The Butterfly class is a space for 4 to 5 year-olds to learn pre-Kindergarten academic concepts, grow their social/emotional skills, and deepen their self-awareness through mindfulness activities, collaborative problem-solving techniques, imaginative play, and creative exploration. 

 

Kaley is the morning lead teacher in the Butterfly room and is in her second year at Unity. Kaley has worked with children for the last five years, serving as a summer camp counselor, an after-school program director, an after-school science educator, and a Pre-K lead teacher. Cylver has been the afternoon Butterfly lead teacher at Unity for almost a year. Cylver has worked with kids in various settings, including being an after-school art teacher, a toddler dance teacher, a preschool assistant teacher, and a Pre-K lead teacher. Meggie and Sarah are the Butterfly assistants. They’re a crucial part of our team and greatly assist our classroom dynamic. 

 

The Butterfly classroom has been designed to be a playful, interactive, and creative space where children can explore their own curiosities and passions while learning concepts that will prepare them for kindergarten (and life!).

 

Our day and lesson plans are structured using a HighScope curriculum and follow eight main learning categories. These are Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Health, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Language, Literacy, and Communication. We conduct daily assessments based on our observations of these categories.

 

Throughout the year, we learn the letters of the alphabet, practice counting skills, write our names and letter shapes, begin simple letter sounds, engage in fine motor activities, and conduct fun science experiments. We learn a lot about the world around us and about ourselves.

 

Social/emotional development is a significant part of the Pre-K curriculum. We are learning how to navigate human interactions mindfully while also gaining awareness of our own feelings and needs. Throughout our day, in addition to doing pre-academic work, we practice mindfulness activities and breathing strategies. We frequently talk about how we feel and work together to find ways to communicate and regulate our bodies. We love listening to music, practicing yoga, engaging in guided meditations, and spending time with the school pets. We use the garden at least once a week, utilize the barn for rainy-day play, take field trips to parks, and participate in community service activities throughout the year.