Learning Beautiful

Learning Beautiful uses a research-based, Montessori-tested approach to develop a comprehensive curriculum for very young children to learn the broad foundations of computer science--without using computers. We create timeless, Montessori-inspired, all-natural toys that engage children as young as three years through tactile play. Computer science is a new literacy; we create the ABCs.

Computer science has become a fundamental literacy. There are currently over 500,000 unfilled computer science jobs in the US, and not enough qualified applicants. The computer is a powerful creative tool; computational thinking is a skill of logic and problem-solving that can be extended across all disciplines. And yet, with growing evidence of the detrimental effects of digital systems on a child’s development, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends we limit screen time for children, and none at all for children under five. At Learning Beautiful, we envision a future when children are prepared to be creative, inquisitive, and computation-savvy contributors to the digital era. We have created a simple yet effective, beautiful yet practical series of materials and curriculum to teach children the basics of computer science – without computers.

We serve children ages 3-6 and their parents and caregivers.

At Learning Beautiful, we envision a future when children are prepared to be creative, inquisitive, and computation-savvy contributors to the digital era. We have created a simple yet effective, beautiful yet practical series of materials and curriculum to teach children the basics of computer science – without computers. Our timeless toys recall the nostalgia of ABC Blocks and Lincoln Logs, but teach the fundamentals of Boolean logic, pixel encoding, and binary counting. Developed at the MIT Media Lab and tested in local schools, our Montessori-inspired materials are a tangible way for young children to engage with the foundations of computer science. Our team has created unique set modules and corresponding curricula for libraries, classrooms, and homes.

In a hyper-saturated and overstimulated market of digital and screen-based toys, our timeless approach to contemporary fluencies is unique. Inspired by the proven-effective results of the Montessori Method, we create tactile materials with a similar approach in order to engage diverse populations of young learners with the basics behind how computers actually work.  

By designing learning materials that do not require digital technology, electricity, or even batteries - we can place these materials in communities where access to such resources is limited. Created from all-natural materials with simple designs, our educational toys could be manufactured in the communities they serve.

At Learning Beautiful, we envision a future when children are prepared to be creative, inquisitive, and computation-savvy contributors to the digital era. We have created a simple yet effective, beautiful yet practical series of materials and curriculum to teach children the basics of computer science – without computers. We believe that all young children should have access to critical education for their futures, and this includes computer science. Through our research, we have found that the fundamental ideas behind how technology works can be effectively introduced to very young children, and without actually using technology.  

We create a familiar and easily-understood approach for educators to teach and integrate the foundations of computer science education into their curriculum.

At Learning Beautiful, we envision a future when children are prepared to be creative, inquisitive, and computation-savvy contributors to the digital era. We have created a simple yet effective, beautiful yet practical series of materials and curriculum to teach children the basics of computer science – without computers. Our timeless toys recall the nostalgia of ABC Blocks and Lincoln Logs, but teach the fundamentals of Boolean logic, pixel encoding, and binary counting. Developed at the MIT Media Lab and tested in local schools, our Montessori-inspired materials are a tangible way for young children to engage with the foundations of computer science. Our team has created unique set modules and corresponding curricula for libraries, classrooms, and homes.