Discovery Natural Learning Center

Oh what a week!

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“Play is the highest form of reaserch” Albert Einstein

Come check us out at Aya Arts 6907 Baltimore National Pike!! (In the back). The rhythm is getting started!!!

Our week of play and exploration was emphasized by the addition of our studio space. This new space allows us to expand our flow possibilities, which previously allowed the children the opportunity to flow between The Coutyard and Children’s Den, to now include a third option, The Studio.

The children are permitted to seamlessly explore guided by their own interests and needs. We have also welcomed Mrs Ana, who has worked under our director for five years and holds a deep passion for the child-centered developmentally appropriate practice. This addition of a third teacher allows the seamless access to all spaces.

Happy Birthday “ E”!

So deeply grateful for this added space. The Studio offers space for the children’s artistic expression to take shape and develop over time. Our process focused approach encourages intrinsically motivated artistic expression and pure child-driven creativity. So what is created here is out of the minds and hands of the artist themselves. Open ended often cast off materials combined with authentic artist tools make for endless possibilities.

The integration of our new dedicated art space kicked off with some deeply engaged creative art exploration. The children have been observing this space as it took shape over the span of many months. Today the doors officially opened and they didn’t hesitate to get creative.

Accessible materials and the freedom to explore independently, collaboratively, and acress days will allow big ideas to unfold. Today I observed, collage, painting and color making, 3-D construction, paper folding/wrapping and kinetic sand sculpting.

Many times the "art" is not tangible or something that can be packed up and sent home, the art may be the art of mixing colors, the art of exploring sensory textures of materials like paint, water, sand, paper, and fabric all mixed together. the value is in the process.

Happy Birthday “A”!

Unstructured play boosts child development and creativity. Encourage your little ones to explore authentic themes and ideas from their real life experiences.

What authentic childhood experiences do you recall exploring through play? Comment below!

24 moments to remember from 2024 ❤ Here’s to many more memories in 2025!

2025 feels like a year to reemerge and spread our wings. We have taken the time to wrap ourselves up in grace, love, and reassurance while we transitioned from owning a program in Poolesville for over ten years to taking a step back to focus more deeply on the core mission of Discovery. I pared back and intentionally reflected back to my root purpose, “The Why”.

Considering the “Why?” and the “For Who?” when designing a program is important, but constant revisiting of this topic is what sustains and develops an intentional community program.

At Discovery Natural Learning Center it is our daily practice to consider the why and for who, it is in everything we do.

So in 2025 we will continue to emerge spread our wings and sore alongside the children who are watching as we model the sort of intentionality it takes to create and operate a program based on the real needs and interests of the children.

If you want to learn more about our Why? And For Who? Please cisit our website, fill out an interest form and come join us for a tour

Discovery Natural Learning Center is now registering!

We are a child-centered play-based natural learning community for children and families. Our drop off program offers children a full day of exploration, social emotional development, creative expression, and discovery.

We have year round open enrollment with limited space available. If you are interested please visit our website and fill out an interest form to start the enrollment process.

🌱 Full week nature immersion preschool Monday- Friday 8:30-3:30

🌱located on 300 beautiful acres

🌱 Mixed age: Two-Five (siblings can grow together!)

🌱Healthy snacks provided

🌱Licensed by Maryland State Department of Education

🌱Year round program

🌱Experienced Educators

🌱Wholistic Nature approach

🌱Developmentally appropriate practice

To learn more about our program visit our website
www.discoverynaturallearning.com

Lic # 259902

Parents with Confidence ❤

Intellectual Learning is such a complicated task. Each newly acquired thought, idea, and beliefs is multifaceted and leans on past thoughs, ideas, and beliefs. It calls to all who are present for the experience to add their perspective which then again shifts the needle and deepens the thinking.

The learning spreads like a spiders web in all directions anchored securely with lines of thought and understanding connecting the next idea to the last one. Self esteem and pride overlaps with team work and collaboration, mathematical thinking with linguistic ability, literacy with imaginative play.

It is all connected and this connection makes for rich whole child learning. The act of artificially dividing these domains into boxes strips it of its stability, depth, and authenticity.

Slow and rich. We settle into the new year with the montra “ slow and rich” on our hearts. We value slow, deep, meaningful engagement and rich, organic connections.

Our days will sink deeper with the intention of nurturing the creative spirit within each child. We will pay attention to their essence and protect that. We will marvel in their being and offer structure to their world in ways that safeguard them while offering them space to take risks. We will allow the process of self actualization to unfold in its most natural ways.

We will hold the child as they are today, enculturating those skills and ideas they will need for tomorrow.

Slow & Ric

Merry Christmas from all of us at Claggett!

They are here and whole now. ❤

Watch as ideas grow and develop. A simple structure takes on life as additional large hallow blocks are added and a storyline is born. A literal container for the play is constructed. The children begin transporting books from the shelf to create a library by fitting the books into the hallow spaces in the blocks.

Meanwhile “L” sources materials from the kitchen to set up her play scene. She uses a mat as her base and arranges her dishes, clothes, dolls and other accessories for her play. Later she adds costumes and attracts play partners.