Cognitive Benefits
Immersion in play-based learning programs results in higher scores on cognitive and language skills evaluations compared to those in traditional, instruction-focused settings.
The Reggio Emilia Approach
Our perspective on early child care and development transforms traditional learning into an engaging adventure, where play is not just fun—it’s the key to unlocking a world of future possibilities.
Where Play Meets Purpose
The Benefits of Going Beyond Traditional Learning with the Reggio Emilia Approach
Research illustrates children blossom when they are nurtured in safe, playful environments. While not every benefit to our educational approach can be quantified and varies for each unique child, studies show significant improvements in cognitive, social, and emotional development in play-based programs. That’s why Little Sunshine’s strives to create vibrant spaces where every child is encouraged to connect, discover, and grow into their own.
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Social Development
Children in play-based learning environments show enhanced social skills, including sharing, cooperation, and problem-solving with their peers.
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Emotional Regulation
Age-appropriate play activities improve a child’s ability to manage emotions like frustration, anxiety, and anger.
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Learning Outcomes
Participating in guided play shows improvement in math and problem-solving abilities compared to children who received direct instruction alone.
What We’ve Been Exploring
On the Move: Exploring Transportation
Last month, our classrooms became spaces for exploring how people, animals, and vehicles move from place to place as children investigated transportation, travel, and the design of moving things. Through building roads, bridges, ramps, and vehicles, creating maps, experimenting with motion, and exploring transportation by land, air, and water, children developed an understanding of movement, engineering, and problem-solving. As their investigations expanded, children tested ideas, designed pathways, observed how different vehicles moved, and shared stories about journeys both real and imagined. These experiences strengthened critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and early engineering skills while helping children recognize the many ways movement connects people, places, and communities.
Parent Resources
Find a School Near You
With schools across the country, we’re passionate about bringing play-based learning closer to you. Search our locations to start your journey.
Let’s Start a Conversation
We want to get to know your family. Start a conversation today to discover why our students shine.