Shoes Class
age 3.5 - 4
Program Options Available for Monday – Friday (inquire for more details)
Morning ExtraCare (optional): 8:30am – 9am
Program Hours: 9am – 1pm
Afternoon ExtraCare (optional): 1pm – 4:30pm
The Shoes Class is a very important transition into a new stage of growth. As the 4-year-old year approaches a new social awareness begins to broaden. Children begin developing their social egos. It becomes increasingly important to them who their friends are or if they are being accepted. Our very experienced teachers of children this age recognize that this is a sensitive time with advances and regressions. The process of socialization, like growth itself at all ages, requires sensitive guidance. The practice of expressing how you feel, which began already in our younger classes, develops now in more depth. Perceptions are important and the need to communicate with parents is crucial. We let you know how their day is going, what are their accomplishments, and what are their struggles. And we want to hear what they report at home so we can discuss together any misunderstandings or misconceptions. It is important for children to feel valued and to value each other. This process promotes lifelong emotional health and continued growth. And it starts so young.
At this time we also begin to see rapid growth and interest in more learning. Letter sounds and recognition, beginning writing, number use and simple math concepts are introduced. Our area of work becomes more complex with more challenging puzzles, materials and science table, plus, of course, plenty of fun things to do as well. They are only 4! This balance between maintaining the delight of childhood while presenting more cognitive challenges is a skillful balancing act. We want to stimulate curious minds and creative expansion. Lots and lots of art, children's literature, games, and a steady increase of more complex topics help this process. We continue our art, deepening the possibilities for individual expression. And play, such an important aspect of social/emotional growth, continues in our rich outdoor areas described in the Ice Creams Class.