Teaching Methods

Learn n’ Play, or LnP, daycare and preschool curriculum includes the very best of the Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf teaching methods to help each child in our care reach their greatest potential. Learn n’ Play provides a holistic environment, simple materials and professional guidance to ensure the development of a strong educational, social and emotional base for children.

Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial

Montessori is a method of teaching based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and cooperative play. In Montessori classrooms children make their own choices in their learning, while the classroom and educator offer appropriate activities to guide them.

Montessori practical life exercises teach children to take care of themselves and their environment through simple exercise such as, doing up buttons, washing hands, sweeping, dusting and preparing food. There are four principle areas of practical life: care of self, care of the environment, control of movement, and grace and courtesy (social skills). Becoming more independent and helping to care for their surroundings, builds children’s self-confidence, self-esteem and gives them a sense of responsibility and belonging. Working with their hands builds concentration, a sense of order and motor skills.

Children learn through their 5 senses: taste, touch, hearing, seeing and smelling. Montessori sensorial materials enhance children’s sensory experiences and gives them concrete examples in which to categorize and classify elements in their environment. When a child combines teaching materials with sensorial work, it helps them develop logic, perception and awareness.

Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia is a progressive teaching method which gives children a wide variety of learning opportunities that inspire self-expression, communication, logical thinking and problem-solving. It is a hands on, self-directed approach that allows children to learn at their own pace, driven by their own interests and guided by their environment and educators.

In the Reggio Emilia method, children are encouraged to explore their thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums, including art, music, pretend play, sculpture, written, spoken language and much more.

Waldorf Method

Rudolf Steiner, the creator of the Waldorf teaching method, believed that the development of children’s imaginations were the foundation for future academic subjects such as math and reading. Up to age seven, the focus of Waldorf teaching is creativity, imagination and fantasy. A Waldorf classroom is homey, natural and peaceful. The materials used are simple and natural, allowing children to fully utilize their imaginations, to explore and to practice for real life.

Progressive Education

Learn n’ Play uses the best methods available to nurture and teach the children in our care. All methods use self-directed, holistic approaches to instill a lifelong love of learning that enables children to develop to their full potential.

If you are looking for the best care and educational foundation for your child, give Learn n’ Play a call today, or schedule a free, no obligation consultation on the teaching methods we use.