Preschool (Rainbow)

For many children, coming to our Rainbow classroom may be their first experience in a learning environment outside the home. We take great care to support this transition as it is momentous for both the child and the family. Through slow and intentional invitations, such as our morning routines and greetings, children and families can settle into the rhythm of the school year. In Rainbow, we strive to create a learning environment that fosters creativity, independence, creative thinking, risk-taking, meaning-making, and love of learning through our Reggio-inspired philosophy and nurturing interactions.

To start their day, Seven Hills' youngest learners have expansive, uninterrupted time to explore our indoor and outdoor spaces provisioned with open-ended and thought-provoking materials. This part of the day helps children develop agency as they select experiences that inspire problem-solving, focus, stamina, and collaboration with peers. Children are entrusted to navigate the social and emotional skills necessary to sustain friendships with the guidance and support of a nearby adult.

After a morning full of activities, we break into inquiry groups and dive deeper into current class interests while practicing turn-taking, patience, listening, and speaking in front of a group. Once a week, children participate in specialist classes such as library, studio, and ecological literacy. Lunch is eaten inside the classroom in small lunch groups and provides a chance to practice conversation skills and manners and learn about new food flavors, textures, and smells, encouraging students to discover new foods at their own pace and nourish their growing bodies.

Our day ends with a reflection circle where children have an opportunity to share the excitement of things they have learned that day.

• Indoor/Outdoor Exploration
• Morning Meeting
• Environmental Stewardship, Small Group Work, Indoor/Outdoor Flow
• Snack
• Library, Studio, or Inquiry Time
• Lunch
• Small Group Work
• Nap (Optional)
• Reflection Meeting/Dismissal