Play-Based Learning Preschool in Lincoln, Selwyn
If you’re looking for play-based preschools near you, you’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of learning through play.
At Melodies Preschool, we’ve built something rather special. Unlike bigger childcare centres, we’re small and local and genuinely know every child who walks through our doors.
Curious to learn more? Let’s explore what play-based learning could mean for your child’s early years!
What is Play-Based Learning?
A play-based school encourages your little one to discover the world around them through hands-on activities that spark their curiosity. Young children’s minds naturally develop through exploring, experimenting, and having fun!
Picture a child stacking blocks—they’re not just playing; they’re learning about balance, counting, and problem-solving. When they splash paint on paper, they’re developing hand-eye coordination and discovering how colours mix together!
When your natural explorers become engaged with what they’re doing, everyday activities become rich learning opportunities.
Our Unique Play-Based Learning Programme
We’ve carefully crafted our programme to give your child the best of both worlds: freedom to explore their interests alongside gentle guidance from teachers.
Melodies Preschool has a wonderful balance of free play and structured activity time. This ensures that all children are always challenged and their interests are extended in a variety of ways through music, dance, art, movement (gym), and play.
On an average day at our play-based preschool in Selwyn, your little one might spend the morning building outdoors with friends, join our group music session, and enjoy quiet time with books. Visual arts and dramatic play flow naturally throughout our days, with specialised music and dance sessions that help children discover rhythm, movement, and self-expression. Our approach incorporates thoughtful elements of nature-based early childhood education that complement our structured learning environment.
Our experienced teachers are skilled at reading the room, extending activities when children are deeply engaged or gently transitioning when it’s time for something new.
Why Choose Melodies Preschool
When you’re looking for a play-based learning preschool near you, the little things make the biggest difference! Melodies Preschool is proudly small by choice; while many centres can accommodate up to 90 children, we’re licensed for just 34.
This means that your child isn’t just another face in the crowd; our teachers genuinely know each child’s personality, interests, and learning style. We also follow Te Whāriki, weaving music, dramatic play, creativity and visual arts into a wide spectrum of activities and ensuring your child receives quality experiences that prepare them beautifully for school.
As a local play-based preschool for Lincoln, Rolleston, and the wider Selwyn area, we’re not just another big corporate chain—we’re your neighbours and invested in seeing local families thrive!
What Families Have to Say
Melodies is a wonderful preschool with caring and knowledgeable staff, who whole heartedly care for the children and are passionate about what they do, The facilities are fantastic, warm and inviting with lots of great outdoor activities to keep the children engaged and developing - Both my children Lottie and Harry (4 and 2) attend Melodies, The teachers always do the best to nurture them and their personal interests with such a wide range of forever changing activities. My sons speech has developed in leaps and bounds since starting Melodies! the group times and music I feel has really helped with this! I highly recommend Melodies preschool and encourage anyone looking to pop in and check it out for yourself.
I have chosen to send all 3 of my children to Melodies. I looked at a lot of preschools, including private, and Melodies stood out to me for having lower child to teacher ratios than most, provided a structured day, (music time, eating at the table time), and over the 5 years we have been going there every single teacher has been so caring and kind and responsible. I feel my kids are always safe, having fun, and learning as well! Highly Recommend - from a picky Mum
Melodies is a wonderful preschool. We have been part of the Melodies family since 2018 with our daughter attending and now our son. It’s amazing teachers, small size and music program sets it apart. Our daughter started school well-adjusted and prepared thanks to Melodies nurturing and guidance. We highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal age for play school?
Many families find that around 2 to 3 years old is a sweet spot for starting preschool. Children are naturally curious about the world around them at this age and begin to enjoy playing with other children. They’re developing independence but still benefit from the nurturing, home-like environment that smaller preschools can offer.
By 3 to 4, children are ready for more social interaction and structured group activities, where you’ll see them flourish in dramatic play, collaborative building projects, and group music sessions.
What matters most isn’t hitting a specific age milestone but whether your child seems ready for new experiences and social connections. That’s why our small play-based preschool in Lincoln’s Selwyn district works so well—we can adapt to each child’s readiness and help them settle in at their own pace.
What are the benefits of play-based learning?
Children naturally develop social and emotional skills through playing together at our play-based school in Selwyn. They learn to share, take turns, and work through disagreements. Critical thinking and problem-solving grow through hands-on exploration, as they experiment and find creative solutions to challenges.
Confidence and independence flourish when children make choices about their learning, developing genuine curiosity and a willingness to try new things. Most importantly, school readiness happens organically when children gain concentration, instruction-following, and self-regulation skills.
Can I support play-based learning at home?
Absolutely, supporting play-based learning outside of our Lincoln play-based school is easier than you think! Follow your child’s interests to incorporate counting and storytelling into playtime and provide materials like blocks, craft supplies, and cardboard boxes rather than electronic toys with preset functions.
Ask open-ended questions during play like “What do you think will happen if….?” This encourages thinking without turning playtime into a strict lesson. Most importantly, allow for boredom and unstructured time as it often leads to the most creative playtime! Being present and allowing natural learning moments to unfold creates the perfect environment for continued growth.