A Sense of Wonder through Play
A Sense of Wonder through Play
Introduction to Play-Based Learning
Play is not a break from learning. Play is learning!
Hands-on experiences that spark imagination, build confidence, and help children discover who God created them to be fill out days.
Your child might be:
Baking in the mud kitchen,
Using a spinning record player to create art,
Examining a ladybug in the Nature Hut, or
Creating a stage show with friends.
These moments are intentional. They nature social emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual growth.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Behind every joyful mess is purposeful teaching.
Our classrooms and outdoor spaces help children:
Investigate what interests them
Solve problems
Discover relationships
Develop friendships
Build early academic skills
Grow in confidence and independence
Play-based learning uses curiosity and exploration to shape brain development. When children touch, build, climb, pour, pretend, imagine, discover, and ask questions, they form the foundation for lifelong learning.
Areas of Learning
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Math comes alive when children explore their world.
They learn to:
• Recognize shapes
• Sort and classify
• Count and compare
• Identify patterns
• Estimate
• Explore measurement, volume, and quantity -
Literacy begins long before reading. Through books, conversation, and storytelling children:
• Build vocabulary
• Strengthen oral language
• Explore sounds and letters
• Connect stories to real life
• Create their own stories through art, drama, and pretend play -
Science is everywhere at PCP. Children:
• Predict and experiment
• Observe insects and plants
• Explore cause and effect
• Classify natural materials
• Discover seasons and cyclesFaith naturally connects these discoveries with God as a creative and playful designer.
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Through open ended play children learn to:
• Express and regulate emotions
• Make and keep friends
• Navigate conflict
• Practice empathy
• Build confidence and belonging -
Outdoor play helps children:
• Strengthen motor skills
• Develop spatial awareness
• Learn safe risk taking
• Build coordination and resilience -
Children explore rhythm, melody, and movement as they:
• Make music
• Create parades
• Participate in chapel -
Art is a process. Children:
• Paint
• Mold clay
• Build with loose parts
• Create with natural materials
• Express ideas in their own way -