Preschool in Calgary: Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning

Preschool in Calgary

Finding the right preschool in Calgary is a critical step in shaping your child’s educational journey. With a diverse array of programs, experienced educators, and nurturing environments, parents can ensure their little ones embark on a path of holistic growth. From preschools in NW Calgary to programs tailored for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, Calgary offers choices to meet every family’s needs. Let’s dive into why Calgary stands out in preschool education and what makes the programs here exceptional.

Why Preschool Learning in Calgary Is Essential

Preschool is more than just playtime; it is a structured opportunity for children to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills. In Calgary, preschools focus on fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. These early years lay the groundwork for future academic success and personal development.

Children participating in preschool learning in Calgary benefit from:

  • Socialization: Building friendships and understanding teamwork.
  • Cognitive Growth: Learning foundational skills in math, language, and problem-solving.
  • Emotional Development: Developing resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
  • Physical Development: Enhancing motor skills through engaging activities.

Programs Offered in Preschools Across Calgary

Calgary’s preschools cater to different age groups and developmental stages. Whether you are exploring options for 3-year-old preschool programs or looking for a more advanced curriculum for 4-year-olds, there’s something for everyone.

3-Year-Old’s Preschool Program

This program is designed to nurture young minds and introduce them to structured learning in a playful environment. Key features include:

  • Hands-on activities to spark curiosity.
  • Introduction to letters, numbers, and shapes.
  • Group activities to enhance social skills.

Learn more

4-Year-Old’s Jr. Kindergarten Program

For older children, the Jr. Kindergarten program offers a robust curriculum that prepares them for primary school. Highlights include:

  • Advanced literacy and numeracy exercises.
  • Creative projects fostering problem-solving skills.
  • Activities to build confidence and independence.

Learn more

3/4-Year-Old’s Split-Full Week Enrollment

Flexibility is a hallmark of Calgary preschools. Parents can choose between split-week or full-week enrollments, balancing their schedules while ensuring consistent learning for their child. Learn more

Half-Day and Full-Day Programs

Preschools in Calgary understand the varying needs of families. Half-day programs are perfect for younger children easing into a structured environment, while full-day options offer extended learning and care. Learn more

What Sets Preschools in NW Calgary Apart

The preschools in NW Calgary combine accessibility, innovative teaching methods, and a nurturing atmosphere. Here are some factors that distinguish them:

  • Location: Conveniently situated near residential areas, making drop-offs and pick-ups hassle-free.
  • Experienced Educators: Certified teachers who prioritize the unique needs of every child.
  • Holistic Approach: A blend of academics, arts, and physical activities to ensure well-rounded development.

How to Choose the Best Preschool in Calgary

When selecting the best preschool in Calgary, consider these key factors:

  • Curriculum: Ensure it balances academics and play.
  • Teacher-Student Ratio: Smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention.
  • Facilities: Look for safe, clean, and stimulating environments.
  • Parent Reviews: Testimonials from other parents can offer valuable insights.

Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in a Quality Preschool

Investing in a high-quality preschool ensures your child gains:

  • A strong academic foundation.
  • Enhanced social skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Improved adaptability and confidence in new environments.

The structured environment of Calgary’s preschools fosters independence while encouraging collaboration, setting the stage for a successful transition to formal schooling.

Why Choose Learn and Play Preschool Academy

At Learn and Play Preschool Academy, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children thrive. Our tailored programs for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds offer the perfect mix of play, learning, and exploration. With flexible enrollment options and a team of dedicated educators, we ensure that every child receives the attention and guidance they deserve.

If you’re seeking a preschool that prioritizes your child’s growth and development, Learn and Play Preschool Academy is your trusted partner in education.

20 Sensory Activities for Toddlers to Encourage Creativity at Preschool

Preschool in NW Calgary

If you’re a parent of a toddler, you know that their boundless energy and curiosity can sometimes leave you stumped for activities to keep them entertained. But fear not! Sensory activities are a great way to engage your little ones while also encouraging their creativity. In this article, we’ll share 20 sensory activities that are perfect for toddlers to explore their senses and unleash their imaginations. And if you’re in NW Calgary, we’ve also got some great ideas for preschools in the area.

Preschool in NW Calgary
Encourage toddlers creativity.

Why Sensory Activities Are Great for Toddlers

Sensory activities are activities that engage a child’s senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell – to encourage exploration, learning, and creativity. Toddlers are at a stage where they are constantly learning and developing, and sensory activities can provide them with opportunities to:

  • Explore their world and learn about different textures, colors, and shapes
  • Develop their fine motor skills by using their hands and fingers to manipulate objects.
  • Practice their problem-solving skills by figuring out how things work
  • Express themselves creatively and use their imagination.

Now that we know why sensory activities are great for toddlers, let’s dive into some fun and creative ideas!

Playdough Fun

Playing with playdough is a classic sensory activity that toddlers never seem to tire of. Not only does it engage their sense of touch, but it also encourages their creativity and imagination. You can make your playdough at home with just a few ingredients, or buy it pre-made. To make it even more fun, try adding different scents and colors.

If you’re looking for a Preschool in NW Calgary, check out the playdough fun at Learn and Play Preschool Academy.

Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are a fun and easy DIY activity that can keep toddlers entertained for hours. Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, glitter, beads, or other small objects, and watch as your little one explores the contents. You can also add food coloring or oil to create different effects.

Painting with Water

Painting with water is a mess-free sensory activity that’s perfect for outdoor play. Give your toddler a bucket of water and some paintbrushes, and let them “paint” on the sidewalk or driveway. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot day, and the water will evaporate quickly, leaving no mess behind.

Sensory Bin Fun

Sensory bins are a great way to engage your toddler’s senses and encourage their creativity. Fill a large plastic bin with materials like rice, sand, or dried beans, and add small toys or objects for your child to discover. You can even theme your sensory bins to match holidays or seasons.

Ice Cube Fun

Ice cubes are a great sensory material for toddlers to explore. Freeze small toys or objects in ice cubes, and let your child play with them as they melt. You can also add food coloring to the water before freezing to create colorful ice cubes.

Nature Walks

Taking a nature walk is a great way to engage your toddler’s senses and encourage their creativity. Point out different flowers, trees, and animals, and encourage them to explore their surroundings. You can even bring a bag to collect interesting rocks, leaves, and other treasures.

If you’re in NW Calgary, check out the nature walks at Learn and Play Preschool Academy.

Water Beads

Water beads are a fun and unique sensory material that toddlers love to play with. Simply soak the beads in water overnight, and they will expand into small, squishy balls. Your child can play with them in a sensory bin or even use them in water play.

Foam Dough

Foam dough is a fun alternative to playdough that’s easy to make at home. All you need is shaving cream and cornstarch. Mix them until you have a moldable dough that’s soft and squishy. You can add food coloring to create different colors.

Sensory Bags

Sensory bags are a mess-free way for toddlers to explore different textures and materials. Fill a Ziploc bag with hair gel, glitter, or other materials, and seal it up tight. Your child can squish and squeeze the bag to feel the different textures.

Shaving Cream Fun

Shaving cream is a versatile sensory material that toddlers love to play with. Spray it on a tray or table and let your child explore the texture with their fingers. You can also add food coloring to create different colors.

If you’re looking for a Preschool in NW Calgary, check out the shaving cream fun at Learn and Play Preschool Academy.

Sensory Boards

Sensory boards are a great way for toddlers to explore different textures and materials in a safe and contained way. You can make your sensory board by attaching different materials like sandpaper, carpet, or fabric to a board. Your child can touch and feel the different textures.

Bubble Wrap Fun

Bubble wrap is a fun and tactile material that toddlers love to play with. You can use it to create a sensory walkway, or just let your child pop the bubbles for some satisfying sensory input.

Rice Play

Playing with rice is a fun and sensory way for toddlers to explore different textures and materials. Fill a sensory bin with rice and add small toys or objects for your child to discover. You can also dye the rice different colors using food coloring.

Edible Sensory Play

Edible sensory play is a great way to engage your toddler’s sense of taste while also encouraging creativity. You can make edible playdough using ingredients like flour, salt, and food coloring. You can also let your child play with food like spaghetti, Jell-O, or pudding.

Sensory Walks

Sensory walks are a great way for toddlers to explore their surroundings and engage their senses. Take your child on a walk around the neighborhood and encourage them to touch different textures like tree bark or leaves. You can even blindfold them and have them rely on their other senses to navigate.

If you’re in NW Calgary, check out the sensory walks at Learn and Play Preschool Academy.

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand is a fun and tactile material that’s easy to mold and shape. Your child can use it to create sandcastles, or just squish and mold it with their hands. It’s a great sensory activity for both indoor and outdoor play.

Oobleck Fun

Oobleck is a fun and unique sensory material that’s easy to make at home. All you need is cornstarch and water. Mix them to create a slimy and gooey substance that’s fun to touch and explore.

Magnetic Fun

Magnetic play is a great way to engage your child’s sense of touch and encourage creativity. You can buy magnetic building sets or even make your own with magnetic tape and small objects like paper clips or buttons. Your child can use the magnets to create different shapes and structures.

DIY Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are a fun and easy way to engage your toddler’s sense of sight and touch. You can make your sensory bottles by filling a clear plastic bottle with water and adding materials like glitter, beads, or small toys. Your child can shake and explore the bottle to see the different materials moving around.

Play With Playdough

Playdough is a classic sensory material that toddlers love to play with. You can buy store-bought playdough or make your own at home using flour, salt, and water. Add food coloring to create different colors, and let your child mold and shape the play dough into different shapes and structures.

Conclusion

Sensory activities are a great way to encourage creativity and engage your toddler’s senses. Whether you’re looking for messy play or mess-free activities, there are plenty of options to choose from. Try some of these sensory activities with your toddler today and watch as they explore, learn, and create.

If you’re looking for a Preschool in NW Calgary that offers sensory activities, be sure to check out Learn and Play Preschool Academy. This preschool in Calgary provides a nurturing environment for children to learn, play and grow, with a focus on sensory activities that engage and stimulate their senses. With a variety of fun and engaging activities on offer, this preschool is the perfect place for your child to develop and thrive.