The Learning Experience (TLE), Academy of Early Education
TLE recently opened in Middleton and is designed for children from six weeks to five years old. Each room is a different, happy, colorful space with materials that encourage play, learning, and the creation of community. Maureen Nkwenti, TLE Administrator, brings her international experience, curiosity about learning and development, and “passion for molding little minds.” This article focuses on a typical day for the Prepper age group, 2½ - 3 years.
8:30 - 8:50 AM – Circle Time
Finger plays, songs, and welcome activities foster communication skills and social-emotional development. Circle Time is repeated from 3:20-3:40, with goodbye songs. Some of the age-appropriate milestones Preppers should reach this year are consistently following simple, two-step directions, becoming familiar with routines, and understanding the flow of the day.
10:15 - 10:30 AM – Language Skills / Library / Storytelling
Children meet Phoebe Phonics, the friendly llama, to enjoy puppets, games, and books. Spanish and Mandarin words are incorporated into lessons. Children find it easy to relate to the animals, including Gibby Gibbon, who helps with sign language lessons, and Pablo Pigcasso, who helps with art.
10:30 - 11:00 AM – Playground Time
As children play, they will strengthen gross motor skills, coordination, and balance using toys and the playground equipment. Following outside play, they will eat lunch, take time for rest to reenergize their bodies, and also enjoy an afternoon snack.
3:00 - 3:20 PM – L.E.A.P. Interactive (Learning Experience Academic Program)
Techni-Cal, the giraffe, will help engage children with hands-on technology, interactive, theme-based lessons, real-time videos, and workbook connections. L.E.A.P. Interactive is the current practice in Early Childhood Education and meets nationwide standards. All curriculum and enrichment programs at TLE are offered with no additional charge.
5:30 - 5:45 PM – Music and Movement
Bubbles, the TLE mascot, and his friends lead the children in rhythmic movement, singing, listening, dancing, and social interaction to end the day with positive, creative, group-based movement. Bongo Bear is also a musical addition to this period.