Sunnybeam School : Programs

Sunnybeam school�s curriculum is centered-based, literacy rich, and focuses on having fun. Children, ages 3-5 are given a wide variety of experiences in all content areas to explore and expand their level of skills and knowledge. This is accomplished through center-based play and intentionally chosen instructional activities. Through the use of formal and informal assessments, curriculum is designed and implemented that not only suits the needs of the group, but the individual as well. The development of individual portfolios provides teachers with a systematic way of tracking progress, planning curriculum and presenting data to parents during conferences.

By using direct modeling during circle and small group time, concepts, such as book use and writing are presented to the children in real and meaningful ways. The class library includes a wide variety of books representing different genres, interests and skill levels. Reading and writing materials are available in all centers to allow the children to practice the skills they are learning in a spontaneous and fun way. Having these materials present also allows the teachers to link various concepts and skills to something the children are doing in their play. Other centers include, blocks, math, playdoh, dramatic play, an office loft, sensory table and computers.

Sunnybeam also hosts something very special, a separate Science Room. Although science is presented in the general curriculum, the Science Room allows small groups to go deeper into specific scientific topics and interests. Our Butterfly class enjoys weekly visits, while our younger Caterpillar class enjoys every other week visits. The Science Room is conducted by Mary Ann Haney a 20-year Sunnybeam educator who has a real passion for encouraging children to be curious and to learn about their world and themselves. Visits to the Science Room are a highlight of the students week.

Outdoor play and exploration is a very important part of the Sunnybeam curriculum and tradition. The large multifaceted area allows the children to dig in the sand and a garden at one end and ride bikes, trikes and scooters at the other. Group games and activities are included and encouraged. Traditionally, outside time is brought to a close with the flag salute and various songs. Group cleanup is implemented inside and out to support and encourage teamwork.

Throughout the day there is a high level of verbal exchanges and one on one interaction between the teachers and the students. The low teacher to child ratio allows teachers to engage all students in meaningful conversations and problem solving. Teachers ask a variety of questions to help the children expand their thinking and vocabulary around the topic being discussed. All students are encouraged to share ideas and thoughts with each other and solve conflicts using words not physical actions.

Field trips and home projects are also added to expand and link learning between the home and the classroom. Children leaving Sunnybeam for Kindergarten will do so with the confidence and skills necessary to be successful in grade school and beyond.

Our program for three- and four-year-olds is called the "Caterpillar Class" and has been developed to give each child a positive first experience in a peer group situation. Through emphasis on guided play, art, dance, music, literature and drama, children make friends and learn to interact creatively with each other. They gain confidence in a group through short, engaging circle times especially designed to teach early learning concepts with songs, books, games, and rhythms. The class is divided into three different groups for rotation through Sunnybeam's Science Room. Every third morning, your child's group will participate in Science activities in the Science Room, which include sharing (show and tell).

The school day begins at 9:15 and ends at 12:00 p.m. until the end of September. Beginning September 30, the regular schedule begins and Caterpillar Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to include lunch. Four teachers supervise a class of 22 children.

Our program for four- and five-year-olds is called the "Butterfly Class.� We capitalize on the children�s more developed social and cooperative skills to learn together about the world around them. Drama, social studies, and Kindergarten readiness skills become a group adventure. Circle time is designed for active participation. The class is divided into three different groups for rotation through Sunnybeam�s Science Room. One morning per week, your child's group will participate in science activities in the Science Room. Science and art begin to function together, with projects developing over several class periods. Longer attention spans and the children's innate curiosity allow carry-over study along a path made even more interesting by their participation in its direction.

The Butterfly Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with lunch on Mondays and Wednesdays except for the first day of school. Four teachers supervise a class of 24 children.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT

Sunnybeam is excited to offer a Pre-K Enrichment program. This unique program has been developed for a small child to teacher ratio (class size = 12 children or less with 2 teachers) of Sunnybeam students and will give them the opportunity to come to school an extra afternoon/week. Please note, these afternoon classes will NOT be held during the months of September, December and June.

Our Pre-Kindergarten enrichment will be offered on Tuesday afternoons from 1p.m.-2:45p.m. for Sunnybeam�s Butterflies. This enrichment class will give Pre-kindergarteners the additional practice and instruction necessary to prepare for Kindergarten. Our curriculum is theme-based and child-driven. The small group will explore exciting themes through out the year while gaining additional skills in early literacy, writing, mathematics, listening and asking questions, art, cooking, and more.

September

Beach
Family & Friends
Neighborhood

October

Halloween theme & Halloween prowl
Apples & Pumpkins
Class Photos
Halloween Pumpkin Carving Night for the Butterfly Class with their Dads
Butterfly Class Halloween Party
Caterpillar Class Halloween Party

November

Fall & Leaves
Native Americans
Field Trip to Kelsey Creek to Visit Cabin of �Long Ago�-Butterflies
Native American Potlatch dinner for Caterpillars and Dads

December

Holiday theme, Creative Dramatics, Preparation for Holiday Performances
Family Holiday Parties

January

Dinosaurs
Martin Luther King Jr.
Winter

February

U.S. Presidents
Groundhog Day
Lunar New Year
Valentine�s Day

March

Community Helpers
Visits from Parents with a variety of careers
Walking trips to the Fire Station and Grocery store

April

Poetry Month � nursery rhymes and patterns
Sea Life
Aquarium Outreach Program comes to Sunnybeam

May

Transportation
Mothers� Tea

June

Camping Day, Olympics, PJ Day, Wet & Messy Day, Superhero Day
Graduation and Picnic for Butterfly Class
End of Year Picnic for Caterpillar Class

Sunnybeam is fortunate to have a unique Science Room curriculum where specific themes are explored monthly. Each class is divided into three small groups (7-8 children) for rotation through Sunnybeam�s Science Room. Therefore, the Butterfly class will be in the Science Room one day each week. The Caterpillar Class rotates each group through every third day. The Science Room is open from September 18 - May 25 for the Butterflies and October 3 - May 24 for the Caterpillars.

Caterpillars� and Butterflies� sharing day will be the same day that he or she is in the Science Room. Children can bring objects from home or from nature that tie into the theme being discussed. We encourage everyone to participate in this activity and our rules are few. No guns or weapons of any kind are permitted. Bring only one thing to share at a time. Sunnybeam�s Science Room curriculum is as follows and subjects may change:

September (starts 9/18) � for Butterflies Only (Caterpillars start 10/3)

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