IV. LE Culture & Components of Playful Learning Classes

Click the button below to see the video about the culture here at Little Explorers. 

Each playful learning class is planned and prepared ahead of time. The management team, with lots of input from the leaders, spends ample time developing the curriculum based on 1 or 2 week themes throughout the year. Each lesson plan will include the theme, materials needed, activities, etc. Dive in and analyze this playful learning class sample lesson plan on Dinosaurs.

Due to Covid-19, we have been offering less class times. Therefore, we decided to consolidate the classes and combine the age groups as much as possible, while differentiating learning as much as possible. 

Notice parts 1-4 of the "Opening" section in the sample lesson template stay the same for each lesson. During the "Activity" portion of the lesson, there are usually 1 or 2 interactive songs played and taught that match the theme of the lesson or main objective/concept.

The "Closing" section is also always consistently the same with the Goodbye Song and a clean up time. 

As you prepare your lesson, please keep in mind the skills that you are teaching. Also, as you get acquainted with our culture and style, please use our ready-made lesson plans, but as you get more comfortable, feel free to find your own resources and personalize your lesson plans. Just please make sure to get approval from Caroline or Mallory prior to teaching.

We begin each and every class with the class bell and the "Buzz Buzz" song! Check it out here. Please memorize it for the assessment. You will only need to record your audio for this song.

These songs are both sung with corresponding ASL motions. You will need to film yourself singing and signing both of these songs. Find the video here, and the lyrics to each song here. 

This 45-minute enriching class experience is made specifically for kids to focus on music education, American Sign Language and physical development.  This playful learning class will improve balance, coordination and, large motor skills while enhancing social development. Click here* to see this class in action.

*Note: To maintain the privacy of the children, we provided a recording of the leader by herself. When you observe the class in person, you will be able to see a more interactive version of this class.

This 45-minute class is made specifically to stimulate each child's creativity through artistic hands-on activities. The goal is for you to facilitate a bonding experience for the parent and their child through guided sensory experiences while creating something new. This and all classes come after an exploratory play session in the open play area. While the themes change regularly, the routine and lesson breakdown remain somewhat the same. You will be able to see the class in action during your class observations.