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Learning by Playing with Loose Parts

Learning by Playing with Loose Parts
By Parent Marketing Group|

At your child’s birthday party, every other gift from a friend is a 174-piece Lego building kit! A nightmare, right? All those little pieces scattered all over the play room or all through the house! But wait! Those Lego building kits just might be based on a very sound educational theory that we use at The Academy.

It’s called “The Theory of Loose Parts.” If Legos were based on this theory, the theory would say that the more variables (Lego piece) there are in an environment (the play room), the greater the creativity, inventiveness, and discovery. (The theory doesn’t mention anything about cleaning up!)

Loose Parts at The Academy

At The Academy preschools in Nashville, the theory of loose parts fits right in with our philosophy of learning through hands-on activities. When we give the children a variety of items, such as wood, plastic bottles, cloth, string, coffee cans, pipe cleaners, tape, cardboard, coffee filters, paper plates, glue, etc., they make some very creative things. All the while they are using their imaginations freely, improving their motor skills, and building self-confidence.

Unlike the pressure to create a “specific” thing with a Lego building kit, when using the theory of loose parts, there is no expected or implied result. The play is open-ended. For example, we don’t give a child a box of loose parts and say, “Can you make an airplane with these parts?” The child is free to explore, experiment, and discover on his own.

The Academy Wants Our Children to Be All They Can Be

One other way we serve our community of families each year is with Kindergarten Boot Camp. This is a summer program that will prepare your child with the skills needed to have a wonderful experience in kindergarten. Request more information today.

The Academy is here to provide you with the best child care and educational experience possible. From our award-winning Frog Street Press curriculum, to our state-of-the art classrooms, to our fun and exciting playgrounds, we care.

Make sure to check out all of our preschools in Franklin and preschools in Brentwood on our locations pages. We also have preschool locations in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill/Thompson’s Station.

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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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