The Learning House Play School

I shared this post 2 years ago, and it is even more relevant today! My daughter will be enjoying play- based kindergarten at the play school this fall, and we have openings for a few more friends!

https://petergray.substack.com/p/the-cruelty-of-us-kindergarten-practices?fbclid=IwdGRjcASABP9jbGNrBIAALWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHsTnjeFg4izE3ZjMwCRdkfUDqYCFNf4rUU2vpzFRiZAKmZnFKVwnOqlLcVKN_aem_wKOJYeGSjfk9jPaQziXShg&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e233_tv2_tp1_a1dennhb8e3qaw

This is why we play outside!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWYhbNpTq/

New research shows that children who miss out on outdoor play are at a 90 percent higher risk of experiencing reading delays by age seven. Experts say that simply keeping kids indoors for safety or convenience can unintentionally hinder early brain development, particularly the skills needed to focus and process language.

Outdoor play offers a rich environment for learning. Moving, exploring, and interacting with nature helps children develop attention, memory, and executive function, all critical for reading and comprehension. Fresh air, varied sensory experiences, and active engagement support neural growth that indoor activities alone often cannot provide.

The study followed thousands of children, comparing those who spent significant time playing outside with those who were mostly indoors. Results consistently showed that outdoor activity was strongly linked to stronger reading skills, better concentration, and improved cognitive performance. Children with limited exposure to nature and active play struggled more with early literacy.

Specialists warn that indoor childhood is not inherently “safe” for cognitive growth. While it may protect kids physically, it can starve the developing brain of the experiences it needs to strengthen attention, visual processing, and language networks. Balance is key: supervised outdoor time is essential for healthy brain and reading development.

Parents and educators are encouraged to prioritize daily outdoor play, even in urban environments. Simple activities like park visits, backyard games, or walks can significantly boost early reading readiness and overall cognitive growth, giving children the focus and mental stamina they need for lifelong learning.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18gBHPo1zV/

Yes and amen!

In case you're wondering: this is a mermaid in her cave with her mer-dog guarding the entrance! We embrace the dramatic play at The Learning House Play School!

This is an exciting week for kids everywhere! My friend's food truck is up and running! Check it out if you can!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cwafui8hj/

Boredom is good!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFAo2JGkk/

Last Saturday was our spring Family Field Trip! We have Family Field Trips once a quarter. We often meet at a park, play on the playground, explore a trail, and read some books!

On Saturday, we played at Hodge Park, read a couple of books, and walked the trail and played in the creek! This school year we have partnered with Turn The Page KC, and each child received 3 books to take home after each Family Field Trip!

This is how writing happens in a child-led school.

Julia asked me to show her how to write a sign. She wanted it to say, "No one can come in here at night because we'll be asleep." I asked if she'd be OK shortening it to "no intruders at night" and she agreed. She was going to put it on the "house" that she built with a friend but decided to put it on the gate instead.

Writing at The Learning House comes from intrinsic motivation of the children. They often ask me to show them how to write a word for a sign they want to make. I never force them to write!