Children of every culture use play to communicate, create and express their thoughts and feelings.
Entering your child’s world and “speaking their language” is what makes learning-through-play so powerful.
Play-based learning has been the foundation of Gymboree Play & Music‘s programs for over 45 years, supporting the physical, cognitive and social-emotional development of children from birth to kindergarten. Children are given the physical and emotional space to explore and learn at their own pace, with a variety of programs that grow with your child.
At Gymboree Play & Music, we not only give you the opportunity to put your responsibilities on “mute” and enter your child’s world of play, we encourage it! Dare we even suggest that you turn your phone off? 😘
Young children learn best while challenged and engaged in creative play, supported by the grown-ups who love them.
That’s one of the many reasons generations of families have considered the programs at Gymboree Play & Music to be an integral part of their child’s early learning adventure for over 45 years.
Connect with friends – new and old – and embrace the joy and wonder of playing, laughing, and learning with your little one at a Gymboree Play & Music location near you.
From the first game of peek-a-boo to dressing up as a superhero, play is the first and most enduring form of communication and self-expression for children. It is a universal “language” that is hard-wired in your child’s DNA.
We have all heard that children learn through play. But how, exactly, does play contribute to early-childhood development?
Whether playing independently building with blocks or interacting with other children at a playground or in a class, your child is learning. Their earliest “play” interactions are simple give-and-take activities with trusted adults, but they are teaching your child about the world around them. Those early games of peek-a-boo teach them about object permanence: something can still be there, even if you can’t see it. Rolling a ball back and forth and the ever popular “drop things from my highchair” activity both teach them about cause and effect!
As they get older, their play becomes more complex, and begins to include other children: starting with parallel play where they watch and, perhaps, mirror each other and, later, through cooperative play. Their imaginations begin to expand, and they start making up and acting out stories. Their grasp and use of language explodes. By exploring their world, and challenging themselves to try new things, they are gaining confidence and building their self-esteem. They gain independence by testing their limits, exploring their boundaries, and making choices. Even making mistakes or the wrong decision – as painful as it can be – is a learning experience.
As your child’s social circle expands, they learn patience, understanding and begin to develop empathy. They begin to recognize and respond appropriately to social cues. The more opportunities they are given to socialize with a variety of other children, and adults, the more open-minded they will become. And they will begin to develop a sense of community and long-lasting friendships. These first friendships may fall away over time, but will be replaced by new and, perhaps, closer friendships that can last a lifetime.
Giving your child a variety of play-based activities – at home, at classes, at the playground – is their most important early learning experience.
Our play-based learning programs are here to support your child’s development, from birth to kindergarten. Visit us at www.gymboreeclasses.com for information on our programs.
