Cottage Grove Early Learning

✨ For adults, they’re just lentils. For children, they’re endless possibilities.

Through sensory play, children become explorers, creators, problem-solvers, and scientists. Every scoop, pour, transfer, and handful helps build important skills, from fine motor development and hand-eye coordination to concentration, creativity, and early mathematical thinking.

Learning doesn’t always look like worksheets or structured activities. Sometimes, it looks like a child deeply engaged in a tub of lentils, making discoveries, testing ideas, and learning through play.

🌱 Every little moment of play is an opportunity for growth.

Children learn about inclusion long before they can define it.

They learn it through the people who care for them.
Through the stories they hear.
Through the languages they encounter.
Through the friendships they build.

Our diverse team helps create a learning environment where children develop empathy, curiosity and respect for others—skills they'll carry with them for life.

🌏 Different backgrounds. Shared purpose.

🌳✨ Exploring the Poinciana Garden ✨🌳

Tucked away within our centre is one of Cottage Grove’s most treasured spaces – the Poinciana Garden. Home to a magnificent protected Poinciana tree that is over 100 years old, this natural environment offers children endless opportunities to connect with nature, slow down, and engage in meaningful learning.

The children regularly visit the garden, where they observe seasonal changes, discover insects and wildlife, create, imagine, and simply enjoy being amongst the beauty of the natural world.

Late last week, the garden became an outdoor studio as children participated in a clay pottery experience led by one of our educators. Surrounded by nature, the children explored the texture and possibilities of clay, using their hands to mould, shape, and create unique pieces inspired by the environment around them.

These experiences foster creativity, fine motor development, concentration, and a deep appreciation for the natural spaces that are such a special part of our Cottage Grove community. 💚

🌿🍃