Spark Studio
ages 4-7
Develop a unique, curious, and independent spirit and grow a kind, courteous community while laying a foundation for core skills
The purpose of the Learning Design in Spark Play is to empower and equip young learners in a happy and safe environment.
The intentional Learning Design in Spark Play is simple yet powerful. It’s an outdoor, play-based approach to learning combined with the Montessori philosophy leading to independence and responsibility, collaboration and self-regulation. All in a carefully prepared physical environment designed for the learners.
In Spark Play, we focus on building skills in the following area: Practical Life (fostering independence), Grace & Courtesy (relational awareness), and Emotional Development. Spark Play also builds foundations of reading, writing, math, goal setting and independent learning skills that prepare young people to soar into the next studio.
Acton Academy Lakeside’s Spark Play
is made up of three pillars:
1. Play
Spark Play is a Loose Parts Play based learning design, also known as True Play based on the Anji play movement that is spreading through the world.
Play is an incredibly powerful medium for learning, especially at this early age as gross motor skills are developing. Spark Play encourages learners to use unprescribed large and small parts and materials for imaginative and creative play and fosters skills such as planning, collaborating, becoming resourceful, problem solving, communication, and more.
2. Montessori Materials
In addition, learners will use hands-on Montessori materials in our Spark Play studio. The Montessori Method encourages self-directed learning that promotes self-confidence, independent thought and action, and critical thinking, while fostering social / emotional and intellectual growth.
3. Nature
Every studio, especially Spark, will spend a significant amount of time outdoors and in nature. Large loose parts play will be outdoors whenever possible (even when its cold), so learners need to dress for the elements year around! We will take frequent trips to the metro parks, woods, creeks and Lake Erie – all are within 1-2 miles of our location. We will get muddy, dirty and wet! In addition, Acton Lakeside is partnering with an outdoor curriculum provider to incorporate in-depth, fun field studies 1-2 days a week to our learning design. We will be planting an organic garden, building raised beds, and in the future, have a greenhouse to explore year round!
