Sundance – Clay Exploration
Beginning on Januray 11th, 2021 we started to introduce clay as a material in our Sundance class. Here are the documentation pieces from our first few weeks exploring this new material.
The Garden and the benefits of outdoor play
The idea of the garden was born in the spring of 2012 when a group of children and parents came together with suggestions of growing vegetables in our garden.We started with few seeds of tomatoes, carrots, beans and we were amazed exploring the power of nature in our garden.
When we are thinking about our childhood, our memories take us back into a magical trip into nature. We all share memories of gardens and trees, of butterflies and insects, of exploring and discovering the most amazing wonders of the world free in the middle of the nature. Throughout most of history, when children were free to play, their first choice was often to flee to the nearest wild place—whether it was a big tree or brushy area in the yard or a watercourse or woodland nearby (Pyle 2002).
Looking at what research work over the years, reveals about the power and benefits of the nature, we believe that:
- Children who play regularly in natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility, and they are sick less often (Fjortoft 2001, Grahn et al. 1997).
When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills (Faber Taylor et al. 1998, Fjortoft 2000, Moore & Wong 1997).- Exposure to natural environments improves children’s cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills (Pyle 2002).
- Nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits (Wells 2003).
- Play in a diverse natural environment reduces or eliminates anti-social behavior such as violence, bullying, vandalism and littering, as well reduces absenteeism (Coffey 2001, Malone & Tranter 2003, Moore & Cosco 2000).
- Nature helps children develop powers of observation and creativity and instills a sense of peace and being at one with the world (Crain 2001).
- Children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other (Moore 1996).
Our garden grows every day and we are fortunate to have the space to discover the walk of a worm, the fragrance of the trees or the beauty of our grown vegetable. We encourage the children to discover the world of organic grown vegetable.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean”
Ryunosuke Satoro
Our Imaginative Garden
A New look for our Garden
We strive to maximize our learning opportunities and actively work on bridging our indoor experiences with the outside world. The children remind us daily that their natural environment is of utmost importance to them. Our “Imaginative Garden” project will benefit all our children and families, including children needing extra support. Our goal was to create an environment that brings imagination, play and growth hand in hand. The project started in the summer of 2015 and was completed at the end of August 2015.
“In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior. In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.” Lev Vygotsky
Registration is now open for September 2016
We would like to invite all families to join us for our Open House event on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Come in and meet our teachers, see your space and learn about our approach to early learning.
We are looking forward to meeting everyone!
Sunflower team
2014- 2015 School Calendar
Registration opens for September 2014
Join us for our OPEN HOUSE at Sunflower Preschool
on Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Registration forms available at the preschool. Registration fee is $40.00. We laugh, we sing, we create, we explore, we discover, we imagine, we read, we think, we question, we try, we fall, we rethink, we succeed, we make friends, we LEARN! OPEN HOUSE SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL 2260 Philip Avenue, North Vancouver “Children are miracles. Believing that every child is a miracle can transform the way we design for children’s care. When we invite a miracle into our lives, we prepare ourselves and the environment around us.”~ Anita Rui Olds in Designs for Living and Learning SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16th 2013 FROM 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PMSchool Calendar 2013-2014
Waiting for the magic touch of the children
Dear families,
Reading from Loris Malaguzzi`s words (1920- 1994):
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences. We must widen the range of topics and goals, the types of situations we offer and their degree of structure, the kinds and combinations of resources and materials, and the possible interactions with things, peers, and adults.”
We feel inspired and curious about a new beginning, curious about what the space can do for us, curious to discover the learning hand in hand with the children and the families.
We are ready for September 2012!
We are ready for September 2012!
Dad’s Night: A Huge Success!
This is the age when we have to try to celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of each child.
— Mrs. Susan
“Come on Dad!”… heads turned to dad, to the trains, to the windows, to dad, to the blocks, to dad. Children didn’t know where to go first. Classroom tables were adorned with beautiful flowers, stones, and other inspirational items for painting. Light tables were set up with prints, tracing paper, and drawing tools. Blocks and magnets were ready for construction. Stories were ready for reading. A marathon of activities ensued. Echoes of ongoing projects filled the space with interest. Dad’s joined in, voting, laughing, and extending ideas. These are the moments to remember! Thanks Dads!
Sunflower Early Learning Society 