Learning Journeys

I recently heard a podcast that stuck with me: “Schedules are created to keep adults organized, routines were created to humanize us.” That really resonated because it reminded me that while routines help adults, our focus is always on the children.

For a while, I stepped away from formal lesson planning because it felt restrictive. I wanted to respond to children in the moment and center their needs first. Over time, though, I realized that caring for children with all kinds of temperaments and neurotypes makes it impossible to meet everyone’s needs by keeping our approach the same for everyone.

Lesson planning is how I make space for reflection, thoughtful invitations, and meaningful experiences—so play stays joyful, Educators remain reflective, and learning stays visible.

Our littlest learners are discovering themselves and their world through everyday experiences.

Learning Goals: Building trust, exploring safely, and noticing self in relationship to familiar adults and spaces.
September Focus – Identity:
We’re exploring who I am and where I belong through sensory experiences, mirror play, noticing our own movements, and responding to caregivers’ voices. Toddlers will start recognizing familiar people and objects, learning to express comfort or curiosity.
What’s Happening: Gentle routines, responsive play, time in nature, rest, and creating care rituals.

Rangers are practicing independence and beginning to show preference and personality.

Learning Goals: Expanding language, social engagement, and self-awareness.
September Focus – Identity:
We’re exploring who I am and how I belong through songs, stories, and hands-on art activities that help children express likes, dislikes, and feelings. Rangers are learning to name themselves, their families, and favorite activities, noticing what makes them unique.
What’s Happening: Movement Parade, GRC and park play at Stevenson, Show & Tell, and Shake, Rattle, & Roll at Dole Library.

Explorers

JR. EXPLORERS: 3-4 YEARS

Learning Goals: Developing confidence, communication, and early self-expression.
September Focus – Identity:
We’re exploring how I fit in and how I want to be seen through storytelling, puppetry, dramatic play, and art. For our younger 3-year-olds, this is a time to settle into new routines, build trust with peers and adults, and begin expressing preferences. Older 3’s and those approaching 4 are gradually practicing more independence, learning to make small choices, and noticing how they contribute to the group.
What’s Happening: Creative projects, Library Day, GRC day and Play at Stevenson park, and Show & Tell on Fun Friday.

sr. Explorers: 4-5.5 years

Learning Goals: Strengthening autonomy, reasoning, and self-advocacy.
September Focus – Identity: How our 4's fit in and how they want to be seen is essential during this stage.
We’ve all heard about the “terrible” twos, the “threenagers,” and the kindergarten-ready 5’s—but four-year-olds often get overlooked. They are curious, capable, and testing boundaries, while still needing security and scaffolding for independence. At the Play Lab, we provide a space where 4-year-olds can belong, practice autonomy safely, and explore leadership within a supportive community.
What’s Happening: Explorers’ activities are the same for Jr and Sr, but our attention to each child is intentional and tailored to the developmental needs of Sr preschoolers.

Why we plan

scouts

Our littlest learners are discovering themselves and their world through everyday experiences.

Scout's Lesson Plans

RANGERs

Rangers are practicing independence and beginning to show preference and personality.

Ranger Lesson Plans

Explorers

JR. EXPLORERS: 3-4 YEARS

sr. Explorers: 4-5.5 years

Explorers' Lesson Plans

Why we plan

scouts

Our littlest learners are discovering themselves and their world through everyday experiences.

Scout's Lesson Plans

RANGERs

Rangers are practicing independence and beginning to show preference and personality.

Ranger Lesson Plans

Explorers

JR. EXPLORERS: 3-4 YEARS

sr. Explorers: 4-5.5 years

Explorers' Lesson Plans

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