At Celebree School of Annapolis, we believe that learning should be fun, messy, creative, and filled with joy. That’s why play-based learning is at the heart of everything we do at our day care in Annapolis, MD. But what exactly is play-based learning, and why is it so powerful for young children?
Put simply, play-based learning is when children learn through hands-on exploration, imagination, and discovery. It’s not about sitting still and memorizing facts. It’s about building towers, pretending to be chefs or astronauts, solving puzzles, singing songs, and working together with friends. Through this kind of play, children naturally develop key skills like problem-solving, communication, empathy, and critical thinking, all while having an amazing time.
Here at Celebree School of Annapolis, play-based learning isn’t just a part of the day. It is the day. We’re proud to offer an engaging, enriching curriculum that blends education with creativity in a way that supports the whole child: mind, body, and heart.
Let’s take a closer look at three ways we bring play-based learning to life in our classrooms.
- Learning Through Imagination and Pretend Play
Ever peek into one of our classrooms and spot a group of preschoolers running a pretend grocery store? That’s pretend play in action, and it’s one of the best tools for building real-world understanding.
At Celebree School of Annapolis, we encourage imaginative play in every age group. Whether your child is pretending to be a veterinarian caring for stuffed animals or cooking up a storm in a play kitchen, they’re learning essential life skills like cooperation, responsibility, and language development. These playful moments help children make sense of the world around them and they spark a love of learning that sticks.
- Hands-On Activities That Build Skills
Sensory bins, building blocks, painting projects, and science experiments, oh my! We offer hands-on activities every single day because we know that kids learn best by doing.
Math and science are naturally woven into playtime, from counting how many blocks tall a tower is to exploring how mixing baking soda and vinegar creates fizzy fun. Even simple outdoor play can turn into a learning experience when children observe bugs in the grass or sort leaves by size and color.
These types of activities help kids develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, early literacy, and more, without ever feeling like a chore. When learning feels like play, children are more engaged, more focused, and more excited to try new things.
- Social and Emotional Growth Through Group Play
Play isn’t just about academics. It’s also a powerful way to nurture social and emotional development, which is so important in the early years.
In our day care classrooms, we provide structured and unstructured opportunities for children to play together, share materials, take turns, and solve problems. They learn how to express themselves, how to handle frustration, and how to celebrate each other’s successes.
Whether they’re working as a team to build a blanket fort or figuring out who gets the red crayon next, these interactions build kindness, patience, and confidence. It’s beautiful to watch friendships bloom through play!
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
At Celebree School of Annapolis, we don’t just fill your child’s day with activities. We fill it with purpose. Our play-based approach to learning sets the stage for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond. When children feel happy, safe, and excited to learn, they grow in incredible ways.
And parents love it, too! You can rest easy knowing your child is in a loving, supportive environment where their individual needs are met, their curiosity is encouraged, and their milestones are celebrated.
So whether your child is six weeks old or five years old, Celebree School of Annapolis is here to help them explore, learn, and thrive one playful moment at a time.
Ready to See the Joy of Play-Based Learning for Yourself?
We’d love to welcome your family to Celebree School of Annapolis! Tour our classrooms, meet our amazing educators, and see firsthand how play-based learning makes every day a new adventure. Enroll today and give your child the joyful, engaging start they deserve.
