Archives


Free Play, Mental Health and the Privilege of an “Overprotected Childhood”


At Treehouse Learning, we closely monitor research and insights related to play-based learning and other issues impacting the capacity for all children to thrive. In the context of our Whole Brain, Whole Person, Whole Planet perspective, we take a long-view 

read more

Mixed Age Play, Social-Emotional Development and Bullies versus Leaders


While early childhood educators, families, and neighborhood play groups have long seen the benefits of mixed-age play, researcher Peter Gray weaves together the experiential with the data and research through his newest writing collaboration, Play Makes Us Human. This week’s 

read more

Champions for Children: Advocacy for Preschool, Universal PreK, and Childhood, and Protecting Playful Learning


Universal PreK in Colorado In the Fall of 2023, a new state law goes into effect that provides funding for up 15 hours per week (now expanded from the original 10 hours/week) for all 4-year-olds in Colorado to be eligible 

read more

Quality Early Childhood Education In Action: Whole Person Integration Leads to Learning


Whole Person Development and Integration in Early Childhood Education: Why Brain Gym, and Why PACE? Over the next few weeks, we’ll settle into a comfortable pace to dive into a deeper understanding of PACE, the doorway into whole-brain integration and 

read more

The Culture of Costumes on Creative Learning Experiences


Here we are in the glorious week of parenting between Halloween and Daylight Savings. The time change is certainly a double whammy on top of a week full of extra stimulation, extra sugar, and extra activities- all of which probably 

read more

Community Partnerships and Family Engagement in Quality Early Childhood Educational Experiences


Treehouse Learning exists in a vibrant and dynamic community with a rich history. Nestled at the base of the foothills with a stunning panoramic view of the mountains, Treehouse Learning is located within the ancestral homelands of Arapaho, Cheyenne, and 

read more

Preschool vs. Kindergarten; and, You’re Never Going to Make Your Child’s Hair Grow Any Faster!


Imagine being outside, mid-day, on a stiflingly hot and sunny late July day in Colorado. Now imagine spending the same time outside in the same hot weather, but this time you’re wearing snow boots, a down-puffer jacket, mittens, and a 

read more

Play-Based Movement with a Purpose! Beyond Exercise: Joyful Learning for Whole-Person Development


Do humans need exercise to be healthy? Not exactly!  Children were designed by nature to move and wired to learn through playful movement. Far more than any exercise regime, children simply need invitations and opportunities to playfully move, with abundant 

read more

Spatial Awarenss, Objects in Space, and Gendered-Play


Playful learning and intentional, play-based learning experiences are the foundational cornerstones for whole-person development and supporting humans to thrive. Our role as adults in the lives of young children is to empower them to build the skills, knowledge, experience, and 

read more

Environment as Curriculum: How Our Spaces Invite Whole-Person Learning Experiences


Environment as Curriculum and invitation to engage with the world:  At Treehouse Learning, we value caring for ourselves, one another, and the world around us. This shows up in the ways we care for ourselves, other people and things, and 

read more