Teachers provide multiples of favorite toys and materials in bins easily accessible to all Sun roomers, as learning to share is a developmental process. Teachers also incorporate the use of ‘baby sign language’ to help the children communicate. The Sun Room follows a flexible schedule that has a predictable sequence of events and is adjusted to meet individual needs and respond to emergent events. Routines such as meals, diapering, and napping make up much of the day and therefore are considered times for conversation, individual attention and socializing.

Teachers facilitate the development of these skills by providing and maintaining a wide variety of appropriate materials, activity areas, pets and other equipment. As attention spans grow, time is set aside before lunch and in the late afternoon for a short group time (songs, stories, discussion). The one to six ratio provides the means for teachers to maintain a proper balance of freedom of activity and decision-making, and adherence to the “rules”: respect property, yourself and others. Toilet training usually occurs in the Star Room. We take a relaxed approach and find that interest in participating with peers combined with positive reinforcement by adults is a sufficient motivator for most children.

Active and quiet periods are balanced throughout the day. Because three to five year olds can become quite involved in an activity, large stretches of time are set aside for self selected activities and use of the gym, hallway and climber areas. Group time occurs before lunch. During this time story telling, song singing, and room meetings happen. Moon/Comet roomers enjoy taking walks around the block and to the UW campus, long hikes through the Cowen Park ravine, playing at neighborhood parks, and going on field trips.

The Moon/Comet Room is a space for preschoolers 3 to 5 years of age, with an 8 to 1 child to teacher ratio. Moon Roomers are 3 years old, Comets are 4-5 year olds. Preschoolers are dynamic and on the move, interested in learning more about their world and how they fit into it. Moon/Comet roomers benefit from an environment where they can explore and pursue self-selected activities.