Explore & Discover

When we teach our children how to clean up after themselves, we aren’t just giving them things to do. They are learning-

*independence
*autonomy
*responsibility
*discipline
*life skills
*intrinsic motivation
*the sensation of pride
*hoe to care for their environment
*we see them as capable

What responsibility have you entrusted your child with lately?

Our toddler classroom has been investigating magnets lately. Today the teachers capitalized on their interest of magnets and created butterflies that FLY using tissue paper, fishing line and paper clips.

Magnetism is a scientific phenomenon that can move objects by the forces of attraction or repulsion. Magnet play stimulates active curiosity and visual memory while inviting experimentation.

2 times a year, we undergo a seasonal shift at E&D where we bid farewell to beloved toddlers and make space in our community for new families.

Last Monday we had a cohort of young infants start. Our hearts are full of love for them and we can’t wait to watch them flourish in our environment.

Come enjoy a cold one while supporting your favorite local nonprofit on Tuesday, July 16! We will have parent volunteers behind the bar ready to serve you.

Our toddler classroom has been intermittently exploring the relationship between paint and drums. It stemmed from an interest in painting various surfaces back in December 2023 combined with the teacher’s passion for music.

The teacher of our youngest infant cohort has been examining infants’ understanding of mirrors. To better understand, she is asking critical questions like:
•How does an infant develop a sense of self?
•What do you see around you that only the mirror can show you?
•How do reflections and mirrors work together? Separately?

Out with the old, in with the new!

After 1.5 years of vigorous fundraising, we finally accomplished our goal of purchasing a NEW playground for our outdoor space.

Our original play structure was constructed in 2017 when we moved into our location inside Wheat Ridge United Church of Christ. It was custom built by a handy, knowledgeable member of our cooperative. Since then it has been revamped, weathered and well loved.

We can’t wait to see how the imaginative infants and toddlers at E&D will choose to use this new structure for years to come. We are so grateful for the continued financial support from our community that have helped make our dream playground into a reality. To each and every one of you- thank you.

Looking for an excuse to get ice cream? Here’s your sign ⬇️

Explore & Discover will be teaming up with Happy Cones ice cream in Edgewater Public Market on Wednesday, June 19. Come get your sugar fix while supporting your favorite nonprofit organization 💕

Sending warm wishes to all of the superb dads inside and outside our community. Happy Father’s Day!

As the Spring weather gets sunny and nice,
We keep ourselves cool with water and ice 🎶

“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and GROW.” -Alfie Kohn

At Explore & Discover, we encourage children to take calculated risks. When we permit risk taking, from tasting Brussels sprouts to climbing a tree, children are learning:

•to think outside the box
•identity formation
•we trust their judgement
•perseverance
•how to address their fears and anxieties
•body awareness
•resilience

Children are competent, capable individuals with lots to contribute and deserve to be treated as such.