Pleasant Hill South Campus

Our Learn And Play methodology uses the educational “play-based” method. Following this philosophy, our students learn primarily through play and naturally develop a passion for learning. It is through this method that our students develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and so much more. Our teachers guide our young learners by facilitating activities and demonstrating techniques. You can do the same thing with your children!

Here are four play-based activities you and your child can do together.

Playing with a ball:

This activity is not only engaging for children but involves motions such as throwing, kicking, and catching. These large movements help our growing students become familiarized with their body movements, practicing hand-eye coordination and grasping skills.

Magnetic tiles:

This interactive game combines playing with learning. Not only does it develop problem-solving skills, but it sharpens fine motor skills. Building these tiles involves precise movements that strengthen muscles in one’s hands and fingers. There is also a STEM and creativity component integrated into this activity –making it a perfect tool for enriching multiple areas of development at once.

Painting:

Arts and crafts are a fun way to introduce educational lessons while allowing children to express themselves creatively. Painting can be a sensory experience when using fingers to paint and familiarizes children with different colors. Science is also seen within this craft when children begin mixing colors! It is a perfect activity for all age groups.

Sensory bins:

Sensory play gets the five main senses activated which is crucial for development in the early years. There are countless ways to do this activity, but a LAPMS favorite is water sensory bins. Filling a plastic tub with water and then adding toys, scoops, funnels, and other safe objects for water play creates a fun activity that gets your child to splash, pour, and engage in imaginary play.

The play-based approach fosters critical skills that support a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. This method allows our students to explore, showcase their creativity, and enhance problem-solving abilities through play. Our classroom hands-on activities improve our students’ communication skills as they learn to collaborate and work as a team. By engaging in meaningful play, children develop critical abilities that lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success, making it a highly beneficial approach to early childhood education.