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, imaginative play, and creative exploration. 
 
Mikhaela is the morning lead teacher in the Butterfly room and is in her second year at Unity. She has worked in early education for the last seven years. Maygen, who is currently working toward her EDU degree, came to us the summer of 2025 and quickly worked her way from an assistant to a teacher in that short time. And we are so happy to have found Elizabeth, new to Eugene but with 8 years of teaching experience. 
 
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 to navigate human interactions mindfully while also becoming aware 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.