MORNING ASSEMBLY
Every morning children are gathering in a circle. This is the most important part of the day in which they greet each other, sing songs and find out for example what is the weather, the day and the date.
They enjoy listening to literature which includes finger play and storytelling.
They also count how many children are attending and designate who will be in charge.
By gathering each morning in a circle they actually learn and develop many skills and knowledge without even noticing it.
They learn how to ask a question, to answer and communicate in a proper way and most importantly how to socialize with each other.
CLASSES
Classes are designed to develop and reveal children talents, natural curiosity and open up their center of interest.
They learn mutual respect and to work together. It is characterized through their inner stability which bring them joyful and positive attitude in general.
At Sunflower children develop skills, knowledge, enjoy themselves by reading books, writing letters, discovering nature and by doing scientific experiments.
They also draw, paint and model creating art around them.
ENVIRONMENT
We have created a cozy environment for children with four groups.
Each teacher creates his own group with love, imagination, dedication and step by step all year round they assemble it with the children.
During events children decorate their own group. Together they create materials and put it in the right place.
The group finds its own identity with wellbeing and comfort.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
This is the time when children will develop his curiosity with a strong desire to know himself and discover the whole world.
They work individually or with friends doing role play.
We have created for each group a place with a big pillow and books where children can relax and explore the wonders of the world.
MONTESSORI
By using Montessori Method children are given an opportunity to learn to look after themselves.
They will learn how to execute daily tasks or practice skills like braiding a rubbon, closing and opening buttons, pouring with a spoon and cups or learning how to put a casserole lid on or off.
They work with measuring cups, sprinkle grains, pour water from one cup to another, fold a serviette or a scarf, hang clothes.
We as teachers pay attention to how the children are acquiring the skill in performing the task by a thorough observation.
WINTER SKIING
Each winter the older children are given the chance to go and practice skiing nearby in a park.
It’s a new and exciting experience in their lives which provide them with an immense joy.
Every winter time we are looking forward to the right weather forecast each day in excitement to find out whether or not we can go skiing. For some children it’s a first experience whilst for other it’s repeating joy.
“And we know children joy is not measurable “.
OVERNIGHT STAY
Each year older children can stay one night in the kindergarten which has been a tradition for the last ten years.
This is a special day as we are celebrating their graduation for their admission to school the following year.
During this celebration day the other children give them presents, cards that they have been making by themselves and congratulate them.
After this all children are going on an excursion and in the evening a meal is ordered with a film shown on a big screen.
ROBOTICS
- Lessons with Lego education preschool equipment
- Children work with robots
- Helps to develop understanding
- Creative thinking development
- Children learn how to manage skills in a work group
The acquired skills will help them to develop logical thinking for their future.
DANCING AND MUSIC
In these dancing and music classes children enjoy happiness and joy.
They are going through a lot of emotions which helps them to open up as a person.
They work with sounds of music instruments and through dancing they find a new movement with body language and rhythm.
They discover how to express themselves.
EXCURSIONS
Children often go on excursions as they have lots of center of interest to show them.
Every year children visit the National Library where they find lots of books surrounded by sightseeing such as the Daugava, Riga old town and beautiful embankment.
Their favorite is the Rail Way Museum but also they enjoy going to the Nature Museum, Botanical garden and whole the surrounding parks.
CELEBRATION
During the year we have a lot of events which include our traditional Kindergarten and Latvian celebrations.
Our first big event is Knowledge day which takes place on 1st of September.
Another traditional and important day is the Martin and Mekeli celebration where children gather to celebrate harvest.
They create a market to sell and buy goods.
They make animal masks and dance.
Children also celebrate Halloween and Latvian National Anniversary as well as the traditional Christmas, Saint Valentine, Friends day and Easter.
Each year at the end of May we welcome Mother’s day when children create a handmade present.
INTO THE NATURE
Children Develops emotional attitude towards nature.
They learn every kind of trees, flowers and animals.
They learn how to respect and be part of their natural environment.
They listen to the sounds of birds and observe them whilst trying to guess what the name of that bird is.
Most of all children love feeding the ducks.
In these outside lessons, they discover the world, which brings them interest in scientific improvements.
For instance, they want to know where paddles came from or why snow melts, where ice comes from, why leaves change colors and fall in autumn…?