Children's Discovery Center of South Carolina

A Virtual Family Education Event: The power of play!

Join us for a dynamic dialogue on the power of play on Wednesday, October 11 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Play has been identified as essential for early learning and, indeed, long term success in the 21st Century Workforce. Gather with families and Endeavor’s Academic Team as we explore the power of play and how dynamic play can be supported at home.
To register to attend please visit: https://brnw.ch/21wCWPZ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We have made the decision to close EARLY on Wednesday, 8/30. We will close at 3PM and remain closed on Thursday, August 31st. We waited to make an informed decision, but ultimately felt in the best interest of families and staff an early release and closure was necessary. After looking at the weather reports and speaking with local weather experts, there seems to be a consensus that the worst of the weather will get to the Lowcountry evening.

We appreciate your patience as we try to make informed decisions for the safety of our families and staff.

Lots of laughter was had with Becky’s Box of Puppets. Students of all ages enjoyed the puppet show!

Join us for our virtual Positive Guidance for Parents: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration event on April 25th! While every child is, indeed, unique, there are some discipline approaches that, when practiced with understanding and consistency, yield excellent results. This session explores the role our own mindsets have on our ability to effectively guide our children’s behavior. Practical, actionable tips will be shared as well as some big ideas that can help you make wise guidance decisions as you and your child grow together. To register to attend please visit https://bit.ly/3KR3EKo!

Mischievous fun was had by all this St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ Wishing our families a happy and safe weekend!

Learning through play looks a lot like the scientific method of systematic observations, measurements, experiments, and modifying hypotheses. These little scientists are having fun going through the process.

We love opportunities to paint as it is much more than a craft… it engages both sides of the brain, strengthens hand eye coordination, refines small muscle movement and control necessary for writing, and allows children to practice creative thinking.

Project based learning invites children to explore with their thoughts, ideas, and hands. Our Park West toddler class became interested in birds and have been busy building nests, measuring and comparing eggs from various birds, and making decisions about what materials work best together.

Tires and tree stumps makes for endless opportunities to problem solve, strategize, strengthen gross motor control, and just have fun.

Water play, along with playing with any natural elements, offers an opportunity for open-ended play for children. This means that children are free to play without any rules or objectives that may hinder their natural curiosity and imagination.

It was a special Friday as we planted a cherry blossom tree in loving memory of Ms. Sky. This is the very spot outside her classroom where countless memories and educational discoveries were made with her students. It is so much more than a tree; rather a symbol forever reminding us of her beautiful spirit and the impact she had on so many.
We are grateful for the community of families and Hidden Ponds Nursery who helped make it possible.

Stacking blocks is not only beneficial because it develops hand-eye coordination and social skills, but it is also beneficial because during this process young children begin to think like mathematicians and problem solve. We delight in this milestone!

We will holdfast to the precious memories made with Ms.Sky.❤️🙏

Having a teacher that sees the best in every child is truly the greatest gift. Ms.Sky embodied this as she made a beautiful impact on everyone she met. She will be in our hearts forever. Please keep our school community and her family in your prayers.

https://gofund.me/ab9b3899

Support for Skyland Pinson's Family, organized by Meredith Hughes Our dear Mrs. Sky unexpectedly passed away today, January 26th, at the age of 23.… Meredith Hughes needs your support for Support for Skyland Pinson's Family

Provocations play a big role in inquiry learning. Not only do they provide a stimulus to provoke thought and ideas, but they also give students opportunities to use their imagination without teacher interference.

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It is a happy talent to know how to play. “ ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Beyond the wall there is always a beyond.” Loris Malaguzzi

Outdoor play and exploration is an important part of childhood. When outdoors, children are given the chance to exercise, strengthen gross motor muscles, take risks, socialize, appreciate nature, and so much more.

Ever notice the panel boards in our classrooms? They play a significant role in capturing the learning process and share its story. Take a look and ask your children about it.
“The documentation, just like the children’s processes, is never finished. It is a tool that is fluid; that helps us to give structure to our thinking and doing about children.” ~ Francesca Manfredi

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

As Reggio inspired educators our goal is to provide the opportunity for students to notice and observe elements in their environment. We celebrate their curiosity, inquiry, and discovery.

Working with clay is one of the most effective activities to improve our children's fine motor skill. This helps develop the muscles on hands and fingers which is essential for the children to grip and write. As our children pinch, roll, pat and shape the clay according to their preference, this helps in their sensory enhancement and creative practice.

After an interest evolved taking photographs, students began to wonder how a photographic image appears. To find out, students were invited to take old cameras and other electrical items apart to examine the parts inside. Creative opportunities to illustrate their findings is a key feature of the Reggio Emilia practice.

“Each time one prematurely teaches a child something he could have discovered himself, that child is kept from inventing it and consequently from understanding it completely.” Jean Piaget

After noticing schema patterns of repeated responses when students would remove the toys from the container and manipulate the container itself, our Pre Toddlers began a new exploration. Provocations which allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play were offered. The repetitive actions of schematic play allow children to construct meaning in what they are doing.

Equipping our teachers with opportunities to grow in their craft and explore authentic materials that students will experience is not only important, it is essential. Thank you for partnering with us as we strive to provide the highest level of education for your children.

The wonder that light inspires is truly magical. Students of all ages are encouraged to explore daily with light in their classrooms.

When children are encouraged to explore and ask questions they take an active role in their learning. The simplicity of finding leaves can inspire creative opportunities and STEM investigations.

As we welcomed students into their new classroom environments, provocations to explore new materials and create portraits were presented. Students had the opportunity to work with authentic mediums through creative process.

Join our free webinar on March 9 to learn how you can improve your child's behavior in a positive way! Led by Dr. Amy Brereton, the Vice President of Academics at Endeavor Schools, this free session will give parents the tools to guide their child’s behavior in a more positive direction. You don’t want to miss this highly informative and fascinating session. Sign up here: https://bddy.me/34bTC3Z

Join our free webinar on March 9 to learn how you can improve your child's behavior in a positive way! Led by Dr. Amy Brereton, the Vice President of Academics at Endeavor Schools, this free session will give parents the tools to guide their child’s behavior in a more positive direction. You don’t want to miss this highly informative and fascinating session. Sign up here: https://bddy.me/35Mkfga

Teachers at both CDC centers have been working hard to provide engaging play based learning opportunities with students. It’s exciting to see even our youngest learners smile as they discover sensory exploration.

Today we welcomed back our Stretch and Grow team with lots of happy faces engaging in movement activities.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our amazing moms!

Never forget that LOVE is the best thing we do. Love big, love messy, love loud. Slow down and cuddle your littles, even when they’re big. Abandon the lie of perfectionism. Learn from your kids and color outside the lines, and then stand in awe of the masterpiece you create. Smile knowing right now will taste even better as a memory. Declare goodness; the words you speak dictate the life in front of you. Remember that bad days come and go. When all else fails, dance it out. You are loved by a good God who calls you daughter. Tend to your own wounds as gently as you do the skinned knees and the jammed fingers and the hurt feelings. Be the friend you need, even when you’re busy. Hug people too long. Catch the tears of other moms, too. Speak up for those who don’t have a voice and your kids will do the same. Sit in the warmth that your baby will change the world someday.

Stand knowing that you can too.

The new season has been a welcomed invitation to explore. Our toddlers have been inspired to get their hands dirty digging for worms and finding nature to further investigate!

Being outside in the glorious sunshine will certainly put a smile on your face...no matter your age!

The most rewarding moments for educators are those that witness the discovery of something new in the world around them.