Children need to build hand, arm, shoulder, and core strength before they can effectively sit at a desk and use a pencil. They need to build visual-motor skills so they can read and write. They need to be engaged and spark interest to build focus and attention skills. Play is not frivolous- it is the most essential building block for a healthy academic future. Multiple studies have shown that children with more play opportunities in early childhood do better in math and reading, even in high school, and have higher life-time earnings. Luckily for Charlottesville area families, Blossom understands the importance of play and carefully curates Reggio-style play invitations and a third-classroom setting with development in mind. You can feel good about the time spent at Blossom.