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Bringing the Outdoors In

Bringing the Outdoors In
By The Academy|

“Bringing the outdoors in” is a phrase you hear on HGTV decorating shows. But in this case, we are talking about “indoor” exercising of those muscles that children use “outdoors.” Typically, gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, climbing, and maybe even hanging up-side-down aren’t always recommended inside!

Indoor Exercising at the Academy

At the Academy, we have lots of indoor space to use for gross motor skill exercises. Using games and imaginative play, our children learn and have fun while developing these skills. You can see some of these activities in action on our video.

Suggested Indoor Activities

Even if you have limited indoor space at home, you can try these activities when it’s too cold for your children to go out:

  • Jumping
    • Let your child jump off the bottom step and land on both feet on the floor (for ages 2 – 2 ½)
    • Set up “hurdles” (made of blocks or other safe obstacles) and let your child jump over them with both feet
    • Get your child an indoor “kid’s” trampoline with a handrail. (Jumping may still require your supervision.)
  • Crawling
    • Set up a “crawling” obstacle course in the living room and make a circuit under tables, over upholstered chairs, and through tunnels made with couch cushions and blankets.
    • Hold your child’s legs like a wheelbarrow and let them walk around on their hands.
  • Throwing
    • Gather up lots of pairs of socks and ball up each pair. Have your child throw the socks into a basket. Give points for each “basket.” Repeat to improve the score!
    • Have a “snow ball ” fight with the socks.
  • Balancing
    • Walk the plank! If you have a balance beam, all the better, but you can use masking tape to tape off a narrow “beam” right on the floor. Children must walk the beam by putting one foot in front of the other.

Why Consider The Academy for Your Child?

One reason to consider The Academy is that we are widely considered one of the best preschools Nashville has to offer, winning the Best of Parenting Award 9 times since 2008. Plus, our curriculum is a nationally recognized and award winning, making it the foundation of our educational preschools and day care centers.

Another reason to choose the Academy is location. We have 11 preschools in greater Nashville to choose from so no matter where you live, or where your moving to, we have a preschool location that is convenient to you. We have preschools in the following areas:

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Helpful Answers for Families Choosing The Academy

These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.

What ages do you accept?

The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.

We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.

Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.

Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.

Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.

The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.

Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.

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