Manhattan Schoolhouse

The magician’s at Manhattan Schoolhouse bring the magic of fall to the classroom. All with the help of Reggio Emilia artistic exploration! 🍁🍂

Coming Fall 2026! We are thrilled to introduce Manhattan Playhouse. First of its kind, largest indoor play area on the Upper East Side for children ages 0-12.

What We Are Building At Manhattan Playhouse:
*Sports, art, gym, dance, music, theater, and more
*Lounge space for adults to relax or work
*Babysitting services
​*Special events (birthday parties, etc.) and workshops
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Open seven days a week, hours 10 am to 7 pm
Visit us at:
https://www.manhattanplayhouse.com/

To get updates, join our waitlist at: https://www.manhattanplayhouse.com/coming-soon-03

We want to hear from you:
https://forms.gle/o4cVjtVg31BSoqjRA

👶 We're Hiring Lead Infant Teachers!
Are you a warm, nurturing, and passionate early childhood educator? Join our collaborative learning team at Manhattan Schoolhouse, where care and creativity come together to support our youngest learners. 💛

📍 NYC-based
💼 Competitive pay & benefits
📩 Apply now: [email protected]

Be part of a school that values respect, imagination, and connection from day one. 🌱

🌿✨ A Magical Encounter & Bunny Tail Creations! ✨🌿
During their walk, our children had an unexpected and delightful encounter with a flower shop owner! 💐👋 He greeted them with high fives and introduced them to something special—"bunny tails!" 🐰🌾
Excitedly holding their new treasures, the children explored the mall, waving their bunny tails in the air. When they returned to the classroom, their curiosity blossomed into creativity as they used the bunny tails for painting and sensory play! 🎨🖌
🌟 Ryan gently explored the soft texture between his fingers.
🌟 Reva turned it into a playful game, saying “tickle tickle” to Ben, who giggled with joy.
🌟 Aiden observed the paint on his bunny tail with deep concentration.
🌟 Sloane experimented with prints and swiping motions, creating a masterpiece!
Moments like these remind us how spontaneous discoveries can spark endless creativity! ✨💡

🔬🐞 Exploring the World of Bugs! 🐞🔬
This week, our children took their curiosity to the science center for some open-ended exploration! ✨📖 Inspired by the book "Bug Hut" by Backpack Explorer, they crafted beautiful representations of bugs and insects they had encountered in the book or in nature. 🐜🎨
From colorful critters to intricate insect designs, their creations showcased a blend of science, creativity, and imagination! 🌿💡 We love watching their wonder for the natural world come to life!

🌬️ Bundle Up and Step Outside! 🌟
Don’t let the cold keep the kids indoors! Even in chilly weather, outdoor play is a great way for children to:
❄️ Boost their immune system
❄️ Get fresh air and stay active
❄️ Enjoy nature’s beauty in all seasons
Dress them in warm layers, gloves, and hats, and let the fun begin! A little cold weather can’t stop the benefits of outdoor exploration.
Let’s embrace the season and keep our kids healthy and happy! 🍃✨

🎨🌍 Collaborative Art with Recycled Materials! 🌟

Our Toddlers and Twos explored creativity and teamwork during a special painting and printing art project! Using recycled materials generously donated by our community families, the children discovered new ways to make art while learning about sustainability. ♻️💡
✨ Over several days, they experimented with materials like cardboard and plastics to print shapes and textures on paper. This gave them the chance to:
🌟 Build fine motor skills
💡 Practice problem-solving
🤝 Learn the value of teamwork
The project also introduced them to continuity and the importance of patience as they worked step-by-step to bring their creative ideas to life.
Thank you to all the families who contributed to this wonderful project—it was a true team effort! 💕

The holidays are over, and it’s time to get back into the school routine! Here are 5 tips to help transition smoothly after a long break:

5 Essential Tips for Parents During the Holiday Season 🎄✨
The holiday season is magical, but it can also be overwhelming for little ones. Here are 5 tips to help parents and children thrive during this busy time:

1. Keep a Daily Routine 🕒
Why: Preschoolers thrive on consistency, and maintaining a routine helps them feel balanced and secure.
How:
Create a simple daily schedule that includes time for play, learning, meals, and rest.
Add festive activities like a "holiday storytime" to make the routine special and exciting.

2. Prepare Children for New Events 🎉
Why: New events like parties or outings can be overwhelming for young children. Preparing them reduces anxiety and helps them feel more confident.
How:
Explain what to expect beforehand (e.g., people they’ll meet, sounds, or activities).
Answer their questions and encourage them to share any concerns.
Give them time to mentally prepare, which fosters a sense of control and reduces stress.

3. Respect Body Autonomy + Validate Feelings ❤️
Why: Teaching children to set boundaries and process emotions builds confidence and resilience.
How:
Let children decide how to greet others, such as a wave, high-five, or verbal hello. Avoid forcing hugs or kisses.
If your child feels disappointed (e.g., about leaving a party early), acknowledge their emotions with empathy (e.g., "I know you’re sad, and that’s okay").
Help them process their feelings without shame, reinforcing that all emotions are valid and manageable.

4. Allow Time for Free Play 🎭
Why: Unstructured play gives children the chance to decompress and recharge during a busy season.
How:
Dedicate time for child-led play, where they can simply relax and engage with their toys or favorite activities.
Let them explore their imagination in their own space, free from scheduled activities.
Remember, it’s okay to slow down and let them “just be.”

5. Go Outdoors 🌲
Why: Being outdoors reduces stress and promotes emotional balance. It helps children burn off excess energy, improves focus, and reduces feelings of restlessness. Exposure to nature can enhance mood and encourage creativity during play.
How:
Bundle up and head out for a winter nature walk. Look for signs of the season like frosty leaves, pinecones, or bird nests.
Collect natural items (e.g., twigs, pine branches, or berries) to use for decorations or gifts.
Create a fun "nature scavenger hunt" with holiday-themed items, like a snow-covered tree or a red berry.

🎁 Parenting Tip: Holidays don’t have to be stressful. By creating balance and honoring your child’s needs, you’ll create magical memories for the whole family!