Kiddie Academy^® of Des Peres

The Preschool Classroom: A Tour Through a World Designed for Learning

September 18, 2023

Welcome to the magical world of preschool! 🌟 As you step into this room of endless possibilities, you might wonder, why every nook and cranny is how it is. Let’s walk through the classroom, exploring each carefully crafted space and understanding the science behind its design.

	Circle Time Carpet: The Gathering Spot First stop, the vibrant circle time carpet. It’s not just a carpet; it’s where the community comes together. This circular design promotes inclusivity and ensures every child feels equally important. Here, children share stories, sing songs, and discuss the day’s activities. Neurologically speaking, this group interaction stimulates the brain’s social regions, reinforcing the foundational neural pathways that are being created at a faster pace in early childhood than at any other time of a child’s life.
	Reading Center: Dive into Stories Shelves are brimming with colorful books and comfortable seating. This space is crucial for cultivating early literacy. When children pick up a book, they’re not just engaging with a story; they’re training their brains to recognize symbols (letters) and associate them with sounds. This experience strengthens the connections in the brain linked to reading and comprehension.
	Dramatic Play Center: Where Imagination Reigns Welcome to a place where a box can be a spaceship and a hat can transform a child into a chef! The dramatic play center encourages children to imagine, create, and role-play. Such imaginative activities boost the brain’s frontal lobe, the center of decision-making and creativity. It’s a space where stories come alive, and children enhance their cognitive flexibility through this play.
	Manipulatives: Hands-on Brain Boosters Now, feast your eyes on the manipulatives – building blocks, puzzles, and sorting toys. These aren’t just toys; they are tools that fine-tune motor skills and foster problem-solving. As children grasp, stack, and arrange, they are enhancing hand-eye coordination and activating areas of the brain responsible for spatial awareness and logical reasoning.
	Quiet Corner: A Sanctuary for Reflection Our serene quiet corner is a soft, cushioned space, where children can take a moment to relax, reflect, or even read a book. It’s essential for emotional regulation. In a world of constant stimulation, the brain needs downtime to process and consolidate learning. This corner provides that, ensuring a balanced neural environment.

Every part of each classroom is thoughtfully designed, intertwining fun and learning while ensuring optimal brain development.

As you leave, remember: this isn’t just a room; it’s a meticulously crafted space where young minds blossom. So, every time your child mentions a part of their day, you can visualize the magic happening right here and appreciate the science that backs it all up. 

Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon 

(NAEYC Accredited in 2016) Schedule a Tour in O’Fallon

4088 Winghaven Boulevard • 636.265.3444

Kiddie Academy of Chesterfield

(NAEYC Accredited in 2021) Schedule a Tour in Chesterfield

196 Hilltown Village Center • 636.778.4888

Kiddie Academy of Des Peres

(NAEYC Accredited in 2017) Schedule a Tour in Des Peres

13133 Manchester Road • 314.394.2800