--- title: "Play-Based Preschool Learning: Hands-On Activities at Openhouse" description: "Discover our unique play-based learning philosophy at Openhouse. From sensory activities to practical life skills, we help children learn by doing." canonical: https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/our-learning-philosophy-in-action last_updated: 2025-12-29 --- # Our Learning Philosophy in Action: Hands-On Preschool Activities Tribe Verified · Strict 1:6 student-teacher ratio in all centers By [Openhouse](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub) · Preschools at 10 locations in Bengaluru & 2 in Kolkata · ₹1.6L per annum (estimate) Part of [Preschool and Daycare](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/gallery) We believe children learn best by doing. See how we transform everyday play into opportunities for cognitive, motor, and social development. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Play is not a break from learning; it is learning. Here is a peek into how our educators plan a day full of activities around a theme like "Amazing Animals," combining movement, messy play, and art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c04d4d79-e434-4fc3-901f-ccbc4c86b120) - [Video: We often get asked how play translates into real learning. This activity, where children role-play as doctors, is a great example of how we build confidence, empathy, and communication skills through imagination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7a1daeec-9e34-4428-a1c6-0d34f57ac294) - [Video: Can making chapatis teach life skills? Absolutely. This is a perfect example of our hands-on learning philosophy, where we use real-world activities to build fine motor skills, sensory understanding, and independence.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a7050f69-d668-40c7-ac8d-e5e9d00af8c5) - [Video: Welcome to Artventure, a board game we created to make art an exciting adventure. This activity encourages quick thinking and creative problem-solving as children explore sketching, building, and mixed media.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5c19301b-6dd4-4ad6-9b87-d2ae29d26591) - [Video: This "Feed the Chicken" activity is a fun way to develop pre-writing skills. Using tongs to pick up items strengthens the pincer grip, which is essential for learning to hold a pencil later on.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b686c4bc-5c8d-4bf4-a075-1dbaa0530248) - [Video: The hands and feet challenge is a fantastic game for developing gross motor skills. It improves balance, coordination, and motor planning as children stretch and move to match the prints on the floor.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/065a808c-87ce-43df-a29e-bd93df25b04f) - [Video: In this firefighter-themed pretend play, children use spray bottles to put out "flames" made of colored foam. This imaginative activity builds fine motor control, teamwork, and an understanding of community helpers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d3ae032-a208-4f41-a319-70091846bbcc) - [Video: We set up a pretend stationery shop to integrate early math skills into play. As children "shop" for items, they practice counting and social interaction in a fun, real-world scenario.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/73dda622-e0eb-4035-b5e7-98149c0134e6) - [Video: As part of our "My Neighborhood" theme, we created a mini-city in our outdoor area. This activity helps children develop gross motor skills and social awareness as they navigate the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/00488caf-af23-4392-8578-2badf8d9b57d) - [Video: Using simple paper shapes, our children created a nighttime cityscape. This art project teaches shape recognition and spatial reasoning, showing how different forms can come together to create a beautiful pattern.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d785e7c0-62be-4f27-b2c3-e367ae046fd1) - [Video: After reading "The Color Monster," we used splash painting to explore emotions. This sensory art activity helps children connect colors to feelings while building fine motor skills with every splash.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f7974769-ab2c-46f4-a7c9-defa5eaed45f) - [Video: Washing dishes becomes a fun sensory activity that teaches practical life skills. Children develop focus and coordination while exploring the textures of soap and water, taking pride in their clean dishes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/776741e0-f0a2-47de-be28-83f11d048ac0) - [Video: We set up a pretend salon for a haircutting activity using balloons and crepe paper. This playful simulation helps develop fine motor skills with child-friendly scissors and sparks conversations about diversity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d5eb280b-6c1f-4164-a907-43518328000a) - [Video: Building on "The Color Monster" story, this activity helps children identify and express feelings. Matching colors to emotions develops emotional awareness and strengthens fine motor skills through drawing and sorting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/25aa9493-bf58-4afb-b6cd-fecac3d5b39d) - [Video: To kick off our "Food We Eat" theme, children designed their own chef's aprons. This creative craft develops fine motor skills and gives them a sense of ownership and pride.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f010c67b-2c7b-4de3-97ea-1971d4dd47c9) - [Video: Making dosas is a delicious way to learn about science and sequencing. Children see how liquid batter turns solid and learn new vocabulary, all while gaining confidence in the kitchen.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02895f9d-77d9-42f6-8d1e-79a0108fbadf) - [Video: "Noodle Pulling" is a creative pretend-play activity that builds fine motor skills. Rolling up yarn "noodles" helps children practice concentration and hand-eye coordination in a playful way.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fbfd0947-1bb5-4c74-87d7-3d09fba16931) - [Video: In our lemonade craft activity, children use real lemons to stamp paint, combining sensory exploration with art. This hands-on project stimulates creativity, cognitive skills, and an appreciation for different textures and smells.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2346e7c1-d2be-4e14-a1dd-820665974b27) - [Video: Our pretend fruit and vegetable market is a hub of learning. Children practice language skills by naming produce, math readiness by weighing items, and social skills through role-play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa4a6b92-8078-4458-8dd2-fdea407b27d6) - [Video: Tearing and crumpling paper to create fruit and vegetable art is a great workout for little hands. This activity strengthens motor skills, builds vocabulary, and teaches color recognition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/171801cf-4688-40a0-ac9f-ce2e707130b2) - [Video: Making bread pizza is a favorite activity that teaches practical life skills. It helps children follow step-by-step instructions, develop fine motor skills, and learn about food preparation in a fun, hands-on way.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa3d4d76-3d18-466b-864c-6dcbb988b3e4) - [Video: By planting their own fenugreek and mustard seeds, children learn where food comes from. This gardening activity fosters a connection to nature, teaches patience, and develops fine motor skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/92ae43bf-36bd-4d82-8d8e-022a071d17aa) - [Video: Our "farm to table" activity gives children a pretend experience of the food journey. From digging up vegetables to chopping them, they develop motor skills and recognize different foods.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c0daa801-afc0-4a39-89bc-59fc21b80c0f) - [Video: We learned about bees by building our own beehive together. This collaborative art project teaches children about teamwork and nature while developing their fine motor skills and imagination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f0f81e4-527b-48e3-a25c-457fe3e8630b) - [Video: This water-based fishing game is a delightful way to build hand-eye coordination. Using popsicle stick rods to catch pipe cleaner fish helps children improve their fine motor skills and focus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1abaed68-bc08-4230-88ca-3380755424d9) - [Video: We made our own rainbow Play-Doh from scratch. This sensory activity allows children to see cause and effect as colors mix and dough forms, strengthening fine motor skills through kneading and rolling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60c62cda-9475-4d18-8fea-ded045e62f00) - [Video: For our "Amazing Animals" theme, we introduced pigs with a "Muddy Piggies" art activity. Using real mud for finger painting provides a unique sensory experience and helps with counting skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a12087bc-783a-49b3-ba2d-57e62396c6e2) - [Video: In this aquatic-themed activity, our little pirates walked a wooden plank over a "shark-infested" ocean. This game enhances gross motor skills like balance and coordination through imaginative play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ebfad39e-0fe0-4c29-92e4-bbef9e23e65c) - [Video: We celebrated Independence Day with a tri-color volcano experiment. This simple science activity was a huge hit, teaching cause and effect while providing an exciting sensory experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/984d8e10-b13c-4831-9b1c-65a50aeb867a) - [Video: Using blocks to build habitats for different animals teaches concepts like size, shape, and volume. This activity helps children develop creative thinking, fine motor skills, and an understanding of the natural world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ce2c8eb8-8a3e-4f7b-9e1c-a38425795868) - [Video: We combined movement and math by having children jump through a number hopscotch. This energetic activity builds gross motor skills while reinforcing number recognition and sequencing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/143c3df1-5b1e-4a57-9267-627e7acdc7e6) - [Video: "Clean the Muddy Pigs" is a sensory activity that teaches empathy and responsibility. Children have fun getting messy and then experience the satisfaction of cleaning, all while exploring different textures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/093432ae-4ffa-4c5b-8ff4-be38092f8911) - [Video: We turned the tables and let one of our students interview a teacher. It's a fun look into the life of an educator and a reminder that we learn just as much from children as they do from us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e9fbd5aa-89b7-471d-8de2-9f0e37a3700e) - [Video: Our preschoolers had a blast making their own tie-dye creations. This messy, colorful activity is a fantastic way to learn about color mixing and express creativity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/76595565-787b-43e4-a055-9e14576b6f04) - [Video: Reading is a magical experience we cherish. Here, one of our educators shares tips on how to make story time more engaging and interactive for your child at home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e084094d-9a69-4205-ad2b-574e57a5d804) ## About Our Learning Philosophy in Action At Openhouse, we don't just tell children how things work; we set up 'provocations' like pretend clinics or chapati-making stations. By letting them handle the dough, wash dishes, or use child-safe tools, we are actively developing the pincer grip, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning they need for the future. It is messy, yes, but it is how real learning actually sticks. Traditional rote learning often leaves children bored, but our approach is different. We believe that when a child understands the 'why' behind an action—like why flour needs water to turn into dough—they learn more than just a recipe. They learn cause and effect, patience, and concentration. ### Pillars of Our Play-Based Learning * **Sensory Exploration:** Whether it is washing dishes or rescuing farm animals from a muddy puddle, sensory engagement calms the nervous system and sharpens focus. * **Practical Life Skills:** Our 'My Neighborhood' theme transforms our space into a functioning city. From the stationery shop to the pretend fire station, children practice social navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving in a setting that feels safe and familiar. * **STEM Through Play:** Our Makerspace and Atelier are training grounds for the brain. When children build structures or use tongs to feed 'chickens,' they are building the complex neural pathways necessary for later academic success. We operate centers across Bengaluru—including Indiranagar, HSR, and Whitefield—and in Kolkata. We invite you to step away from the traditional classroom mindset. Here, uniforms do not matter, but curiosity does. Whether your child is kneading dough in our kitchen or painting in our art studio, they are building the foundation for a lifetime of exploration. If you are looking for a community that values your child's growth as much as their happiness, we would love to meet you. ## About Openhouse We are Openhouse. We wanted a place where school feels like a second home, not just four walls. We focus on play, care, and culture because we know that is where the real learning happens for our little ones. [See all of Openhouse's services](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub) ## More from Preschool and Daycare by Openhouse - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/featured) - [Voices From Our Community](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/voices-from-our-community) - [Our Spaces: A Home Away From Home](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/our-spaces-a-home-away-from-home) - [Celebrating Together](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/celebrating-together) - [Adventures Beyond the Classroom](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/adventures-beyond-the-classroom) - [Special Playdates & Events](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/special-playdates-events) - [Our Programs & Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/our-programs-philosophy) - [Candid Moments of Joy](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/preschool-and-daycare/candid-moments-of-joy) ## More services by Openhouse - [Parent & Toddler Programs](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/parent-toddler-programs) - [Afterschool Enrichment Classes](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/afterschool-enrichment-classes) - [Themed Events & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/themed-events-workshops) - [Teacher Training Academy](https://mytribe.in/openhouse.hub/teacher-training-academy) ## Similar work from other experts - [Learning in Action: Play-Based Education Methods](https://mytribe.in/knowledgeorigin/educator-training-professional-development/the-why-learning-in-action) by Knowledge Origin · Educator Training & Professional Development · Training at Yelahanka center or on-site across Bengaluru - [Our Play-Based Preschool Approach](https://mytribe.in/cubbytales/preschool-kindergarten-programs/learning-through-play) by Cubby Tales · Preschool & Kindergarten Programs · Center in Koramangala, Bengaluru - [The Montessori Way: Learning in Action](https://mytribe.in/_chimes_montessori/montessori-preschool-program-ages-2-6/the-montessori-way-learning-in-action) by Chimes Montessori · Montessori Preschool Program (Ages 2-6) · School at Basavanagudi, Bengaluru - [Hands-on Montessori Activities for Preschoolers](https://mytribe.in/evolve_montessori/montessori-preschool-program/curious-hands-happy-minds) by Evolve Montessori · Montessori Preschool Program · Centers at Basavanagudi & Chamrajpet - [Learning Through Play Programs](https://mytribe.in/purpleasters_preschool/preschool-daycare/learning-through-play) by Purple Asters · Preschool & Daycare · Visit center at RMV Extension, Sanjayanagara - [Play-Based Classroom Learning in Action](https://mytribe.in/papagoyaeducation/play-based-learning-workshops-training/a-glimpse-into-our-classrooms) by Papagoya · Play-Based Learning Workshops & Training · Online & In-person at Frazer Town, Cambridge Layout & Kumara Park ## Book To book Openhouse, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Preschool%20and%20Daycare%20by%20Openhouse.) 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