Our Kinderberry Hill families are essential to our Kinderberry community. We invite families to join us to read stories, celebrate special occasions and even share in play and learning with other Kinderberry families. We encourage families to join on field trips, share family traditions or even come in and cook a favorite family recipe. When you and your pre-kindergartner arrive at school, your child will be eagerly welcomed into their classroom by our nurturing teachers and their excited friends. We incorporate special greetings from Conscious Discipline to promote belonging and connection among our classroom community. They will then be invited to place their belongings in their very own locker, sign-in to promote belonging and community and begin exploring a classroom intentionally set up for learning and play. At pick up you will find your Pre-kindergartner eager to see you and share their excitement about their day at Kinderberry Hill. We encourage families to come into the classroom and see the documentation and progress on long term projects and studies. Teachers will pass along specific details about your child’s day and wish your family a good night. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Balanced and healthy meals including breakfast, lunch, and snack, are prepared on site and served family style. Self-serving is an important part of our mealtime routine. This promotes making choices, appetite awareness, and develops a sense of independence and capability. Your child will enjoy delicious meals while growing a strong sense of community through engaging and lively conversations with peers and teachers.

Favorite songs, books, games, and conversations bring this small community together during group times. Using a variety of music, fingerplays, props and FUN children practice letters, numbers, letter sounds, and sight words, as well as explore new vocabulary each week. In-depth discussions take place regarding our current study. The class will take time to share discoveries of yesterday and ask more questions to guide learning going forward. Our long-term projects often take center stage during group time and inspire thoughtful conversations. This time is also used to share kindness and express care for our community members. We celebrate each other and extend happiness and friendship through the practice of kind words and actions to express these feelings.

The entire classroom is open for classroom exploration. Our teachers intentionally set up provocations to promote curiosity and challenge children through play. During this exploration time, teachers also work with small groups of children to focus on kindergarten readiness in all areas of development, promote executive function skills, as well a social emotional skills and practices like recognizing emotions of others, sharing, taking turns and more.

Sunshine and fresh air are highly valued at Kinderberry Hill. At least once daily, whether it’s sun, rain, wind or snow, your child will enjoy running, climbing, digging, and pedaling outside. This space is specifically designed for pre-kindergarteners and we encourage children to engage in risky play that tests their body’s abilities and improves strength and coordination. This play builds confidence and reduces injuries, as children learn their body’s abilities! Our teachers enrich outdoor spaces regularly with new provocations, water play experiences, art activities, instruments, games, songs and more. Your child will also be able to enjoy a full day outside in our outdoor classroom. These spaces are designed for all day outdoor learning and teachers form lessons and experiences just as they would inside. We enjoy naps and meals outside when possible and each of these spaces is Nature Explore Certified.

Your pre-kindergartner will be invited to snuggle up with their favorite blanket and favorite comfort toy on their very own cozy cot for naptime. Dimmed lights, soft music and teachers rubbing backs ensure naptime is a soothing transition in which children can recharge for the full and fun afternoon ahead.

Your curious pre-kindergartener will thrive in our STEAM and Spanish WonderLab classes! These classes encourage children to experience hands on play and fun while learning STEAM concepts and building a strong foundation in the Spanish Language! Music, movement, and exploration are key components of these engaging classes.