program
OVERVIEW
Backyard Bears is a small in-home Early Learning Center in Tacoma, WA. We are half-day, with a AM/PM session schedule. We strive to keep low child-to-teacher ratios to ensure each child gets the attention and love they deserve. We will have 2-3 teachers to 9 children at all times.
Backyard Bears offers a carefully curated, comprehensive preschool curriculum! We integrate this in a non-traditonal way through fun learning styles and child-led exploration. With toy rotations every few weeks, we keep the kids interested and inspire open-ended play.
On top of all this fun, we have an amazing outdoor program as well. Read below to learn about our gardening, chickens, outdoor exploration, field trips and more!
BACKYARD CHICKS'
Backyard Bears is thrilled to offer an acre of fenced space dedicated to our Early Learning Center! With this asset, we will have many amazing outdoor learning and play opportunities.
Our first group of Bears was lucky enough to experience hatching chicken eggs. From the incubator and into our arms, the kids will have a one-on-one experience with the miracle of life. The chicks will be raised with daily love and attention.
The children will take part in feeding, watering, and learning about how chickens live and develop! After they are big enough, they will be moved to our outdoor chicken coop. From there, they will start laying eggs. The children will learn that their hard work has paid off, and they will get to use the eggs in baking and other activities.
KINDER GARDEN
Along with raising chickens, Backyard Bears will also teach the children about gardening! With two huge garden patches, we will be growing anything from flowers to fruit! We recognize how important it is for little ones to have messy play in the dirt, and we are prepared to help them do it!
As we grow our own food, the children will be learning the importance of nutrition and how it helps power a healthy body. Starting from seed, the children will help raise many different types of fruit and veggie plants! Then they will then be able to use it in recipes for snacks, treats for baking, or even food for the chickens! Once the children start to see their hard work pay off, it will make long lasting effects for great perseverance and a respect for nature!
MUSIC & ARTS
The fine arts are a big part of the Backyard Bears curriculum! With time set aside every day for creativity, the children will get to explore hands-on with different art mediums! Such as paint, watercolors, markers, crayons, colored pencils, and even clay! They will be encouraged to explore the depths of their imagination and make whatever their heart desires!
At Backyard Bears Preschool, our music class offers children a joyful and enriching experience that goes beyond just singing songs. Engaging with music helps children develop their cognitive abilities, improve their language skills, and enhance their memory. Participating in group musical activities also fosters social skills such as cooperation, listening, and taking turns. Additionally, music can be a wonderful outlet for self-expression and creativity, allowing children to explore their emotions and build confidence. Through our music class, children not only discover the joy of rhythm and melody but also gain valuable skills that support their overall development.
The Work Cycle and Rotation of Materials
The Montessori work cycle is a fundamental component of the Montessori educational philosophy, designed to promote independent learning and self-discipline in students. It is characterized by a structured daily routine in which students have the freedom to choose their activities within a prepared environment. The work cycle typically consists of three key phases: selection, work, and reflection. During the selection phase, students are encouraged to choose activities or materials that pique their interest or align with their developmental needs. This fosters a sense of autonomy and self-direction, as they decide what they want to work on. The work phase is when students engage with their chosen activities, whether it’s practicing math, language, sensorial exercises, or practical life skills. It is during this phase that students experience deep concentration and focus, which is crucial for optimal learning. Finally, the reflection phase involves returning materials to their proper places, cleaning up, and preparing the environment for the next day. This cycle helps students internalize a sense of order and responsibility, as well as the importance of completing tasks.
Rotation of materials is another essential aspect of the Montessori method. It ensures that the learning environment remains dynamic and responsive to individual student needs. Materials are introduced to students based on their readiness and interest, and as students master one set of materials, new ones are introduced. This gradual progression keeps students engaged and challenges them at their own pace.
Additionally, the rotation of materials aligns with the sensitive periods of development, allowing students to explore and learn in a way that is in sync with their cognitive and physical growth. It also helps foster a sense of respect for the learning materials, as students learn to handle them carefully, and teachers can monitor which materials are most popular or in-demand. In essence, the Montessori work cycle and rotation of materials work in harmony to create a dynamic and purposeful learning environment that empowers students to become independent, confident, and lifelong learners.
FIELD TRIPS
Getting out in the world is so important! – For adults and children alike. That is why Backyard Bears hopes to take the pack out for regular fun!
Being in the heart of Tacoma, we have access to so many cool places. Backyard Bears hopes to take the cubs to local museums such as the:
- Museum of Glass
- Tacoma Art Museum
- Washington State History Museum
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Children’s Museum
Along with all those great options, we will also be exploring places like the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, local parks, libraries, state parks, lakes & rivers, and many more! Upon enrollment you will be given a field trip guide and schedule.
Talk to us
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us at any time by call, text, or email!