Our approach to childhood is one immersed in play-based learning experiences.
We cultivate opportunities for children to experience and utilize the power of play.
Play is how children naturally explore and make sense of the world around them. We utilize this powerful childhood tool to create learning experiences that help children grow and thrive in the basic areas of child development; social-emotional, cognitive, language, fine (small muscle) and gross (large muscle) motor skills.
We understand that play goes much deeper than simply having fun and playing games, essential life skills are developing. We value play and its impact on children’s lives.
When a child sets up a farmers market with peers, they are learning how to take turns, and share materials, develop new friendships, become self-reliant, and attain and practice language skills. Reading labels on the farmer market stalls, with pictures, prompts their pre-literacy skills.
When a child builds a village out of blocks, sees a nearby dinosaur and adds it to their village, it allows for cognitive flexibility, taking initiative, and focusing their attention-all valuable life skills.
When children finger paint, and construct with loose parts, they are discovering that they have ideas and they can bring their ideas to life by creating, transforming, demolishing, and re-creating something unique.
Offering integrated, multi-sensory experiences for children, while also supporting the families in the community is at the heart what we do at Little Village.