Taryn Watson, a teacher with 20 years’ experience in early-childhood development, took the brave step to open her own school where she can practise what she learnt about children aged three to six over the past two decades.
“When the school I was working at closed and the flat at our home became available, I saw it as an opportunity to bring my education philosophy to life,” says Taryn.
She says she believes in taking early-childhood education back to the basics.
“I believe in learning through playing. Children should explore their environment and learn how to use their imagination. With all the screen time children are exposed to these days, they do not know what it means to be bored anymore. And it is often boredom that leads to creativity,” she says.
At Snuggle Bugs, it is Taryn’s dream to give every child a good pre-school experience where they will learn to use their imagination. Although there are times during the school day where structured learning takes place, there is also time for play, when children spend time playing outside, building with Lego, watering the garden, interacting with nature, or visiting a nearby park.
Taryn says it is her aim to prepare children properly for primary school.
“Many of the activities that we do are designed for this. Each activity is carefully chosen to gear your child to be school ready. Our activities are hands-on and I spend a lot of one-on-one time with every child. It is for this reason that the school is limited to only six children,” she says.
Snuggle Bugs Play School offers a relaxed space with an indoor and outdoor area for the children to learn and play. The school hours are 08:00 to 13:00 on weekdays and the medium of instruction is English.
Children bring their own food and snacks to school and a microwave and fridge are available.
Parents interested in this very special school with its nurturing, homely environment, may contact Taryn on 071 393 9830.
