Get to know Our Playful Garden 

"Where curiosity cultivates a lifelong love of learning."

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Our Philosophy:

We anchor Our Playful Garden in the truth that play is a child's most important work. For us, the best environment for early learning is one that sparks curiosity, encourages safe risk-taking, and is richly connected to nature.

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Why Nature-Based Education?

We know the immense value of being outside. Extensive research confirms that consistent time in nature leads to significant improvements in a child’s physical health, cognitive development, and social-emotional skills. At Our Playful Garden, we don't use nature as a backdrop-it's the core of our educational program and our most dynamic teaching tool.

 

The Difference a Highly Qualified Educator Can Make

As the founder and lead educator, Joanne Hentnick brings nearly three decades of experience across various roles in early childhood education. This extensive background informs every lesson and interaction at Our Playful Garden. We move beyond simple supervision, offering an approach we call Guided and Supported Free-Play. This means:

• Carefully Constructed Environments: The space is intentionally designed to present engaging challenges that supports educational outcomes.

• Expert Support: Our team provides subtle guidance, asking questions and offering materials that encourage children to deepen their investigation and solve problems independently.

• Child-Led Learning: We empower children to be the leaders of their own learning, ensuring that every discovery is personal, meaningful, and exciting.

We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, curious explorers, and respectful stewards of the natural world.