The Role of Play in Preschools – Understanding STEM Concepts

Play is an essential part of childhood, and its role in education—particularly in STEM learning—is invaluable. Educators recognize the role of play in preschools for understanding mathematical and scientific concepts. This approach is particularly effective in fostering their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery.

The Academy Curriculum Relies Heavily on Hands-on Play

Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood, serving as a vital avenue through which preschoolers explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. The Academy embraces this early educational cornerstone by utilizing a nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum.

Building Foundations through Exploration

Play-based learning enables children to explore their surroundings freely, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers. This lays the groundwork for scientific thinking.

For instance, when preschoolers engage in activities like building with blocks or playing with water, they are experimenting with principles of physics such as gravity, balance, and buoyancy. These play activities help them understand complex concepts through hands-on experience, making abstract ideas more concrete and accessible.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation

Creativity is a key aspect of play that significantly enhances STEM learning. When children are given the freedom to explore and experiment during play, they are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Activities like role-playing, constructing models, and engaging in imaginative games stimulate creative thinking and allow preschoolers to approach scientific and mathematical challenges with an open mind. This creativity fosters a deeper appreciation for STEM subjects, encouraging a lifelong interest in these fields.

Learn More About the Role of Play in Preschools at One of Our Many Locations

With over 17 locations, we’re pretty sure we have a location near you. Call us today to schedule a tour of one of our locations. See how play-based learning is integrated in our curriculum in a fun and safe environment

Preschool Separation Anxiety Symptoms– How to Manage Them

At The Academy, we are trained to manage, what we call, preschool separation anxiety. This is a common and natural phase in a young child’s development. It typically occurs at the ages of six months to three years—just when a child may be entering preschool.

Signs and Symptoms of Preschool Separation Anxiety

This condition shows itself when a child experiences distress and fear when separated from their parents. If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, this is what you may experience when you drop off your child at preschool:

• Your child cries or has a tantrum when you try to leave
• Your child clings to you

What we see after you leave may include these behaviors:

• Refusal to participate in activities
• Complaints of physical ailments such as stomachaches or headaches
• Difficulty sleeping taking a nap

The Academy’s Approach to Preschool Separation Anxiety

Our staff is trained to manage separation anxiety with patience, empathy, and consistency. By providing a supportive environment and using effective strategies, we help your child navigate this challenging phase.

To learn more about enrollment, pricing, or scheduling a tour of one of our area preschools please you our convenient request form.

Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety for Parents

For parents, managing separation anxiety involves a combination of reassurance, gradual separation, and fostering independence. Here are some strategies that can help:

Establish a Routine

A predictable routine can provide a sense of security for young children. Knowing what to expect each day, including when separations will occur, can reduce anxiety. Consistent goodbyes and reunions help children understand that separations are temporary and that their parents will return.

Gradual Departures

Accustom your child to short separations, such as leaving your child with a friend or sitter for an hour. Gradually increase the separation time so that your child becomes more comfortable. This practice helps build trust and confidence in the child that you will return.

Positive Reinforcement

Praise and reward the child for handling separations well. Positive reinforcement encourages them to manage their anxiety and fosters a sense of achievement.

Outdoor Play in Day Care

We recognize the importance of outdoor activities in day care. Outdoor play in day care is a fantastic way for children to release energy while improving their gross motor skills. Encouraging physical play in an outdoor setting not only boosts children’s health but also strengthens their social bonds and enhances their overall well-being. At The Academy, we have outdoor play time twice a day, weather permitting. Learn more about our daily routines in our Parent Handbook.

We Invest in Outdoor Play in Day Care with Top Notch Outdoor Playground Equipment

Physical play, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for young children. Play supports their physical development, enhances social skills, and encourages creativity. That why all of our locations have professional playground equipment.

Outdoor Activities that You Can Do at Home

We realize that safe and sturdy playground equipment isn’t always available at or near your home. But don’t let that stop you. Here are two activities that you can do at home to enjoy the outdoors. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light-hearted and playful, allowing the children to enjoy their time while benefiting from the physical exertion.

Scavenger Hunt Walks

Organize a scavenger hunt in your backyard or your neighborhood. Create a list of items that your children must find as you walk along with them. The list can include specific leaves, flowers, or rocks. As they run around searching for each item, they practice bending, reaching, and walking over varied terrains, enhancing their gross motor skills while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Obstacle Courses Are Not Just for Outdoor Play in Day Care

Set up a simple obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes. Children can crawl under things, jump over lines, or balance on planks. This activity encourages them to navigate challenges, which helps improve their balance, coordination, and agility.

Contact The Academy Today for More Information about Our High Quality  Day Cares in Middle Tennessee

The Best Daycare Graduations in Cool Springs

One of the best daycare graduation exercises for rising pre-kindergarteners occurs every year at The Academy of Cool Springs. Following completion of our pre-K program, graduation exercises mark an important milestone in a child’s academic journey daycare to kindergarten.

The Benefits of Graduation Exercises

Graduation exercises used to be limited to high school and college, but gradually, over the years, graduation exercises started being held for junior high school, and then elementary school, and finally the trickle-down reached daycare. This progression is due to the benefits that a graduation ceremony provides.

The Benefits for Children

A graduation exercise helps a children feel a sense of closure to their preschool experience. It helps them take the next step into kindergarten.

It also gives them an opportunity to reflect on their achievements and progress over the past years. These include recognizing letters and numbers, writing their names, and engaging in basic social interactions.

By acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, graduation ceremonies help boost children’s self-confidence and motivation as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey.

The Benefits for Adults

Graduation ceremonies provide an opportunity for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to show their support for the children. Coming together as children take this step toward kindergarten, shows a child how much they care. It is a time for families to celebrate their child’s growth and development, to connect with educators, and to form a sense of community within the school environment.

The Academy Is One of the Best Daycare Centers in Cool Springs

At The Academy, graduation is a bittersweet time for us. As we look at the incredibly adorable group of children standing on the stage, saying goodbye to them is difficult for us. But we are so very, very proud of the children, and we can’t wait to see them succeed in kindergarten. Thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasures!

Preparing Children for Kindergarten – A Crucial Task for Daycares and Preschools

Preparing children for kindergarten and academic success begins long before they enter the doors of a traditional school setting. Daycares and preschools play an important role in getting children ready for kindergarten. With early childhood education programs, preschools lay the foundation for children to thrive academically.

The Academy Is a Good Investment in Preparing Children for Kindergarten

Parents know that The Academy is a good invest in quality early childhood education. The Academy helps ensure that all the children have a strong start in kindergarten and school. We even have a special program called Kindergarten Boot Camp that prepares children for kindergarten.

All our daycares provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children. And our programs help launch their future success in school by promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Preparing Children for Kindergarten by Developing Social Skills

The Academy contributes to school and kindergarten readiness through the development of children’s social skills. Interacting with peers and adults in our daycare helps children learn to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts.

These skills are essential later in the classroom where children are expected to work cooperatively, follow instructions, and communicate effectively. By fostering positive social skills, we help children build the foundation for successful social interactions with others in the classroom.

Developing Emotional Skills

The Academy also focuses on promoting emotional development in young children. Children learn to regulate their emotions, express themselves effectively, and develop empathy and understanding towards others.

These emotional skills help a child manage stress, build resilience, and form positive relationships with teachers and peers. Our daycare programs create a supportive and nurturing environment where children can learn to handle their emotions.

Developing Cognitive Skills

Developing cognitive skills through stimulating and enriching learning experiences is also a primary focus at the Academy. Through play-based activities, educational games, and hands-on exploration, we expose children to concepts such as numbers, letters, colors, and shapes.

These early learning experiences help children develop important cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. By introducing children to age-appropriate educational activities, daycare programs help children develop a love for learning and a curiosity about the world around them.

The Best Child Care Nolensville Has to Offer

As one of the best child care centers in Nolensville, TN we know that the safety and well-being of your child is your number one concern. And we take that very seriously. Your child’s safety is not an afterthought at The Academy. Our facilities are built, from the ground up, with children’s safety in mind. Unlike a house, our learning centers are built and furnished for children.

Keeping Your Children Safe at Home

Children are basically curious, and they are quite the little explorers. As they explore, they are also taking risks because they are not old enough to recognize danger.

Because homes are designed for adults, there are many potential dangers for children built into the home. Fortunately, there are many ways to make a home safer for a child.

9 Safety Gadgets to Protect Your Child

Here are a few ways you can minimize dangerous risks in your home:

1. Use outlet covers.
2. Install cabinet and drawer locks.
3. Anchor chests, dressers, and bookcases to the walls.
4. Use foam or rubber corner protectors and edge cushion.
5. Install door pinch guards.
6. Use door knob covers.
7. Install toilet locks.
8. Use stove knob covers.

That should take care of most physical dangers in the house.

4 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Child

A few simple steps can keep your child safe, such as:

1. Locking windows and exterior doors.
2. Tying up cords on blinds or drapes so a child cannot reach them.
3. Keeping dangerous items, such as medicine, guns, and medicines, in a secure or locked cabinet.
4. Supervising your child.

The Academy at Burkitt Commons – One of the Best Child Care Centers in Nolensville

The Academy at Burkitt Commons in Nolensville, TN is widely considered to be one of the best preschools in Nolensville. Our child care center offers the highest quality child care services with the  most caring teaching staff you can find.

The Top Preschools in Hendersonville Endorse Family Dinners

The Academy, one of the top preschools in Hendersonville, encourages families to have family dinners. The benefits are physical, academic, social, and emotional. And the recipe that makes the “magic” happen is fun, food, and conversation.

Take Advantage of the Entire Process

Make meal planning and even grocery shopping a family affair. Let your children help with food prep, setting the table, and cleaning up.

For sure, the menu should be a healthy one, but don’t focus as much on the menu as you do on just being together and having fun. That’s the important part. However, studies show that everyone tends to eat healthier at family meals.

Ban the Cell Phones and Talk with Each Other

Talking at meals increases a child’s vocabulary about eight times more than reading to a child. But you really can’t have conversations if everyone is looking at a cell phone. So, parents, put them away – not only at home, but in restaurants. Make it a point to talk to your children.

Don’t Stress Out Over Family Dinners

The benefits of eating together as a family are diminished somewhat if the atmosphere is tense. It’s not generally possible to have the whole family at every family meal. So be flexible. Don’t worry if you can’t get everyone together every night. What really matters is how relaced the atmosphere is and how good the conversation is.

Realize the Long Term Benefits

Children who grow up with family meal time have a more positive outlook and lower rates of depression as teenagers. They are also less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use drugs.

The Academy Is One of the Top Preschools in Hendersonville

At The Academy, we seek the same family-dining benefits by having the children eat lunch and snacks together. The kids learn from each other, and our teachers learn more about each child too. See if one of our locations is right for you.

The Top Daycares in Spring Hill Know All about Separation Anxiety

As one of the top daycares in Spring Hill, The Academy prepares its staff to make your child’s first day of daycare a happy one.  Even though your child may feel anxious about leaving you, we have many ways to deal with apprehension. Our well-trained staff is known for their caring and loving approach to child care.

First Day Strategies

In order to ensure your child’s first day will be a good one, we have several strategies that we know will work:

• If a child exhibits anxiety or fear, we allow the child to calm down at his own pace. We know not to rush him.
• We sit beside the child as he works on an activity.
• We choose group activities that will include him and make him feel more comfortable.

Ways To Ensure Positive Outcomes

We know that we can help your child feel safe and secure. We do this by providing a predictable environment and a routine that children are comfortable with. For children that we know have separation issues, we provide activities as soon as they enter. This helps them get settled as they participate.

Another way we help an anxious child is to allow the child to sit where she feels most comfortable.  Often this will be near one of the workers.

If a child continues to feel stressed and anxious after several weeks, we will meet with parents to try to better understand the child’s continued anxiety. The problem might be as simple as sticking to a routine drop off and pick up time so the child knows what’s coming next.

The Academy of Heritage Commons Is One of the Top Daycares in Spring Hill and Thompson Station

At The Academy we know both you and your child may feel nervous on her first day of school.  Rest assured! We know how to make her first day a successful one.