Play and Learn Children's Place

Play and Learn Children's Place Play and Learn is a a center that is both warm, comforting, and academically challenging.

We mesh these two important aspects in Early Childhood to meet our little one's needs.

08/18/2026

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08/18/2026

Learning how to recognize and manage emotions is a skill that develops over time - and it starts in early childhood. 💙💚❤️ Helping children notice whether their "engine" is running too low, just right, or too high gives them the language to understand how they're feeling and what they need. Self-regulation isn't about never having big emotions; it's about learning healthy ways to respond to them. Simple strategies like taking deep breaths, moving their bodies, drinking water, or asking for help can make a big difference. With patience, practice, and supportive adults, children build the confidence to calm their bodies, focus their attention, and get back to learning and playing. Every opportunity to practice self-regulation today helps lay the foundation for lifelong emotional well-being.



Source: The OT Toolbox

08/18/2026

Sometimes the child who suddenly becomes extra silly isn't simply trying to be disruptive - they may be showing signs that their nervous system is feeling overwhelmed. 💛 Laughter, hyperactivity, and goofy behavior can be a child's way of coping with stress, uncertainty, or big emotions they don't yet know how to express. Instead of asking, "How do I stop this behavior?" it can help to wonder, "What is this behavior telling me?" Responding with calmness, connection, and curiosity can help children feel safe enough to regulate their emotions. This doesn't mean all silly behavior is a sign of stress - being playful is a healthy and important part of childhood. But when the silliness seems sudden, excessive, or out of character, it may be a cue that your child needs support rather than correction. Looking beyond the behavior helps us meet children's needs with empathy while teaching them healthy ways to cope with big feelings.



Source: The Therapist Parent

08/11/2026

Your little learners will have so much fun strengthening their fine motor skills with a hammering playdough activity! Using child-safe hammers to tap golf tees into playdough helps build hand strength, coordination, and control needed for future writing skills. This hands-on activity also encourages focus, problem-solving, and perseverance while keeping learning fun. Children will love exploring different ways to create patterns and designs as they work. Sensory play like this supports creativity while developing important foundational skills.



Source: Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds - Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

08/11/2026

🌿 Loose Parts Play: Big Learning from Simple Materials! 🧩

Try offering preschoolers:
🍂 Pinecones, leaves, and sticks
🪨 Smooth rocks and seashells
🧵 Fabric scraps and ribbons
🧱 Wooden blocks or tree cookies
🥄 Measuring cups, bowls, and spoons
🧴 Bottle caps, corks, and cardboard tubes
🔘 Large buttons or colorful craft stones (with close supervision for younger children)

Sometimes the simplest materials inspire the biggest imaginations!

08/10/2026

Did you know that many speech therapists recommend skipping sippy cups? Here's why: prolonged sippy cup use can encourage a tongue position and drinking pattern that may not support the development of mature oral motor skills needed for clear speech and eating.

Around the preschool years, practicing with an open cup or straw cup can help strengthen the muscles used for drinking, chewing, and speaking. Every child develops at their own pace, so it's always okay to make gradual changes that work for your family. Here are some spill-proof cup recommendations for preschoolers: weighted straw cups, straw cups with leak-resistant valves, and 360° cups used as a transition to an open cup. If you have concerns about your child's feeding, drinking, or speech development, a speech-language pathologist can provide guidance based on your child's individual needs.



Source: Graceful Expression, Speech-Language Pathologist

08/10/2026

Boredom isn’t the enemy - it’s an opportunity. When children are given unstructured time, something powerful begins to happen: they start to imagine, create, and explore on their own terms. Without constant direction or entertainment, kids learn how to problem-solve, entertain themselves, and follow their curiosity. These quiet moments often lead to the most meaningful play and the most creative ideas. It’s in boredom that independence and confidence start to grow. Instead of rushing to fill every gap in the day, we can see those spaces as invitations for growth.



Source: The Thoughtful Parent

08/10/2026

Your Calm Doesn't Have to Be Perfect—It Just Has to Be Practiced

Children are incredibly observant. They notice the tension in our shoulders, the worry in our voices, and the way we respond when life feels overwhelming. While it's impossible to shield them from every stressful moment, we can teach them healthy ways to navigate anxiety without passing it on. One of the most powerful things you can do is talk openly about your anxiety in an age-appropriate way by saying things like, "I'm feeling a little worried today, so I'm going to take a few deep breaths." This shows children that emotions are normal and that there are healthy ways to cope with them. Make it a habit to check in with your children regularly by asking how they're feeling and creating a safe space where every emotion is welcome.

It's also important to revisit your own coping strategies because children learn far more from what we model than from what we say. Reframe anxiety as something that isn't always bad—it can be the body's way of preparing us for something important or reminding us to slow down and take care of ourselves. Then, make emotional wellness a family activity by taking walks together, practicing breathing exercises, stretching, dancing, reading, or simply spending a few minutes connecting without distractions. These shared moments help regulate everyone's nervous system and remind children that difficult feelings don't have to be faced alone. Remember, your goal isn't to raise children who never feel anxious; it's to raise children who know that feelings can be understood, managed, and overcome. Every time your family practices healthy coping together, you're building resilience that will serve your children long after they've grown.



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08/10/2026

Assertive language isn't about avoiding difficult conversations—it's about expressing yourself honestly while respecting both your own needs and the other person's perspective. It increases the chances of being heard and working toward a solution together.

A simple formula for assertive communication is:
"I feel... when... because... I would appreciate..."

For example:
"I feel frustrated when my toys are taken without asking because I was still playing with them. I'd like you to ask before you use them."

When we model assertive communication, children learn that it's okay to express their feelings, set healthy boundaries, and solve problems respectfully. These everyday conversations build confidence, empathy, and communication skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Address

440 W. Russell
Saline, MI
48176

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7am - 5:30pm
Friday 7am - 5:30pm

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