While all children learn through play, each has their own learning style – their own playing style. Learning is taking place whether or not we understand it; whether or not a child conforms to someone else’s notion of learning. We need to meet their present needs as they are revealed to us, for only as their needs as a young child are met can they take the steps necessary in reaching greater maturity.

Children sit before they walk, they scribble before they draw, play alongside others before functioning in a larger group. Children develop these abilities in their own style and when they are ready. The philosophy of BBCP is to be a place where a child can develop in many ways simultaneously, at his own rate, and in his own style, through the experiences of both directed activities and non-directed play.

A good school wants children to play. It wants to capitalize on play. A good school gives children the space, materials, and experiences so they can play. Raw materials: sand, water, blocks, paints, play dough and clay, blankets, boards, tires, and boxes (unshaped materials they can give form to) allow for their own creative expression. Children want accessories to add to this play: baby dolls, cooking equipment, cars, dinosaurs, costumes, and tools of all kinds to shape the direction and interests in their play. Children want exposure to new ideas: trips, stories, music, new events, photographs and visual images to frame their play. They want permission to have quiet time or be left alone; they want to work out their own ideas and sometimes they want us to watch without interrupting.

Play is learning. Play teaches children to talk and express their ideas. Language grows and stretches when children make-believe. They learn to plan, think ahead, and organize while they are pretending. Play teaches children to work with others. They wait and share; they give and take while the fun goes on. Play makes the body strong – muscles grow. Pushing, pulling, digging, hauling are all used in play as spur-of-the-moment games are created. Play makes children curious and develops questions about the world. How does this work? How can I do that? Play is the work of children.