The Importance of Learning Through Play

The most important philosophy at Newtown Discovery Preschool in Bucks County, PA is to foster an environment & curriculum where children are learning through play.

Play is an extremely powerful part of a child’s development, teaching self-expression, experimentation, social skills and more. The curriculum at Newtown Discovery Preschool focuses on guided play, which allows children all the benefits of free play – joyfulness, fun, flexibility – but with a teacher ensuring they progress towards specific learning goals.

Becoming engaged in learning is key for preschool age children, especially due to their relatively short attention spans. By utilizing play as the primary avenue for learning, children become active participants in their own education. Instead of passively listening to lessons given by teachers, children will also take on roles alongside their classmates and respond according to the rules of play that have been created. Children are like sponges and they are naturally curious about the world around them. We can foster that curiosity by teaching children to explore, interact and question the things around them, which in turn develops their independence, confidence and critical thinking skills.

At Newtown Discovery Preschool, the concept of learning through play is so important that our facility has an entire floor for children to explore and learn through hands-on experiences. A lesson on the five senses in the classroom will be followed by a trip to the supermarket room. Teachers will guide the play session, encouraging students to explore different smells, textures, colors and even tastes of the foods around them. Through imagination and play, children draw connections from the lesson and learning takes place in context.

All students also have full access to the Newtown Athletic Club during their school day.

Participating in imaginative play has countless positive benefits for engaged, meaningful, and cooperative learning. At Newtown Discovery Preschool we understand the importance of combining learning and play.

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