Early Childhood Program Gets New Play Spaces

Over the summer, a new Reggio Emilia-inspired playground was built that encourages children ages 1–5 to create their own learning experiences through exploration and discovery. This unique playground features elements found in nature for children to use in imaginative play. Mud kitchens equipped with utensils and kitchenware are ready to be put to use by creative minds, and there are lots of spaces for swinging, climbing, jumping, crawling, and balancing on logs and stumps cut from trees on our beautiful campus. A charming gazebo will be used as an outdoor classroom and as a gathering space for picnic lunches.

An integral part of a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach is the support and collaboration of the children, parents, teachers, and community, who all have a vested interest in the students’ education. One Saturday morning in early August, over 20 Principia community members gathered together to build a wooden play structure for the new playground. The structure includes a climbing wall, a platform for imaginative play, a slide, a swing, and two old-fashioned telephones for creative conversations. This delightful structure promises to engage children in whimsical play for years to come. And this special event did much to build a strong sense of community—all in support of our youngest Principians!

Enjoy the slideshow below of the playground and of volunteers building the playhouse.