Early Learning
Play2Learn
Who: Children ages birth to 5 and their parents or caregivers.
What: Learning through PLAY.
Where: A number of elementary schools across the county, including Starling!
When: Wednesdays 9:30-11:00AM and 12:30-2:00PM. NEW class Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 AM, beginning 11/11/25.
Why: Early childhood experiences are so important to lifelong learning.
Little Learners Academy (LLA)
Come learn with US. Because Home is the First School and Parents are the First Teachers!
Who: Children ages birth to 5 and their parents or caregivers.
What: Learn to be your child's first and best teacher
Where: Starling Elementary
When: Last Friday of each month, 9:30-10:30AM
Why: Engage with your child through play and get your child ready for kindergarten
Play Based Learning:
Play is the tool young children use to learn. It’s active, hands-on experience – seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, smelling, and tasting, getting totally involved.
What Does Play-based learning look like?
- Building with blocks (spatial awareness and problem solving)
- Playing in dramatic play (social and language skills)
- Arts and crafts (fine motor skills and creativity)
- Cooking activities (measurement and following directions)
- Sensory activities (working with the five senses and exploring) - Outdoor play and games (rule following and gross motor skills)
What is needed for play based learning?
- Uninterrupted time to play
- An organized space to play
- Easily accessible/viewable
- Various materials and toys
How do you engage in play-based learning as the adult?
- Observe and join the child playing by following their lead
- Show them instead of asking them to do something
- Say what you see (ex: I see you are building a bridge)