Even before I found my calling to pursue teaching, I knew that "growing up" was over rated. I was very fortunate to have a childhood filled with magic and wonder. Constructing intricate fairy villages in my back yard, making my morning rounds to see how many Robins' eggs or speckled frogs I could find, mixing "science experiments" with kitchen ingredients, crafting, and running barefoot in the grass until the bats started to dart and swoop and fireflies specked the night sky. Looking back, I realize that this sense of safety, curiosity, and optimism is what has helped me evolve into the educator that I am now. Having the opportunity to hold on to childhood in this way, and being able to spend my days with the very young into adulthood, is both fulfilling and inspiring.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with many gifted teachers, and in several different settings. As a visual learner myself, I am an observer and have carefully watched how different teaching styles work, and how children respond to tone, body language, and subtle cues from the adults they trust to care for them. As a teacher, my most important job is to give the children in my care my full attention ~ and in turn to notice their tone, body language and most subtle cues. To earn the trust of a child is a true gift, and I feel is the foundation for all learning ~ social, emotional, as well as academic. Without a sense of security and trust with their caregiver, children aren't able to thrive and meet their full potential. This is my ultimate goal.
In my home based early childhood program, I am thrilled to offer a cozy, home atmosphere for your children to play and learn in. Using natural and organic materials (foods, toys, cleaning products) when possible, I am able to create an area that is safe for and inspiring to your children. Wooden toys and simple materials from nature abound at Roots and Wings, helping them learn to be explorers and stewards of the earth from a very young age. My home which was built in 2011, is located at the end of a long gravel driveway far away from the road and traffic. Built on my Great-Grandmother's land surrounded by farmland, our home is safe and secluded, yet only a short walk to the local school and library, playgrounds, and apple orchards.
One of the special things about a home based program, is that children of multiple ages will be growing, playing, and learning together. My low ratio numbers allow me to nurture each and every child, meeting them where they are developmentally, providing them with age appropriate materials and experiences to inspire learning in a comprehensive and holistic way, while encouraging the curiosity and eagerness to learn what comes next...
Roots and Wings' Daily Rhythm ~
Having a "rhythm" to our day has an important role in the lives of the young children I care for.
"Like a heartbeat, or the rising and setting of the sun, our classroom rhythms hold children in a secure balance."
~Barbara J. Patterson and Pamela Bradley from Beyond the Rainbow Bridge
Arrive & Explore: 7:30 - 8:30
*Parent provided breakfast if needed...
* Please note: Infants & toddlers will be with me or in my sight at all times, invited to participate when possible, always modifying surroundings to insure safety and stimulation. Infant swings and seats will be used in short spells throughout the day, giving lots of opportunities to strengthen muscles with "tummy time" and crawling, practice walking and rolling, etc.
Explore is a time to play freely throughout the indoor play space. The play space provides...
* Dramatic play area with dress up clothes and accessories
* Wooden kitchen area
* Wooden playstands with arches and play silks
* Wooden dollhouse
* Wooden animal barn with farm animals
* Multicultural dolls etc.
* Sensory table to be filled with interesting and fun sensory materials (sand, water, snow, bubbles. dough, etc)
* Blocks and constructing materials including Magnetiles, wooden blocks, and much more
* Book shelves filled with books of all reading levels (including picture books, board books, and beginning reader books) and a cozy reading area
* Science area with magnifying glasses, artifacts, and materials from nature, etc.
* Shelves filled with puzzles, games, trucks, cars, lacing cards, fine motor manipulatives, etc.
* Wooden train set with a train track
* Musical instruments
* Wooden work table and chairs for healthy snacks, lunch and arts & crafts
* Arts and crafts materials including crayons, cray-pas, tempera and watercolor paints, finger paints, playdough, sculpting clay, beading, pipe cleaners, etc.
* Large Hexi-pod soft play space for infants & toddlers to safely play in
* Infant wall mirror with pull-up/walking bar
* Infant and toddler toys that are safe, often made with natural materials, and age appropriate
* Preschool age level toys that are safe, often made with natural materials, and age appropriate
* And SO much more...
As children arrive, they can begin exploring. Parents may choose to bring a breakfast for their child to eat here once they arrive. Once they are finished eating, explore begins!
Morning Circle: 8:30 - 9:00
A time to teach and learn basics like names, songs & finger plays, colors, letters & numbers, patterns, but also a time to discuss the monthly theme and build a sense of community within the group.
Enrichment Project: 9:00 - 9:30
A project that often will support the monthly theme. This will rotate through several areas of learning: Arts & Crafts, Science, Music & Movement, Dramatic Play, Cooking, Math, etc.
Morning Snack: 9:30 - 10:00
Provided by Roots and Wings. Offering a grain, dairy, and fruit or vegetable. Organic when available.
Bathroom/Diapering: 10:00 - 10:15
Bathroom breaks and diapering will happen throughout the day as needed, but always before we go outside, and before and after naps.
Outside play: 10:15 - 11:00
Roots and Wings' play area is nestled near lush farmland, far away from busy streets. It is a safe and open area. A large, newly constructed play structure with slides, swings, climbing wall, sandbox, and monkey bars sits next to the play room, just outside the sliding glass doors. When weather permits, tricycles, balance bikes, balls, and other fun toys and games are available for free play outside. During snowy months, sleds & shovels provide entertainment for the children. During outside time, the children in my care will be supervised at all times. On occasion, preschoolers and school aged children will be permitted to play just outside the play room door (the double sliding door) within my eyesight and earshot, in the play yard. The free range chickens may come by to say "hello" and a visit to pet the Dwarf Goats as they graze on grass or play in their fenced in yard, is a bonus at Roots and Wings.
Explore: 11:00 - 11:45
Lunch: 11:45 - 12:15
Parent provided. This way, I am able to focus more of my time and attention on the children during an otherwise busy and hectic transition, rather than preparing food. This gives me a chance to sit with the children, helping to feed the youngest members of the group, while discussing and reflecting on the mornings' happenings. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin the process of unwinding, and becoming relaxed and prepared for an afternoon nap.
Bathroom/Diapering: 12:15 - 12:30
Story Time: 12:30 - 12:45
A special quiet time to hear a story told by me, often a story told by heart (not from a book). The art of storytelling is becoming a lost art, yet it is such a magical gift to give children.
Naps & Rest: 12:45 - 2:45
Two hours of quiet, restful time for children to sleep safely and peacefully. In addition to infant monitors, I will periodically check on the children as they nap to assure comfort and safety.
Bathroom/Diapering: 2:45 - 3:00
Afternoon Snack: 3:00 - 3:30
Provided by Roots and Wings. A grain, dairy, and fruit or vegetable will be offered at each snack. Organic when available.
Outside: 3:30 - 4:15
Bathroom/Diapering: 4:15 - 4:30
Explore: 4:30 - until pick up...
Departure: By 5:00
I suggest arriving no later than 4:50 so there is time for you to gather your child and be ready to leave by 5:00. This will allow me to tend to my family and plan for our evening's activities (sporting events, dance classes, etc.) accordingly, and help you to avoid late fees. Thank you so much for your cooperation with this!
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with many gifted teachers, and in several different settings. As a visual learner myself, I am an observer and have carefully watched how different teaching styles work, and how children respond to tone, body language, and subtle cues from the adults they trust to care for them. As a teacher, my most important job is to give the children in my care my full attention ~ and in turn to notice their tone, body language and most subtle cues. To earn the trust of a child is a true gift, and I feel is the foundation for all learning ~ social, emotional, as well as academic. Without a sense of security and trust with their caregiver, children aren't able to thrive and meet their full potential. This is my ultimate goal.
In my home based early childhood program, I am thrilled to offer a cozy, home atmosphere for your children to play and learn in. Using natural and organic materials (foods, toys, cleaning products) when possible, I am able to create an area that is safe for and inspiring to your children. Wooden toys and simple materials from nature abound at Roots and Wings, helping them learn to be explorers and stewards of the earth from a very young age. My home which was built in 2011, is located at the end of a long gravel driveway far away from the road and traffic. Built on my Great-Grandmother's land surrounded by farmland, our home is safe and secluded, yet only a short walk to the local school and library, playgrounds, and apple orchards.
One of the special things about a home based program, is that children of multiple ages will be growing, playing, and learning together. My low ratio numbers allow me to nurture each and every child, meeting them where they are developmentally, providing them with age appropriate materials and experiences to inspire learning in a comprehensive and holistic way, while encouraging the curiosity and eagerness to learn what comes next...
Roots and Wings' Daily Rhythm ~
Having a "rhythm" to our day has an important role in the lives of the young children I care for.
"Like a heartbeat, or the rising and setting of the sun, our classroom rhythms hold children in a secure balance."
~Barbara J. Patterson and Pamela Bradley from Beyond the Rainbow Bridge
Arrive & Explore: 7:30 - 8:30
*Parent provided breakfast if needed...
* Please note: Infants & toddlers will be with me or in my sight at all times, invited to participate when possible, always modifying surroundings to insure safety and stimulation. Infant swings and seats will be used in short spells throughout the day, giving lots of opportunities to strengthen muscles with "tummy time" and crawling, practice walking and rolling, etc.
Explore is a time to play freely throughout the indoor play space. The play space provides...
* Dramatic play area with dress up clothes and accessories
* Wooden kitchen area
* Wooden playstands with arches and play silks
* Wooden dollhouse
* Wooden animal barn with farm animals
* Multicultural dolls etc.
* Sensory table to be filled with interesting and fun sensory materials (sand, water, snow, bubbles. dough, etc)
* Blocks and constructing materials including Magnetiles, wooden blocks, and much more
* Book shelves filled with books of all reading levels (including picture books, board books, and beginning reader books) and a cozy reading area
* Science area with magnifying glasses, artifacts, and materials from nature, etc.
* Shelves filled with puzzles, games, trucks, cars, lacing cards, fine motor manipulatives, etc.
* Wooden train set with a train track
* Musical instruments
* Wooden work table and chairs for healthy snacks, lunch and arts & crafts
* Arts and crafts materials including crayons, cray-pas, tempera and watercolor paints, finger paints, playdough, sculpting clay, beading, pipe cleaners, etc.
* Large Hexi-pod soft play space for infants & toddlers to safely play in
* Infant wall mirror with pull-up/walking bar
* Infant and toddler toys that are safe, often made with natural materials, and age appropriate
* Preschool age level toys that are safe, often made with natural materials, and age appropriate
* And SO much more...
As children arrive, they can begin exploring. Parents may choose to bring a breakfast for their child to eat here once they arrive. Once they are finished eating, explore begins!
Morning Circle: 8:30 - 9:00
A time to teach and learn basics like names, songs & finger plays, colors, letters & numbers, patterns, but also a time to discuss the monthly theme and build a sense of community within the group.
Enrichment Project: 9:00 - 9:30
A project that often will support the monthly theme. This will rotate through several areas of learning: Arts & Crafts, Science, Music & Movement, Dramatic Play, Cooking, Math, etc.
Morning Snack: 9:30 - 10:00
Provided by Roots and Wings. Offering a grain, dairy, and fruit or vegetable. Organic when available.
Bathroom/Diapering: 10:00 - 10:15
Bathroom breaks and diapering will happen throughout the day as needed, but always before we go outside, and before and after naps.
Outside play: 10:15 - 11:00
Roots and Wings' play area is nestled near lush farmland, far away from busy streets. It is a safe and open area. A large, newly constructed play structure with slides, swings, climbing wall, sandbox, and monkey bars sits next to the play room, just outside the sliding glass doors. When weather permits, tricycles, balance bikes, balls, and other fun toys and games are available for free play outside. During snowy months, sleds & shovels provide entertainment for the children. During outside time, the children in my care will be supervised at all times. On occasion, preschoolers and school aged children will be permitted to play just outside the play room door (the double sliding door) within my eyesight and earshot, in the play yard. The free range chickens may come by to say "hello" and a visit to pet the Dwarf Goats as they graze on grass or play in their fenced in yard, is a bonus at Roots and Wings.
Explore: 11:00 - 11:45
Lunch: 11:45 - 12:15
Parent provided. This way, I am able to focus more of my time and attention on the children during an otherwise busy and hectic transition, rather than preparing food. This gives me a chance to sit with the children, helping to feed the youngest members of the group, while discussing and reflecting on the mornings' happenings. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin the process of unwinding, and becoming relaxed and prepared for an afternoon nap.
Bathroom/Diapering: 12:15 - 12:30
Story Time: 12:30 - 12:45
A special quiet time to hear a story told by me, often a story told by heart (not from a book). The art of storytelling is becoming a lost art, yet it is such a magical gift to give children.
Naps & Rest: 12:45 - 2:45
Two hours of quiet, restful time for children to sleep safely and peacefully. In addition to infant monitors, I will periodically check on the children as they nap to assure comfort and safety.
Bathroom/Diapering: 2:45 - 3:00
Afternoon Snack: 3:00 - 3:30
Provided by Roots and Wings. A grain, dairy, and fruit or vegetable will be offered at each snack. Organic when available.
Outside: 3:30 - 4:15
Bathroom/Diapering: 4:15 - 4:30
Explore: 4:30 - until pick up...
Departure: By 5:00
I suggest arriving no later than 4:50 so there is time for you to gather your child and be ready to leave by 5:00. This will allow me to tend to my family and plan for our evening's activities (sporting events, dance classes, etc.) accordingly, and help you to avoid late fees. Thank you so much for your cooperation with this!