Let the Children Play

A pressing concern in early childhood is the lack of play experiences for young children. As our youngest children become more addicted to technology, opportunities for interaction with humans wanes. The fear is that we are raising a generation of kids who won't know how to relate, cooperate or even communicate verbally with their peers.

As a center that teaches to the whole child, we are committed to fostering social and emotional development. We facilitate positive play experiences throughout our school day.

This year we've added two new features to encourage play and increase our time outdoors:

Mud kitchen 

Music station

But shouldn't my child be learning the alphabet and how to write their name properly instead of just playing all day? Yes and no. 

There are many skills children need for future learning and intellectual development is a large part of the picture. But equally important (some may argue more important) are social development, emotional maturity and physical fitness. In generations past these skills were acquired in the neighborhood and on the sandlot. Today our kids' lives are consumed with enrichment activities organized and supervised by adults. 

Our staff has been amazed at the discovery and learning our new features have inspired in just two short weeks. Take a look for yourself: 

Our school will always teach ABC's and 123's. But we'll also spend a good part of our day instilling a love for adventure, exploration, discovery and being a good friend! 

Cheryl Hoover is the Director of Northampton Christian Preschool.

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