When Make-Believe Builds Real Skills

What may look like everyday playtime is, in fact, a beautiful example of how St. Mary’s intentionally nurtures the whole girl, one teddy bear at a time.

For anyone popping into St. Mary’s Pre-K classrooms in late January, watching our students prepare for the annual Teddy Bear Picnic tradition may have seemed like pure playtime. But in the Early Childhood Center, planning and hosting for this beloved event is so much more than a cute moment. In fact, our three and four-year-old Turkeys are building critical skills that support their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, often without even realizing they’re learning. 

“We are not only throwing a picnic with our teddy bears, but we are also celebrating the culmination of our Goldilocks and the Three Bears unit,” said Pre-K Teacher Paige Leatherman. “During the picnic, imaginative play takes center stage, encouraging language development and early literacy. As children narrate stories, assign roles, and discuss what their teddy bears are ‘thinking’ or ‘feeling,’ they’re expanding their vocabulary and strengthening expressive language.”

These playful exchanges support the language-rich environment, one of the hallmarks of St. Mary’s Early Childhood classrooms.

“You hear so much conversation during the picnic,” shared PK Teacher Edie Efron. “They’re storytelling, negotiating, and explaining their ideas to one another. St. Mary’s intentionally helps each girl discover and value her voice, and imaginative play is another example of just that. ” 

Imaginative play offers meaningful opportunities for social and emotional growth. Children practice empathy as they care for their bears, patience as they take turns, and cooperation as they share materials and space. “It’s amazing to watch how their kindness shows and their problem-solving skills emerge,” said Pre-K teacher Helen Fentress.

“They’re learning how to be thoughtful hosts and good friends,” agreed Pre-K teacher Walton Webster. “These moments help build the girls’ confidence, independence, and give them a strong sense of community, which are values that are continued throughout their St. Mary’s experience.”

And yes, there’s physical development happening too. Pouring pretend tea, setting plates, and moving picnic blankets all strengthen fine and gross motor skills, while open-ended play encourages creativity and joyful exploration. 

“The Teddy Bear Picnic is one of our favorite traditions because it captures everything we love about early childhood learning,” said Pre-K teacher Sofia Mitchell. “It’s joyful, meaningful, and centered on how children learn best.” 

Together, these joyful moments remind us that in the Early Childhood Center at St. Mary’s, even the most playful traditions are thoughtfully designed to help our girls grow, thrive, and build skills that will carry them far beyond the picnic blanket.