Learning Through Play: Leisure Philosophy in My Horizons

Parents often ask: is it possible to combine learning with play so that a child not only learns but also enjoys it? At “My Horizons” we confidently answer: yes, it is! Moreover, this is exactly what modern preschool education should look like.

Play is a natural way for a child to learn about the world. Through it, the child thinks, fantasizes, learns to interact, make decisions and trains his or her brain. That is why we have built our educational process so that each game is not just entertainment, but a meaningful and developing experience.

Game as a learning tool: we explain it simply

Learning through play is a holistic methodology in which each activity has a learning goal adapted to the child’s age. To achieve this, we have integrated educational content into formats familiar to children: story games, thematic quests, Lego tasks, songs, etc. We implement learning in the following game forms:

• Math through Lego construction: children learn the concepts of quantity, symmetry and logic.
• Reading through Zaitsev cubes: rhythm, color, hearing and tactile sensations are used.
• Natural sciences through experiments: we learn about the world as “researchers” or “ecologists”.
• English at play: cards, songs, role-playing games with characters who speak English.

As a result, the child learns basic knowledge involuntarily — naturally, without pressure and stress.

Methods underlying interactive learning

To ensure that the game remains an effective tool, we have chosen modern methods with an evidence base that have already given thousands of children around the world a quality start in life. We have adapted these approaches to our environment, combining them with the state program “Child” and the Christian approach to education. The main methods that we integrate into our play activities:

• TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) — develops out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Zaitsev’s methodology teaches to read early, through movement, rhythm, and playing with cubes.
• Eidetics — develops memory and associative thinking.
• Neurocorrection — promotes the development of interhemispheric brain interaction.
• The Shichida Method — comprehensive development: from visualization to logical thinking.
• Lego construction — fosters logic, spatial thinking, planning.
• Kids Marketing — we develop financial literacy through shopping simulations and budgeting.

Each of these methods has its own role in the formation of a full-fledged, confident and inquisitive personality.

How to create a space that inspires play and learning

Successful learning through play is impossible without a properly organized environment. That is why we designed My Horizons as a space for a free child, where play and learning complement each other.

Rooms, activity areas, colors, lighting — everything is thought out to the smallest detail. We have created an environment that is not only safe and functional, but also constantly stimulates interaction and exploration. Thanks to this, children can easily switch between types of activities and do not lose interest throughout the day.

Why do they choose us?

There are many kindergartens in Khmelnytskyi. But at “My horizons” we prepare a child for life by educating him or her as a person, not as a “student”. Our advantages:

1. A complete program of learning through play, based on modern methods.
2. Psychologically safe environment with an individual approach.
3. Comprehensive attention to intellectual, emotional and spiritual development.
4. Daily immersion in an English-speaking environment (in games and classes).
5. Small groups (up to 18 children) for quality pedagogical interaction.

Our approach is a balance between discipline, creativity and spirituality. And it is through play that this harmony is most fully manifested.

We are always happy to give a tour to new families. You will see how our children play and learn, get to know the teachers and feel the special atmosphere of My Horizons kindergarten. We invite you to visit us! Our address: 101a or 57/4 Myr Avenue, Khmelnytskyi. Phone: +38 (096) 531 65 61.