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The Power of Play

The Power of Play
By Parent Marketing Group|

No matter how old we get, we never seem to outgrow the joy of playing. Whether it’s a pick-up game of volleyball at the beach or playing a game of Monopoly—people just love to play games.

At The Academy, we know the power of play, and we use it every day with our young students. An abundance of educational research has been done on “play” and its effect on early childhood learning. The research shows a strong connection between creative play and the development of language, and physical, cognitive, and social skills. As a parent, you can foster your child’s development and learning by playing with them.

Recipe for Making Silly Putty

Making silly putty is an activity that’s fun for just about any age. We encourage you to try it at home.

Here are the supplies you will need:

  • Borax Solution
  • White school glue
  • Warm water
  • Bowl
  • ¼ cup measuring cup
  • Stir stick
  • Food coloring or egg dye
  • Paper towels – just in case!

First, make the Borax solution (without the kids if desired) by filling an 8 oz. plastic bottle about ¾ full of water. Then add 4 teaspoons of Borax and shake to dissolve. (Borax is a common laundry detergent you can find in any grocery store.) Fill the bottle to the top with water and shake again to completely dissolve the Borax. Label the bottle “Borax Solution.”

Now to make the silly putty with the kids, follow these instructions:

  1. In a bowl mix 1 oz. glue and ¼ cup water.
  2. Add food coloring to the glue and water mixture.
  3. Add ¼ cup of the Borax Solution you have already made to the glue and water mixture and stir slowly. The putty will begin to form immediately.
  4. Stir as much as you can, then dig in and knead it with your hands until it gets less sticky. If there is any leftover water in the bowl, just pour it out.

Tips:

  • Mix in larger batches for more fun.
  • Encourage kids to be creative with their putty. They can roll it into a ball, bounce it, play a hide-and-seek game with it, throw it to each other, make impressions in it, stretch it, make snapping noises with it, and who knows what else!

Learn More About Our Curriculum

Click here to learn more about our curriculum at The Academy, and visit our individual blog pages to find out about all the interesting activities that go on at our different locations.

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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