THE SUNFLOWER SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY
The Sunflower School embodies a melding of methods and philosophies in Early Childhood Education. Here, you’ll find hints of Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emelia, and Nature-based curricula: interest-driven and child-directed learning, opportunities to build practical-living skills, a mixed-age classroom, plenty of art expression, opportunities to explore with natural materials, and large blocks of time set aside for uninterrupted play or “work” both indoors and out.
You’ll also find positive and respectful guidance techniques in practice, inspired by the philosophies of experts like Janet Lansbury, Magda Gerber, and Maria Montessori.
CURRICULUM
At The Sunflower School, curriculum is designed to educate the whole child while creating a balanced learning environment that nurtures their need for social engagement and self-directed learning and play.
Students will begin building foundational knowledge in academic subjects such as literacy and math through integrated, hands-on activities and lessons.
Lessons and activities are tailored to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills, so that each child receives individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction.
Play based:
Children learn best through play. At our homeschool, child-directed free-play is abundant, allowing each child to learn, explore, and engage organically with their environment and peers.
Emergent:
Lesson plans, themes, activities and even the classroom environment are designed to reflect the interests and needs of the students.
Developmentally Appropriate:
Lessons are tailored to meet each child where they are developmentally. Students will engage in whole group, small group, and individual learning activities throughout the day, so that each of their learning needs can be met at a developmentally appropriate level.
Nature-focused:
Nature is a cherished pillar of our school model. Children are naturally inspired by their surroundings, and nature can be one of the most effective teaching tools in early childhood. Our students spend hours outdoors playing, exploring, and creating - rain or shine.
BALANCE
Balance is key when it comes to early childhood education.
At School:
The Sunflower School offers a balance between the comforting, low-stress environment of home with the engaging and social setting of a traditional school. Students get more focused attention from their teacher, while still being able to socialize with other children.
At Home:
We value the importance of time spent with family. The Sunflower School's days and hours of operation are designed to help students maximize their time spent with family during the early years.
EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT:
Growing inquisitive minds
Through hands-on activities and play, we foster the development of problem-solving skills, reasoning, and memory.
Our school-aged students spend portions of their day working on academic skills in a more formal way via journaling, math games, workbooks, and direct teacher instruction.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Building strength and coordination
Students will hone their fine and gross motor coordination while engaging in activities from stringing beads and stacking blocks to building forts and scaling the play-scape ladder.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Making connections
In a group setting, children learn the value of empathy and communication while practicing important skills like cooperative play and conflict resolution. They create bonds with their peers and teacher while navigating their social environment