Ready for School, Prepared for life: Part 1 - Discovery, Investigation & Exploration

At Magic Garden Early Education Centre, children learn through curiosity. They discover ideas, test possibilities, and explore the world through play, materials, and relationships.

This learning is purposeful and powerful. It builds the thinking skills children need for school and for life.

In Reggio-inspired practice, we see children as capable learners with a strong desire to understand. We protect time for deep play, meaningful exploration, and learning that grows from children’s real interests.

Why Discovery Matters

Discovery and investigation supports:

• curiosity and confidence

• problem solving and perseverance

• flexible thinking

• collaboration and communication

• creativity and innovation

These are the learning habits that help children thrive in school environments and beyond.

What This Looks Like by Age...

6 months – 2 years

Children explore through movement, senses, and repetition.

• exploring natural textures, objects, and materials

• filling, emptying, stacking, tipping, carrying

• climbing, crawling, pulling up, balancing

• experimenting with cause and effect

• returning to favourite materials and play experiences repeatedly

2 – 3 years

Children begin exploring with strong purpose and growing independence.

• testing what happens when materials change (wet/dry, heavy/light, fast/slow)

• building and rebuilding with blocks and loose parts

• exploring simple systems like ramps, roads, water play, sand play

• following personal interests with increasing focus

• exploring early science and technology ideas through real play challenges

3 – 5 years

Children engage in deeper projects, collaboration, and complex thinking.

• planning, building, and redesigning structures and creations

• investigating stability, balance, weight, and measurement

• revisiting ideas over days and extending learning over time

• using drawing, construction, art, and storytelling to represent thinking

• working with others to negotiate, problem solve, and create shared outcomes

The Reggio Influence

At Magic Garden, children are encouraged to explore through many “languages” such as:

• movement and physical play

• art and creative expression

• construction and design

• storytelling and role play

• investigation with real materials

This supports children to think, communicate, and learn in diverse and meaningful ways.

A Strong Foundation for Learning

Discovery-based learning helps children arrive at school with:

• confidence to try new things

• focus and persistence

• curiosity and love of learning

• strong thinking and problem-solving skills