Why PLAY-BASED?
An approach where children learn and grow through play
Our Preschool
At Pixie, we believe that play is the foundation of early learning. Research shows that when children engage in purposeful play, they aren’t “just playing”—they’re building the skills that prepare them for school and for life.
Through play, children:
Develop social and emotional skills by learning to share, negotiate, and collaborate with peers.
Build cognitive abilities like problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking in ways that worksheets and rote tasks cannot.
Strengthen language and communication by expressing ideas, asking questions, and storytelling during play.
Grow physical coordination through active, hands-on exploration of their environment.
Foster creativity and imagination as they experiment, role-play, and invent new possibilities.
Play-based learning is not only joyful—it’s necessary. It respects how young children naturally learn best: through curiosity, discovery, and active engagement with the world around them. By honoring play, we give children the confidence, resilience, and love of learning that form the strongest foundation for their future success.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
— Fred Rogers
Our Families
At Pixie Play School, we deeply value the partnership between families and our school community. Families play an essential role in the life of our school.
Our small, close-knit preschool provides many opportunities to connect with other families of similar-aged children. This sense of community helps build friendships and support networks that extend well beyond the preschool years.
Families also have meaningful ways to contribute to the wellbeing of the school through volunteer opportunities, events, and projects that support our program. By working together, we ensure that Pixie Play School remains a vibrant, nurturing place where children thrive.
Our Children
A child’s work is play. Through engaging, age-appropriate play experiences, children learn alongside their peers while also interacting with their teachers, gaining independence and confidence in the wider world.
We strive to provide each child with individual attention within a supportive group environment. Our program emphasizes respect, acceptance of differences, listening skills, and positive communication. Children explore hands-on experiences in creative arts, music, science, literature, and language, all thoughtfully designed to meet their developmental needs.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged with a wide variety of materials and toys organized into engaging stations, encouraging independent exploration and discovery. Materials and themes are rotated regularly to spark new curiosity and learning opportunities. Each day includes a balance of free play, group circle time, snack, and outdoor activities.
Many forms of development and teaching occur when our children play.
Circle Time: Math, language, coordination and balance, manners and respect for other children and teachers.
Art Center: Representation, creative expression, problem solving, language, cause/effect, task completion, visualization, fine motor skills, and sensory experiences.
Kitchen Creations: Math and science, sequential numbering and fine motor skills.
Science Center: Math/science, reasoning, social skills, cause/effect, and language.
Dramatic Play: Language, representation, problem solving, socialization, and imagination.
Blocks and Trains: Math/science, reasoning skills, social skills, and literacy.
Sand Box: Math, language, social skills and science.
Puzzles and Manipulatives: Math, self-direction, making choices, testing predictions, and social studies.
