07/07/2023
We have always believed in celebrating the unique potential of every child, and our commitment to individualized learning is more robust than ever. That's why we're thrilled to share with you our exciting approach to early education - a blend of the best methodologies out there.
At Creative Gardens, we understand that children learn in diverse ways. By embracing a mixed-method approach, we aim to create an enriched environment where every child can thrive. This strategy integrates elements from renowned educational philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and others.
The result? A comprehensive pedagogy that is tailored to meet the varied learning styles and needs of each of our students.
To achieve this, we have carefully chosen our teaching staff from a pool of experienced educators who bring their expertise from different backgrounds. They've been trained in Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf and other innovative learning approaches, and they bring their rich, varied experiences to our classrooms every day.
This diversity in teaching styles not only provides our students with a broader perspective, but it also allows us to continuously evolve our curriculum. We're constantly adding to our vast library of content, building a resourceful repository of knowledge that caters to the individual learning paths of our students.
We're excited about this blended learning approach and the positive impact it will have on our learners. We believe it prepares them not just for the next grade, but for life.
07/06/2023
Ok CG I know what all of you are thinking..Did Mr. G AND Mr. TRAVIS decide that burgundy was the color of the day prior to coming in today? The answer is no. We just knew……we just knew.
07/05/2023
At Creative Gardens, we believe that the outdoors is an essential component of your child's learning journey. Our philosophy is grounded in the abundance of research demonstrating the myriad benefits of outdoor play and learning.
Studies show that regular play in natural environments contributes to children's physical well-being, promoting muscle strength, balance, and coordination. It also bolsters cognitive and emotional development, fostering curiosity, creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005).
Moreover, outdoor play has been linked to improved concentration and stress reduction. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that green outdoor settings reduce ADHD symptoms in children (Kuo & Faber Taylor, 2004).
At Creative Gardens, we've taken these research findings to heart and have designed our outdoor spaces with your child's growth in mind. Our 3.5-acre outdoor area is more than just a playground – it's a multifaceted learning environment, carefully structured to cater to every age group.
The littlest ones can explore and engage their senses in our safe and secure toddler play area. For the older children, we offer diverse play zones that challenge their growing bodies and minds, from climbing structures that build physical confidence to sand and water play areas that stimulate sensory exploration and scientific curiosity.
We believe in providing ample outdoor time, recognizing that it not only promotes physical health but also fosters a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. We take pride in witnessing our learners develop a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for their environment.
We invite you to join us in fostering a love of the outdoors in your child. Together, we can guide them towards healthy, balanced, and nature-connected growth. Visit our beautiful outdoor space and experience firsthand the joyful learning it promotes.
07/04/2023
Happy Independence Day to all of our families! We hope you enjoy the day!!!
07/03/2023
Authentic Parenting: Forge Your Own Path, Don’t Follow the 'Joneses' — Creative Gardens
Hey parents! Who cares what THEY are doing? DO YOU!
Authentic Parenting: Forge Your Own Path, Don’t Follow the 'Joneses' — Creative Gardens
Navigating the world of parenting can often feel like a high-stakes balancing act. We strive to provide the best for our children, whilst also contending with societal pressures and comparisons that can lead us astray from our core values. Today, we want to affirm a crucial message: Authentic parent
06/23/2023
Summer @ The Gardens is in full effect!!! This week we took a trip to Baltimore Aquarium, a now yearly tradition to wrap up “Let’s Explore the Ocean!”
06/18/2023
Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!
06/12/2023
Open 3 years
Best Preschool - 3 years.
We might not be the best kickball players parents but where it counts we are the BEST!
06/08/2023
And we did it again. 3 Years in a row! Best preschool Northern Virginia!
TRIFECTA BABY! Thanks so much to our amazing community for supporting us over the past three years!
06/01/2023
The beauty of standing up for your rights is others see you standing and stand up as well. This Pride Month, let’s stand together for love, equality, and acceptance.
05/29/2023
To all those who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today and are no longer with us including Mr. G’s Grandfathers Col. Andrew Wilhelm, and C.P.O George Bauchat.
05/17/2023
The Art of Parenting: Nurturing Through Love, Trust, and Learning — Creative Gardens
Parents! I urge you to read our latest post on Bloom - The Creative Gardens Blog.
The Art of Parenting: Nurturing Through Love, Trust, and Learning — Creative Gardens
As an early childhood education expert, I've seen a broad spectrum of parenting styles and philosophies. One common misconception that often surfaces is the idea that effective parenting is about control and micro-managing every aspect of a child's life. This view, while well-intentioned, may not al
05/14/2023
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in our community and to all the moms in the world!!! 🌹♥️🌹♥️🌹
05/11/2023
Here is Ms. Vilma making art projects with her littles. A legend in the area and Abuela to now hundreds of Ashburn children, Vilma has the most sincere heart and love for all of her babies.
05/09/2023
Discovering the Child-Centered Approach — Creative Gardens
Our Founder, Garrett Wilhelm started his career as a Montessori educator. While he doesn’t believe that it’s the only way to approach learners, there was a ton she got right!
READ!
Discovering the Child-Centered Approach — Creative Gardens
How Maria Montessori's "Follow the Child" Philosophy Aligns with Modern Child Development Research Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education. Her groundbreaking approach, based on the principle of "follow the child,&
05/08/2023
Feeling incredibly proud of our amazing teachers who go above and beyond to deliver the best possible learning experience for our students! Their hard work and dedication never go unnoticed and we're grateful for their unwavering commitment to education. Thank you for all that you do! 🙌🍎
05/02/2023
The Power of Observation: Learning from Our Children by Simply Watching and Listening — Creative Gardens
Want to learn more about your children? Get out of their way!!
Read the newest blog post!
The Power of Observation: Learning from Our Children by Simply Watching and Listening — Creative Gardens
If you want to know more about your child, get out of the way! As parents, we often feel the need to be actively involved in every aspect of our children's lives, including their learning experiences. However, sometimes the most valuable lessons can be learned by simply observing our children wit
04/27/2023
Mr. Travis explains to the group how important earthworms are in developing nutrient rich soil!
04/14/2023
Embracing the Journey: Understanding Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood and the Role of Parental Anxiety — Creative Gardens
Parents! You will LOVE this blog post as it shines light on challenging drop off/pick ups!
Embracing the Journey: Understanding Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood and the Role of Parental Anxiety — Creative Gardens
Parents can exacerbate or even cause separation anxiety through their own. Separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood development, as children begin to form attachments to their caregivers and navigate the world around them. While it can be difficult to see your child experiencing dist
04/10/2023
A curious learner discovers the . Never gets old watching the wonder of this material.
04/10/2023
5 Outdoor Activities To Welcome In Spring With Your Preschooler! — Creative Gardens
New blog post is up on BLOOM!
Read!
5 Outdoor Activities To Welcome In Spring With Your Preschooler! — Creative Gardens
It’s time to get your littles outside ! Title: Welcoming Spring with 5 Delightful Outdoor Activities for Young Children Hello, wonderful parents and educators! Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to get outside and engage our little ones in nature. In today's blog, we'll be exploring f
04/09/2023
To all those who celebrate! Happy Easter!
03/27/2023
What’s The Tipping Point? — Creative Gardens
“What’s The Tipping Point?”
The Crisis of Early Childhood Education In America.
READ!
What’s The Tipping Point? — Creative Gardens
The crisis of early childhood education in America. Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning, providing children with the essential skills to succeed in later stages of their education. However, the preschool and childcare industry is currently facing a tipping point, with
03/09/2023
EQ Over IQ — Creative Gardens
New blog post up on BLOOM!
READ!
EQ Over IQ — Creative Gardens
The Future of Learning Lies In Emotional Intelligence. The education system in the United States has long been criticized for its focus on memorization and regurgitation of information. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, this traditional method of education is becoming increasingly
03/06/2023
This school ager was a tremendous help in prepping the garden! Soon we will bring the kiddos in to seed and by late spring, our first harvest into our food program! YUM! Parents! Do you have any suggestions of what to grow?
03/06/2023
Let’s Talk Nap Time. — Creative Gardens
New blog post on BLOOM!
READ!
Let’s Talk Nap Time. — Creative Gardens
Sleep specialists across the world agree, sleep needs vary dramatically. Sleep is crucial for the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of young children, especially those in the preschool age range. However, the amount of sleep that each child needs can vary. In this blog post, we will e
02/10/2023
SEL Is Best Taught Through Experience. — Creative Gardens
We have a brand new blog post up on BLOOM!
READ! “SEL Is Best Taught Through Experience.”
SEL Is Best Taught Through Experience. — Creative Gardens
Why Social-Emotional Learning Skills Should be Taught Through Experience, Not Dictation and Memorization Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring the skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintai
02/09/2023
A pre-k students works on the binomial cube.
02/02/2023
Best of Ashburn 2023
It's Best Of Ashburn VOTING TIME! CG! We need your help! Vote for us under the childcare and education section! Find Creative Gardens and hit vote!
Best of Ashburn 2023
Check it out now!
02/01/2023
The Future Is Formative. — Creative Gardens
New Blog Post Up on Bloom! READ!
"The Future Is Formative."
The Future Is Formative. — Creative Gardens
No longer does test assessment tell the true story of a learner’s competency. As the field of early childhood education continues to evolve, so does the approach to assessment. For many years, the traditional method of evaluating student progress has been through summative tests. These evaluation
01/23/2023
One of our learners in preschool making snow dough!!
01/23/2023
From Us Vs. Them to Us With Them. — Creative Gardens
NEW BLOG UP ON BLOOM!
READ! "From Us vs. Them to Us With Them."
From Us Vs. Them to Us With Them. — Creative Gardens
Harsh criticisms, under appreciation, anxiety and COVID19, all had a dramatic effect on the current state of child care. As the founder of an early childhood school, I have seen firsthand the harsh criticism and negative attitudes directed towards the early childhood education field in recent ye
01/19/2023
Celebration Over Acceptance. — Creative Gardens
New Blog on Bloom! READ!
“Acceptance to Celebration”
Celebration Over Acceptance. — Creative Gardens
It’s time we take it one step further from “accepting,” difference and diversity to “celebrating.” I have always been passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for our students. However, in recent years, I have come to realize that the term "acceptance" often used
01/17/2023
Sick Leave - The Solution To Understaffed And Overwhelmed Schools. — Creative Gardens
New Blog Post Up On Bloom! READ: “Sick Leave - The Solution To Understaffed And Overwhelmed Schools.” I think you’ll find it interesting as a parent. Comment if you agree!!
Sick Leave - The Solution To Understaffed And Overwhelmed Schools. — Creative Gardens
By taking a fresh look at the country’s sick leave policies, we could solve an increasingly worsening issue in schools. As the founder of early childhood schools, I have seen firsthand the systemic issue that exists in the United States when it comes to sick leave for parents. This issue is not o