The educational theory of “loose parts” can always be observed during the Starlight Program. “Loose parts” is defined as the implementation of materials, both natural and synthetic, that can be manipulated by children in numerous manners. This approach supports STEM and a youngster’s right to explore. During recent afternoons, our Starlight friends employed cereal boxes, sticky contact paper and upcycled paper to create a wondrous town. The children designed their own buildings and roadways. You can imagine the fun that was had! During another stimulating afternoon, our students used paper towel rolls and cardstock to construct their own three-dimensional castles. The Starlight Program is always ahead of the educational curve! For more information on this theory, check out Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children by Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky.

The Magic Garden campus is absolutely flooded! Around every corner there seems to be another huge puddle and, as you know, children are like divining rods when it comes to water. Our Twilight students thought it was about time for a puddle stomping party! Equipped with rain boots, the girls and boys had quite a thrill, splashing and frolicking about. Needless to say, the children were completely soaked, but they had a blast! This prompted more water-themed adventures. The pupils embarked on a visit to the campus brook and observed how the water line has dramatically risen. After, in the classroom, each kiddo had the opportunity to assemble a Styrofoam boat, following multi-step verbal and visual directions. Of course, the Twilight crew had to personalize their vessels with various colors of paint. Coming up: The Twilight Regatta sets sail!