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Try Playing with “Loose Parts”

Try Playing with "Loose Parts"
By The Academy|

In restaurants, while riding in the car, or spending time at home, kids are watching TV or videos, playing video games, or using mobile devices. You may have the feeling in the back of your mind, that this can’t be all good. So, what do the experts recommend?

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends no screen time, except for video chatting, for babies up to 18 months. It recommends limiting preschoolers to an hour a day of screen time. This recommendation may shock you because you know that most children are logging much more screen time than this every day.

Getting Down to the Basics of Play

In this blog, we want to suggest one way to replace screen time with creative play time. Our suggestion comes from “The Theory of Loose Parts.” It states, “In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it.”

When we apply this theory to play for preschoolers, it might look like this: a box filled with bottle caps, pieces of fabric and wood, pebbles, string, rubber bands, containers, paper, tape, cardboard, crayons, and so on. The creativity and inventiveness happen when you give the box to your child and say, “What can you make with these?” Notice the question is open-ended, not specific like, “Can you make me an airplane with this?” Allowing the child to sort, stack, rearrange, and assemble the loose parts with no suggested outcome encourages creativity. (Tip: a box that’s big enough to sit in is always a good idea!)

Learn More About Our Curriculum

The Academy utilizes many educational theories to give our children the best learning experience possible. We are happy to share these with you to help you continue your child’s learning at home. Click here to learn more about our curriculum at The Academy

Find an Academy Preschool Near You

You can also check out our preschools in your city by clicking on any of the links below:

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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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