interests are captured. Learning occurs naturally. We believed that the children acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world. When play-based learning is done well, the classroom becomes a teacher.