Classroom corner with a book display, decorative banners, a chalkboard that says 'Welcome,' weather chart, and organized schedule on a wall.

Rigorous Academics, Gentle Instruction

At Mossy Puddle, we balance the warmth of a play-based, creative environment with the benefits of early academic foundations. While we keep formal instruction light and developmentally appropriate, research shows that gentle exposure to phonics and number sense can support long-term success.

That’s why we include brief, consistent literacy and math moments—less than five minutes total—during our daily circle time. Rooted in storytelling, movement, and the arts, this approach nurtures a love of learning while respecting each child’s pace and readiness.

Academics are taught at Mossy Puddle by experienced, passionate educators.

  • At Mossy Puddle, outdoor play is central to sensory learning. Children dig in the mud, splash at the water pump, balance on logs, and explore natural textures—all while building coordination, regulation, and confidence. Nature offers endless sensory experiences that help children grow through movement, curiosity, and hands-on discovery.

  • We use elements from Jolly Phonics and Logic of English—both grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach—to introduce each letter’s name and sound. Focusing on one letter per week, children learn the ABCs through songs, stories, and hands-on activities. Once the full alphabet has been introduced, we revisit the cycle to deepen understanding and strengthen phonemic awareness in a playful, developmentally appropriate way.

  • At Mossy Puddle, we teach number sense through playful, hands-on activities. Children count while playing hopscotch, add and take away pretend food, and explore numbers with ten frames. These simple games help kids understand how numbers work and build a strong, confident foundation for future math learning.

  • At Mossy Puddle, we support emotional regulation by helping children recognize, name, and express their feelings in a safe, supportive environment. We use gentle routines, cozy spaces, and sensory tools to create a calm atmosphere where big emotions are met with patience and care.

    To encourage conversation and build emotional literacy, we use eeBoo’s I Heard Your Feelings cards—inviting children to reflect on real-life situations and talk about how others might feel. These simple, thoughtful prompts help children develop empathy, communication skills, and confidence in expressing their own emotions.