Little Discoverers
4 – 4.11 years old by August of the target school year
Embarking on Discovery
The Little Discoverers class has a dynamic and enriching environment tailored to the developmental needs and interests of the children. The classroom is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and social interaction. The children engage in meaningful exploration and play that encourages active participation and learning. Being in the Little Discoverers class helps children develop the foundational skills and behaviors necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond. They learn to follow routines, take turns, listen to instructions, and engage in both structured and unstructured learning activities, which prepares them for the academic demands of school.
The daily schedule is structured yet flexible, allowing for a balance of teacher-led activities, child-initiated play, and small and large group interactions. A variety of hands-on experiences are integrated into the curriculum to support holistic development across various domains. Our schedule includes Free Play and Exploration, Circle Time, Music and Movement, Storytelling, Literacy and Math (through small and/or large group activities), Art, Science Experiments, Learning Games, and Outdoor Play.
Benefits:
Social and Emotional Development: Group games, cooperative play, and role-playing activities help children develop social skills such as sharing, taking turns, empathy, and conflict resolution. Daily routines and classroom rituals provide a sense of security and belonging, nurturing emotional well-being and self-confidence. The class encourages independence and self-confidence as children learn to make choices, express themselves, and take on new challenges in a supportive and nurturing environment. They gain a sense of autonomy and competence as they master new skills and accomplish tasks independently.
Literacy and Language Development: Children participate in storytime, rhyming games, and language-rich activities to develop vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and early literacy skills. They may also engage in writing activities to express their ideas and experiences.
Math and Science Exploration: Through play, children explore mathematical concepts such as counting, sorting, patterning, and basic addition and subtraction. Science experiments and sensory exploration activities promote curiosity, observation skills, and an understanding of the natural world.
Creative Arts: Children have opportunities to express themselves creatively through music and movement, painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage-making. Art activities can be done individually or in group settings, providing opportunities for social interaction, cooperation, and collaboration. Through art, children can explore and process complex feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Engaging in art activities can also promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness, helping children develop emotional resilience and coping skills.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Fine motor skills are further developed through activities such as drawing, painting, writing, cutting, pasting, weaving, and manipulating small objects. Gross motor skills are enhanced through outdoor play, games, and physical activities that promote coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Home-School Connection: Google Classroom helps parents stay connected with their child's educational journey. Through the platform, parents can stay updated on their child’s activities and learnings, important school announcements, and upcoming events, fostering a sense of involvement and engagement in their child's learning and development.
Early Intervention and Support: Little Sandbox provides support for children with developmental delays, learning differences, or special needs. The teachers work with families and therapists to identify individual strengths and challenges and implement strategies and accommodations to support each child's unique learning journey.