A Day in the life of finned friends (3/4 Year Olds)

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Our classrooms offer a wide range of hands-on opportunities for our children to explore, engage, ask questions, create, problem solve and discover. Our typical day is spent mostly outdoors. We have found that anything we can do in a classroom with four walls, we can also do outside. Throughout their day  children will have the opportunity to play, explore, discover, create, meet as a whole group, work independently, work in small groups, appreciate the natural world, enjoy stories, make music and so much more. While we have the capability to bring all of the opportunities that the Moon and Sun Rooms have to offer outdoors we do utilize these spaces during hazardous weather, for specific activities and to care for our animals. We recognize that our energy changes depending on the space we are in and believe it is important for our preschool students to have opportunities in all of our classrooms.

In our Outdoor Classroom you will find a Musicscape, Tree House, Mud Kitchen, Digging Zone, Bird Blind, Water Table, Small World Area, Sand Zone and more. We also have swings, a slide and climbing equipment. Our Nature Trails lead to great exploration, wonderment and adventures. Our children also enjoy a riding area for bikes, scooters and riding toys. Both small and gross motor skills are fostered in these areas. Our Tree House can be the perfect spot for Circle Time or Snack.  Our Nature Nook allows for unstructured and imaginative play as well as observation of birds, insects  and forest creatures. Our Gathering Area has several picnic tables where we are able to bring many indoor classroom components outdoors. In the fresh air, sunshine and surrounded by the sounds of nature (occasionally a rescue vehicle or two) many organic, teachable moments unfold.

• It might look like I am playing, but I am growing my self confidence, strengthening my gross motor skills, developing spatial awareness and balance. I am Active!
• It might look like I am playing, but I am connecting with the natural world around me. I am observing, learning to be a steward of the Earth and developing empathy. I am a Nature Protector and Explorer! 

  In the Moon Room you will find the Science & Nature Area, Language Arts & Math Centers, Sensory Table, Light Table, Small Worlds Shelf, Puzzles and a Reading Nook.   

• It might look like I am playing, but I am developing oral language, concepts about quantity, number sense, shape, size, length, pattern and weight. I am a Mathematician!
•   It might look like I am playing, but I am problem solving, developing language skills, observing, predicting, experimenting, recording and reporting. I am a Scientist! 

Our Sun Room consists of an Open Art Area, Art Easel, Building Center, Music Center, Bird Watching Window, Reading Nook, Sensory Table, Loose Parts and Dramatic Play.

•  It might look like I’m playing, but I am developing my creativity, small motor skills, visual discrimination, problem solving and sharing. I can express myself freely in my own creations and masterpieces. I am an Artist! 
• It might look like I am playing, but I am using my imagination. I am developing emotional skills, independence, oral language, social skills and responsibility. I am learning to work cooperatively. I am a firefighter! I am a pirate! I am a mom! I am a veterinarian! The possibilities are endless!