Exploring literacy and STEM through play
Bright Horizons
At six Bright Horizons child care centers, interactive learning stations invite children to explore through play while developing foundational skills. Some centers are equipped with literacy- and language-focused installations, while others emphasize STEM concepts, such as pattern and shape recognition through movement. In one location, an expansive mural with local landmarks and community characters is paired with a story wheel that encourages children to spin prompts to build narratives. These stations turn waiting, transition, and playtime into opportunities for communication, critical thinking, and confidence. Designed with input from teachers, parents, and the community, the installations embed the science of how children learn directly into the built environment, enabling learning to extend beyond the classroom.
The Learning Goals
These Playful Learning Stations invite children to build essential skills in both literacy and STEM through interactive play. Literacy elements encourage communication as children engage in storytelling, letter recognition, and vocabulary-building activities with caregivers and peers. STEM-focused stations spark critical thinking as children explore patterns, shapes, and problem-solving through movement and hands-on exploration. Together, these playful experiences provide meaningful content knowledge while also fostering confidence as children see themselves succeed in joyful, everyday learning.
The Team
The Playful Learning Stations at Bright Horizons centers were created through a collaboration with Playful Learning Landscapes and Bright Horizons educators. Drawing on input from teachers, families, and community members, the team designed installations that integrate playful learning into child care environments. Jon Lubow served as fabricator, and Tal Bavli contributed as the artist, helping bring the literacy- and STEM-focused stations to life. Together, the team transformed everyday routines into opportunities for children to explore, imagine, and grow.
Supporters
The Bright Horizons Playful Learning Stations were made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation, which funded the installation and design of the interactive stations in Philadelphia child care centers.
