Parents often wonder how much of preschool should be “learning” and how much should simply be “play.” The truth is that young children learn best when the two work together. Play and meaningful instruction are not competing ideas… they are partners. At The Gardner School, our balanced learning approach blends open-ended play, guided exploration, and intentional instruction to support the whole child.

Children need time to imagine, create, move, wonder, solve problems, and build relationships. They also benefit from structured moments that introduce early literacy, S.T.E.A.M. concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), social-emotional skills, and motor development. When these experiences are thoughtfully combined, children gain confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills that last far beyond preschool.

Supporting a Mix of Learning Styles

Every child learns in their own way. Instead of relying on one single educational philosophy, TGS uses a blend of approaches tailored to each age group and to each child’s developmental readiness. Classrooms include both child-initiated activities and teacher-facilitated experiences, allowing children to explore at their own pace while still being guided toward important early milestones.

This mix helps children strengthen a wide range of skills: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, creative, and communicative. It is a whole-child approach that centers both growth and joy.

S.T.E.A.M. Learning Experiences

S.T.E.A.M. is woven into daily learning at The Gardner School. Children explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that spark curiosity and build early problem-solving skills.

A child’s first introduction to science might be watching baking soda bubble in vinegar.
Their first engineering challenge might be designing a ramp that makes a ball roll faster.
Math may begin with counting blocks, comparing sizes, or measuring ingredients in a recipe.
Art brings creativity, color exploration, and fine motor practice to life.

These early experiences help children feel confident experimenting, questioning, and discovering the world around them. S.T.E.A.M. is not a separate subject at TGS. It is part of the fabric of learning.

The Power of Play

Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood. Through play, children practice problem solving, language, negotiation, conflict resolution, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and confidence. TGS classrooms include:

  • Free play that supports imagination and independence
  • Guided play that encourages discovery with teacher support
  • Purposeful play centers that build early academic and social skills
  • Indoor and outdoor play areas that strengthen physical development
  • Opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between friends

To adults, play may look simple. To children, it is the foundation of learning.

Ways to Blend Learning and Play at Home

Play-based learning doesn’t stop at school. Parents can easily incorporate learning into everyday routines in fun, meaningful ways. Here are a few simple activities that support whole-child growth.

  • Read With Your Child: Daily reading introduces early literacy, listening skills, memory, and vocabulary. Storytime helps children strengthen focus, build language, and understand narrative structure. Reading aloud also creates calm, connected moments between parent and child.
  • Explore Educational Outings: Libraries, children’s museums, science centers, farms, and nature trails offer authentic opportunities to explore the world. Many of these spaces include learning activities designed with young children in mind.
  • Cook or Bake Together: Baking introduces math, sequencing, sensory learning, patience, fine motor control, and confidence. Pouring, stirring, measuring, and reading recipes all support early learning in a joyful, hands-on way.

It’s All in the Mix

Children thrive when they experience a balance of academics, creativity, social interaction, movement, and play. The Gardner School’s approach blends all of these elements through warm relationships, intentional curriculum, and beautifully designed classrooms that inspire discovery.

If you are exploring preschool options, we invite you to schedule a tour to see how our balanced approach helps children grow into confident, curious learners. For All They Will Become.