Our Approach to Learning

At Croydon Village School, we embrace intrinsic learning as the foundation of our early learning program. Rooted in the New Hampshire Early Learning Guidelines, this approach honors each child’s natural curiosity and unique pace of development. We believe children learning is promoted through through play-based experiences, enhanced by nurturing environments and guided by caring adults who foster wonder, joy, and positive interactions. By allowing children to explore the world around them—through curiosity, inquiry, risk-taking, and problem-solving—we create motivating spaces that support lifelong healthy growth.

Our program focuses on seven key developmental domains to ensure a holistic education. Below, we outline how we enable learning in each area, with a primary focus on communication and literacy as the gateway to all other skills.

#1 – Communication and Literacy Development: Building Confident Communicators

Communication is at the heart of early learning. We encourage children to develop language skills naturally, using it to connect with others and express ideas. Through storytelling, conversations, songs, and interactive reading, children build vocabulary, listen actively, and begin early writing.

#2 – Cognitive Development: Understanding the World

Children naturally seek to make sense of how the world works. We support this by providing opportunities for exploration, such as sorting objects, experimenting with cause and effect, and simple math through play. Guided by their interests, children develop problem-solving strategies and critical thinking, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.

#3 – Social/Emotional Development: Fostering Self and Relationships

We nurture children’s sense of self and connections with others in an atmosphere of trust. Through group play and positive interactions, children learn to express emotions, share, empathize, and resolve conflicts. Caring adults model respect for individual differences, helping children build confidence and resilience.

#4 – Creative Expression: Inspiring Imagination

Creativity flourishes when children are free to express themselves and appreciate beauty. We offer art, music, and dramatic play materials that spark innovation. Whether painting, building sculptures, or role-playing, children explore aesthetics in ways that reflect their unique perspectives.

#5 – Physical Development: Active Exploration

Young bodies are made for movement. In our natural outdoor and indoor spaces, children climb, balance, build with hands, and refine fine motor skills like grasping tools. These activities enhance coordination, visual perception, and overall health, encouraging safe risk-taking to boost independence.

#6 – Health and Safety: Cultivating Good Habits

We teach children to adopt healthy behaviors from the start. Daily routines emphasize nutrition, hygiene, and safe play, helping them navigate their world responsibly. This domain integrates with all others, ensuring children feel secure while exploring.

#7 – Approaches to Learning: Natural Inquiry and Problem-Solving

Tying it all together, we guide children in developing ways to tackle challenges. Through open-ended play in natural settings, they inquire about their surroundings, experiment, and persevere. This builds initiative, focus, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Our learning approach aligns with New Hampshire’s standards for early childhood education and prepares children for a smooth transition to elementary school. We partner closely with families to tailor experiences to each child’s abilities, culture, and needs.