Learn to Play... Play to Learn

At Saint Andrews Preschool, we believe that children should “Learn to Play and Play to Learn.”  Why play?  Because play is children’s work!  Through play, children develop a real interest in and love for learning.  It’s the foundation for all future education and for life.   

Providing children with hands-on activities and allowing them to have time to be curious, to figure things out for themselves, and to play with a purpose is an approach to learning that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.  In fact, researchers have found that it is the social skills that children learn in preschool that put them ahead of their peers in many aspects of later achievement. 

What kinds of things do we learn through play? 

Language Development   Dramatic play (pretending) improves and increases a child’s vocabulary.  Children are naturally curious about the world around them.  One of the best ways to learn more about something new is to pretend and play.  We enhance this learning by reading, reading, reading… one of the best things a parent or teacher can do for young children!  

Problem Solving   Playing with other children not only develops social skills but problem solving skills as well.  Learning to take turns, to cooperate, and to compromise are important skills for life.  In addition, play helps children understand cause and effect relationships and to learn self-help skills. 

Self-Regulation   This may be one of the biggest indicators of future success.  Children feel a true sense of accomplishment when they can manage themselves and contribute to the greater good.   The ability to control one’s impulses, to focus attention, and to work independently in a group setting are invaluable lessons learned best through play.

 

At Saint Andrews Preschool, we combine lots of play with child-friendly and developmentally appropriate academic learning… a winning combination!  Our students learn their ABCs and colors in addition to using their imaginations and learning how to be life-long learners.