Learning
Learning and growing, every day.
We're a learning-based home with a strong focus on social and emotional growth. Children learn their letters and numbers, and they also learn to name their feelings, take turns, and take care of themselves.
A strong learning base
Letters, sounds, numbers, shapes, and writing, practiced a little every day through flash cards, writing practice, stories, cooking, and games.
Social and emotional growth
Naming feelings, calming down, sharing, solving problems with words, and doing things for themselves, practiced through yoga, meditation, games, and family-style meals.
What we do
Ways children learn here
Flash cards
Quick, playful rounds with letters, sounds, numbers, shapes, colors, and sight words.
Builds: letter and number recognition, memory, focus
Ages 2 and upWriting practice
Tracing lines and shapes, writing their name, and journals for older kids.
Builds: hand strength, early writing, confidence
Ages 3 and upStory time and reading
Read-alouds every day, picture walks, bedtime stories, and library books for school-age readers.
Builds: vocabulary, listening, a love of books
All agesYoga and meditation
Kid-friendly poses, belly breathing, and a quiet minute before rest time.
Builds: calm, body awareness, self-control
Ages 2 and upFeelings and friendship
A daily feelings check-in, a calm-down corner, and using words to solve problems.
Builds: empathy, self-control, friendship skills
All agesFamily-style meals
Children pass bowls, serve themselves, pour their own water, and clear their plates.
Builds: independence, manners, trying new foods
Toddlers and upCooking together
Washing fruit, mixing, spreading, and cutting soft foods with kid-safe tools.
Builds: measuring and counting, following steps, healthy habits
Ages 3 and upColoring and art
Crayons, paint, collage, play-dough, and open-ended projects they're proud to bring home.
Builds: creativity, fine motor skills, self-expression
All agesGames
Matching games, board games, counting games, and simple card games.
Builds: taking turns, counting, patience, being a good sport
Ages 2 and upGardening
Planting seeds, watering, and watching vegetables and flowers grow.
Builds: science, responsibility, patience
Ages 2 and upMusic, singing, and dancing
Daily songs, simple instruments, and dance breaks.
Builds: rhythm, language, coordination, joy
All agesPuzzles and LEGO building
Jigsaw and shape puzzles, plus building towers, houses, and vehicles with LEGO bricks.
Builds: problem-solving, patience, early math and engineering
Ages 3 and upFamily movies and shows
Family-friendly movies and shows we watch and talk about together.
Builds: listening, conversation, and shared fun
Learning in action
Doing it myself
Self-help skills children practice
Little wins every day add up to big confidence.
- Wash hands the right way, with a song
- Put on shoes and jackets
- Serve their own food and pour their own water
- Clear their plate and help set the table
- Put toys back where they belong
- Use words for big feelings and ask for help
- Follow two- and three-step directions
- Write their own name before kindergarten
Summer adventures
Summer field trips
In summer, our school-age Orbit Club kids head out to learn about the world. Each trip ties back to what we're learning: ocean animals, where food comes from, science, and our community.
Beach and ocean
- Tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park
- Ocean Institute in Dana Point
- Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
- A beach day with sandcastles and shell hunting
Farms and animals
- Tanaka Farms in Irvine
- Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa
- Zoomars petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano
- OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
Markets and community
- A local farmers market, with a try-a-new-fruit challenge
- Irvine library story time and summer reading
- A neighborhood fire station visit
- Picnic and games at the Great Park
Science and museums
- Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine
- Discovery Cube in Santa Ana
- Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach
Special summer trips
Once each summer we plan a big day out, such as LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad or SeaWorld San Diego. These are full-day trips with extra adults, and we share the ticket cost with you ahead of time.
Every trip needs your written permission. Children ride in proper car seats or booster seats, and extra cleared adults come along.
By age
What learning looks like at each stage
Babies
Feeding and naps on their own schedule, then first foods and finger foods, plus talking, singing, board books, and tummy time.
Toddlers
New words, first flash cards, songs, sensory play, and learning to take turns.
Preschoolers
Letters, sounds, counting, name writing, cooking, and solving problems with friends.
School-age
Homework help, reading time, journals, board games, and leading the garden.
Our guide
Planned with California's learning foundations
We use the free California Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations as our guide, so the skills children practice here line up with what kindergarten teachers expect.
| Learning area | How we practice it |
|---|---|
| Social and emotional development | Feelings check-ins, yoga and meditation, family-style meals, games |
| Language and literacy | Story time, flash cards, writing practice, songs |
| Mathematics | Counting flash cards, board games, puzzles, LEGO building, and measuring while we cook |
| Science | Gardening, cooking, and noticing the weather and seasons |
| Visual and performing arts | Coloring, art projects, music, singing, and dancing |
| Physical development and health | Outdoor play, yoga, dancing, handwashing, and healthy meals |
Staying in touch
You'll see your child grow.
- Daily notes in our parent app on meals, naps, and activities
- Photos during the day, shared only with your written permission
- A monthly newsletter with our theme and upcoming events
- A progress chat twice a year, plus quick check-ins at pick-up