Kindergarten & Grade 1

We believe learning through playful inquiry is the foundation for intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. Play-based learning allows children to engage their minds, organize their thoughts, and store information using all of their senses.

Teachers capitalize on the curiosity and enthusiasm of our young learners. Our program encourages students to learn best by doing. Students are provided with the skills, tools, materials, and attention they need to experience, explore, and experiment with their surroundings. Teachers assist them in planning, organizing, and discussing observations of the world around them.

Kindergarten and 1st Graders at Maumee Valley learn how to think deeply, ask questions, and listen to ideas. Maumee Valley's 75-acre campus allows teachers to take learning outside. Students can be found strengthening fine and gross motor muscles and social-emotional skills through climbing, building, digging, working together, and problem-solving in the forest. The outside is also often brought into the classroom to incorporate nature in play-based learning activities. Students sort rock, count acorns, order sticks from shortest to longest, and make letters and write words using materials found in nature.

At Maumee Valley, we are not afraid to get dirty while learning!