Canyon Rim Children's Center, San Diego, CA.

Canyon Rim Children's Center has four classrooms, each providing programs tailored to those child's needs.
Frog Class
Caterpillar Class
Fish Class
Butterfly Class

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BUTTERFLY CLASS

The Butterfly Class is our program for children who will be eligible to attend kindergarten next fall.

Many changes take place in preschoolers between ages 3 and 5. All preschool children do not progress at the same rate. Some children put more attention and energy into cognitive development, while others may be more concerned with making friends (socialization) or performing physical tasks (motor skills). The teachers assigned to the Butterfly Class are firmly committed to the creation of an environment in which learning occurs at each child’s pace and individual style. Because the children at this level are the oldest, the largest, the most verbal and the most active, the expectations placed on them by the teachers are higher than in any of our other classes.

Interacting positively with peers, sharing the attention of adults and working well in groups are skills that are critical to achieving kindergarten readiness. To promote this, the Butterfly Class emphasizes an emergent curriculum. Where teaching is not telling; teaching is guiding discovery.

Cognitive and language development are promoted through small group projects, which are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas and interests. The children also participate in pre-math activities, art, dramatic play and story and group times. Students at this stage are expected to be able to answer questions about the stories they hear and show some abstract thinking. Responding to “How and Why” questions about a story aids a child to develop reasoning and linguistic skills. The children are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences; to use puppets and to engage in dramatic play as methods to increase their cognitive and language abilities.

Responsibility for one’s self is another important pre-kindergarten skill. In the Butterfly Class the children are expected to assist with setting up for snacks, and lunch; carrying their own belongings; setting up cots and blankets for naps; picking up toys after activities; and caring for their own clothes.

With two large outdoor play areas the children have many choices as to large motor activities. Teachers use games involving balls of all sizes, running, climbing, jumping, and balance. Bike riding provides exercise and develops balance and coordination. Activities such as using clay, construction projects, “repairing” old appliances, hammering pegs, building with Legos and using a variety of materials are important parts of the physical skills development portion of this class.

When a student is ready to leave the Butterfly Class they should be able to follow sequential directions, exhibit problem-solving skills, ask for assistance if needed, work independently and in groups, explore ideas and most importantly believe that learning is FUN.