The Sunflower class is for twelve children who are four by September 1. The Sunflowers meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and their parents take turns helping in the classroom roughly once every month. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students meet in the classroom from 9 am to 1 pm with daily outdoor play for up to one hour.  On Fridays, the Sunflower class meets outside from 9 am to 12:30 pm in all forms of weather to explore nature’s classroom.

All the activities of the classroom are experienced through the lens of the four-year-old. Although many of them were in the same classroom one year prior, they are now able to celebrate greater fine motor ability and more significant dramatic play. Although the classrooms are the same, the classes are inherently quite different.

Sunflowers focus on building confidence, strengthening relationships, and preparing for the world of kindergarten. In the Sunflower class, the teacher and parent helper encourage children to develop their play in groups, thereby enhancing their socialization skills. At this developmental stage, group play is more complex and incorporates more children. As their attention spans increase, Sunflowers stay with activities for longer periods of time, discovering new ways to use the same materials that were available the previous year. Art projects require greater concentration and coordination. Outdoor play takes on new dimensions as the children develop their physical and problem-solving skills. They become more aware of the world around them and their place in it.

The teacher and parent helper support child-initiated interests in reading, writing, and math. The children discuss sounds and letters in words and their meanings. As children express curiosity, they begin writing notes to their parents and each other. As they go about the work of their daily play, many self-directed inquiries occur. How many blocks? Which is longer? If the ramp is steeper, will the marble go faster? How can I spell EXIT on a sign for my space ship? How can I write my friend’s name on a picture I wish to give them? How can I read The Three Bears to my doll when I play house? The teacher actively engages and encourages each child as they show readiness. By the end of the year, Sunflowers have blossomed into confident, well-rounded children who are ready for the challenges of kindergarten.