In this level, typically students range in ages 4-5. Students will engage in community development, learning through play and parking curiosity and a passion for learning. We provide a structured environment to provide a gradual transition from the life of the home to the structure of a school setting. We believe childhood to be honored and not a time to be rushed. Students will gradually become accustomed to work within a group, listening to stories, interacting with teachers and following a daily routine, while at the same time being supported in his or her development as an individual through the encouragement of creative play, practical life skills, and artistic opportunities. Our teachers deeply understand the young child and the need for movement as well as the child’s devotion to learning about the world through imitating everything he or she experiences. We follow seasonal rhythms and in parallel, honor your child’s gradual transition from home to school and childhood to adulthood. We honor and uplift the importance of play, especially with this age group- creative play, purposeful work, and circle time are key elements of our Early Elementary Program. We encourage children to imagine and play, both following their own initiative and learning to cooperate with others. Purposeful work develops children’s sense of responsibility and connection to the world around them. Children participate fully in routine projects, which include baking, sweeping, washing dishes, and digging in the garden. During circle time and story time, children hear and join in seasonal songs, and children's picture books. We will oftentimes practice with repetitive verses and songs, this will assist in developing oral traditions and help with developing listening skills. Rhyming and alliteration educate the ear, forming the beginnings of spelling and phonics. We focus on the importance of art and nature with our early elementary students. The children participate in music, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Music is woven into daily activities and transitions. Outdoor play leads to a rich understanding of the earth’s seasons, providing a sense of stability and a foundation for a deeper understanding of plans, animals, weather, geology, and other natural sciences. Artistic activities encourage the child’s natural sense of beauty, color and form, as well as development of fine motor skills and concentration. Oftentimes we will share a “family meal” or snack with the children and allow the kids to help to prepare the food, set the table, and wash up afterwards. An emphasis on gratitude, intention of preparation, and table manners develops valuable lifelong social skills, a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the source of our food. Festivals are a special part of life at Roots Learning Collective. Celebrating the seasonal festivals creates a connection to the natural rhythms that sustain us and lays the groundwork for cultural and social diversity. Some key childhood festivals will include the autumn harvest, an indoor winter garden spiral, spring basket grass planting, Holi, May Day, and more.