Discovery Kids Playschool

01/11/2026

The Value of Loose Parts in the Early Childhood Classroom

At Discovery Kids, we believe children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences that honor their curiosity, creativity, and natural ways of exploring the world. One of the most powerful tools we use to support this philosophy is loose parts—open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, redesigned, and reimagined in countless ways. Natural objects, recycled materials, and everyday items become invitations for learning rather than objects with a single prescribed purpose.

Supporting Creative Expression

Loose parts play allows children to express ideas, emotions, and stories in ways that feel authentic to them. Without a predetermined outcome, children are free to imagine and create based on their own interests and experiences. A handful of sticks may become letters, pathways, or characters in a story. Fabric might transform into costumes, shelters, or landscapes for dramatic play.

In our program, we view creativity not as an extra, but as a core component of development. Loose parts honor the many “languages” children use to communicate thinking—through building, movement, storytelling, and art. Children learn to trust their ideas, take risks, and problem-solve as they bring their visions to life.

Enriching Sensory Experiences

Young children learn through their senses, and loose parts naturally provide rich sensory input. Children explore textures, weights, temperatures, sounds, and resistance as they handle wood, stone, sand, metal, fabric, and other varied materials. These experiences support brain development, coordination, and body awareness.

For many children, especially those developing self-regulation skills, sensory-rich play can be calming and organizing. At Discovery Kids, we intentionally offer materials that invite slow, focused engagement, allowing children to ground themselves, regulate emotions, and build confidence through hands-on exploration.

Encouraging Naturalistic Exploration

Loose parts often come directly from nature or reflect natural forms, making them a meaningful way for children to connect with the environment. Leaves, rocks, pinecones, water, and soil invite children to observe, compare, sort, and experiment. Through this process, children engage in early scientific thinking—asking questions, testing ideas, and learning through direct experience.

By working with natural materials, children also develop respect and appreciation for the world around them. They learn that learning does not require flashy or electronic toys, but can emerge from simple, beautiful materials that reflect the rhythms of nature and everyday life.

Building Social-Emotional Skills

Loose parts play naturally supports social-emotional growth. Because materials are shared and outcomes are open-ended, children practice collaboration, communication, and flexibility. They learn to negotiate roles, listen to peers, manage frustration, and work through challenges together.

At Discovery Kids, educators intentionally support this process by modeling respectful interactions, offering language for emotions, and guiding children through conflict resolution when needed. The goal is not perfection, but resilience—helping children develop confidence in themselves and trust in their relationships with others.

The Role of the Educator

In a loose parts–rich environment, educators act as observers, facilitators, and partners in learning. Rather than directing play, we thoughtfully prepare the environment, observe children’s interests, and gently extend their thinking with open-ended questions and responsive support. This approach reflects our belief that children are capable, competent learners who deserve trust and respect.

Loose parts are a foundational element of our play-based, child-centered approach at Discovery Kids. By supporting creative expression, sensory enrichment, naturalistic exploration, and social-emotional engagement, these materials nurture the whole child. Through loose parts play, our classrooms become spaces of wonder—where children feel safe to explore, confident to create, and deeply connected to themselves, others, and the world around them.

01/10/2026

Exciting progress on our classroom renovations! Our exterior door leading directly into our nature playground is in and the couches have been pulled out making room for our kitchenette. Looking forward to having direct access to running water in our play space!

01/06/2026

How much stress could we avoid if we just accepted that children will behave like children?

We’d say ‘of course they can’t sit still’ and we’d create classrooms to move around in. We’d get rid of rooms full of tiny chairs and desks except for a space for those who like a table to draw or write stories.

We’d say ‘of course they won’t be quiet’ and think of ways to learn that involve doing rather than listening. We’d create spaces where noise wasn’t a problem.

We’d say ‘of course it’s important to have a say’ and we’d involve them in making decisions as much as we could. We wouldn’t tell them that we know better or that their perspective doesn’t count, because we’d see how they are learning that their views can matter. Even when those views are different to our own.

We’d say ‘of course they need to feel that they belong’ and we’d prioritise relationships, making sure each child felt welcome in the mornings and that they are a part of the community.

We’d say ‘of course they are all different’ and stop measuring them all with the same yardstick. We’d create exciting opportunities for those who find academics hard, and tell them that there’s hope for all of their futures.

We'd say 'of course they'll need to play' and think of ways to fill their world with places to bounce, explore, create and pretend. We'll see that play is the work of childhood, and that can't be confined to the playground or to break time.

We’d be mindful that what we say to our children now creates their inner voice for the future.

When they grow up hearing ‘what you think isn’t important’ and ‘just sit still for a change’ and ‘why do you always make such a mess’ or even ‘what is wrong with you?’, then that shapes the adult they become.

Childhood is a unique and exciting time. We can never go back and be children again.

What would happen if we valued childhood and made space for our children to be children?

01/05/2026

Discovery Kids Playschool in Orem is now enrolling for 2026 offering a unique child-led, play-based preschool experience inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where play is honored as a child’s work. Children learn in a calm, nature-rich environment that emphasizes creative expression, sensory enrichment, naturalistic exploration and social-emotional engagement, with guidance from an experienced early childhood educator. Flexible scheduling available Monday–Thursday from 9:30 AM–Noon with affordable monthly tuition options to support families: 1 day/week $45, 2 days/week $85, 3 days/week $125, or 4 days/week $165

Text or Call to schedule a free enrollment consultation
801-636-5617

01/05/2026

🌿 Discovery Kids Playschool – Orem 🌿
Now Enrolling for 2026

At Discovery Kids Playschool, we believe play is a child’s work. Our Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool offers a calm, nature-rich environment where children learn through creative expression, sensory exploration, outdoor play, and social-emotional connection.

🕘 Schedule
Monday–Thursday
9:30 AM–12:00 PM

🍃 Why Families Love Discovery Kids
• Child-led, play-based learning
• Nature-inspired experiences
• Strong focus on social & emotional development
• Guided by a licensed child counselor

💚 Affordable Monthly Tuition
Quality preschool doesn’t have to be expensive. Our flexible options make it accessible for families:
• 1 Day/week: $45
• 2 Days/week: $85
• 3 Days/week: $125
• 4 Days/week: $165

📱 Text 801-636-5617 to schedule a free enrollment consultation

01/05/2026

Hygge (pronounced HOO-guh) is a Scandinavian concept—most closely associated with Denmark—that centers on a feeling of coziness, comfort, safety, and well-being created through simple, meaningful experiences. Rather than being a single practice, hygge is a way of living that values calm, connection, warmth, and presence over rush, excess, or performance.

What Is Hygge?

Hygge emphasizes:
A warm, inviting environment (soft lighting, natural materials, gentle colors)
Slow, unrushed rhythms of the day
A strong sense of belonging and togetherness
Finding joy in simple moments—shared meals, storytelling, quiet play, time outdoors
Emotional comfort alongside physical comfort
In Scandinavian cultures, hygge is intentionally woven into daily life, especially during early childhood, as a protective buffer against stress and overstimulation.

Why Hygge Is Significant in Early Childhood

Hygge aligns beautifully with what research tells us about how young children learn and develop:

1. Emotional Safety Supports Brain Development
Children learn best when they feel emotionally and physically safe. Hygge environments reduce stress and cortisol levels, allowing the brain to focus on exploration, problem-solving, and relationship-building. A calm, predictable atmosphere supports regulation and resilience—foundations for all future learning.

2. Connection Comes Before Academics
Hygge prioritizes relationships over outcomes. Warm interactions, shared routines, and unhurried time together strengthen attachment and trust. When children feel deeply connected to caregivers and peers, they are more confident taking risks, expressing themselves, and engaging socially.

3. Gentle Sensory Experiences
Instead of overstimulating environments, hygge embraces soft textures, natural light, quiet sounds, and cozy spaces. These gentle sensory inputs help children remain regulated and attentive, particularly benefiting young children who are still developing sensory integration skills.

4. Supports Social-Emotional Learning
Through shared moments—snack time, group storytelling, collaborative play—children practice empathy, turn-taking, emotional expression, and cooperation. Hygge creates space for children to feel seen and valued as part of a community.

5. Encourages Presence and Mindfulness
Hygge slows the pace of the day, allowing children to fully engage in play and experiences without pressure to rush or perform. This presence fosters deeper concentration, creativity, and intrinsic motivation.

Hygge at Discovery Kids Playschool

By integrating hygge, Discovery Kids Playschool is intentionally creating an environment where children experience comfort, calm, and connection as the foundation for learning. Cozy spaces, natural materials, predictable rhythms, and warm relationships support children’s emotional well-being while honoring play as meaningful work. In this way, hygge complements play-based, Reggio Emilia–inspired principles—nurturing the whole child and allowing learning to unfold naturally through joy, curiosity, and secure relationships.

12/31/2025

12/23/2025

Discovery Kids Playschool is getting a new look! Our classroom is undergoing a complete new remodel including new mess-friendly flooring, a cozy area for our literacy and small world spaces and an outside entrance directly into our nature playground. Construction is scheduled to be done in time for our summer camps in June. Stay tuned to see how we progress towards our exciting upcoming grand reopening!

12/23/2025

🌈 Discovery Kids Playschool
Enrolling for September 2026

A nurturing preschool program supporting creativity, exploration, and social–emotional growth.

✨ Program Highlights
Creative expression & sensory enrichment
Naturalistic, play-based exploration
Strong focus on social–emotional development

Experienced Leadership
Led by an early childhood educator and child counselor

Integrative, child-centered approach with on-site therapy services available

💛 Affordable Tuition
2 Days: $85 / month
4 Days: $165 / month

📍 North Orem
Newly remodeled classroom

📞 Text 801-636-5617
Schedule a free enrollment consultation

11/17/2025

Earlier doesn’t always mean better.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Her kid walked at one year, yours walked at eighteen months, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 it doesn’t matter.⁣⁣
Her kid potty-trained at two years old, yours didn't potty-train until four years old, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 it doesn’t matter.⁣⁣
Her kid recognized all his letters and numbers before pre-school, yours had no interest until almost four, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 it doesn’t matter.⁣⁣
Her kid was sleeping through the night by three months, yours wasn’t sleeping through the night until two years old, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 it doesn’t matter.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Because reaching developmental milestones early means 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 in the long run.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Because a college professor won’t wonder how old her students were when they could count to one hundred or spell their names.⁣⁣
And no one will know or care if the Harvard graduate or the CEO had a pacifier or didn't potty-train until five years old.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
What matters most is the whole child,⁣⁣
who 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 are,⁣⁣
and how kind 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 are⁣⁣
⁣⁣
So let the pressure go,⁣⁣
and let your kids be kids.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Don’t rush them through their childhoods,⁣⁣
and make them miss out⁣⁣
because they’re too busy meeting milestone after milestone.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Besides, earlier doesn’t always mean better.
𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳.

Living FULL by Danielle Sherman-Lazar

10/01/2025

If you want to know what it feels like to have letters (or any bit of knowledge) forced on you when you:

1)have no use for it.
2)have no interest in it.
3)have other things that are far more important to you

I recommend getting trapped in a Pokemon conversation with a Pokemon-loving child. 😂🤔 (unless, of course, you are a Pokemon fan)

As Ben was proudly showing me his tattoos of his favorite Pokemon guys, I decided to share with him my daughter's favorite.

BUT....I could not recall the name of her favorite!!!

This led to pulling up images on my phone of ALL the "guys" on a poster I found an image of.

As I looked at all these foreign-to-me images, the thought of learning all of them was nauseating.

It was one of those "AHA" moments where real-life helps me see things from a child's perspective.

I have ZERO interest, nor use for Pokemon...therefore: I DO NOT RETAIN THE INFORMATION.

Guess what: it is common practice to force letters upon children who have no use for nor interest in. While doing this, we are removing valuable opportunities for them to explore their world in a MEANINGFUL way and develop other skills that will lead to an intrinsic interest in letters. 🤔🤔🤔n

06/10/2025

Our new playroom in our Provo office is set up and ready for sessions! We have a few openings for new clients for individual services including child centered play therapy, AutPlay and Mendability sensory enrichment therapy. We also still have a couple openings in our social play group on Wednesday from 1-3 PM for children from 3-6 years of age.