Music and Arts in Preschool: Fostering Creativity and Expression
Music and the arts are not just fun extras – they are fundamental to whole-child development. Research shows that exposure to music, dance and visual arts helps preschool children develop creativity, listening skills and self expression. Whether it’s singing nursery rhymes, finger painting, dancing or banging on drums, these activities engage multiple areas of the […]
Social-Emotional Learning in Preschool: Building Empathy and Resilience
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps young children build empathy, self-awareness and resilience – skills that are just as important as ABCs and 123s. In our preschool program, we embed SEL into everyday activities so children learn to recognize emotions, resolve conflicts and practice kindness. Teachers model respectful communication, guide children through sharing and turn-taking, and provide […]
Early Literacy in Preschool: Building a Love of Reading
Before children can read on their own, they build literacy skills through singing, talking, and playing with language. Experts note that many children start kindergarten without the literacy skills they need. Reading aloud, naming objects, and singing songs stimulate brain development and expand vocabulary. At A Village Learning Center preschool, we weave literacy into everything […]
STEM Learning in Preschool: Building a Foundation for Future Success
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) aren’t just for older kids. Introducing STEM concepts in preschool taps into children’s natural curiosity and builds problem-solving skills. At A Village Learning Center, we explore STEM through hands-on activities like counting snacks, building towers, exploring nature and simple coding games. Research shows early exposure to STEM sparks creativity, […]
Building Social Skills in Preschool Through Play
Friendships start with play in preschool settings. When children pass a ball back and forth or engage in pretend games at preschool, they’re practicing cooperation, communication and empathy. At A Village Learning Center, we see how play builds peer relationships every day: infants cooing with caregivers, toddlers sharing toys, and preschoolers taking turns in dramatic […]
The Power of Play in Preschool: Why Play is Essential for Your Child’s Growth
Play-based learning is at the heart of early childhood development in preschool settings. At A Village Learning Center, our microschool preschool alternative, we know that play isn’t just fun – it’s how children learn. When kids build with blocks, act out stories, or run around outside, they’re developing cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional and physical […]
Why Parents in Toledo Love Our Microschool
Choosing a preschool is one of the most important decisions a family makes. At A Village Learning Center, Toledo parents appreciate our supportive microschool environment. Here are a few reasons why. Strong sense of community Our small class sizes allow children and families to build meaningful relationships. Parents feel connected and know that their voices […]
Preparing Your Child for Preschool: 8 Tips for Toledo Parents
Starting preschool is a big milestone for both children and parents. To help your family feel prepared, here are eight playful tips inspired by UNICEF’s guidance. Visit together. If possible, take your child to explore their new school and playground before the first day. Familiar surroundings reduce anxiety. Make new friends. Arrange a playdate with […]
Choosing the Right Early Learning Program in Toledo: Montessori, Reggio & Microschools
Parents often ask whether they should choose a Montessori school, a Reggio Emilia program or a microschool for their preschooler. All three approaches emphasize child‑centered learning, but they differ in philosophy and structure. Montessori Montessori classrooms are designed as prepared environments filled with self‑correcting materials. Children choose activities independently and work at their own pace. Teachers […]
How Our Toledo Microschool Personalizes Learning for Preschoolers
Every child learns differently. That’s why our microschool in Toledo offers personalized learning experiences tailored to each preschooler’s strengths, interests and needs. Flexibility to choose the best approach Microschools come in many forms. Some use hands‑on, project‑based learning while others incorporate traditional worksheets or personalized digital curricula. This variety allows families to choose the approach […]