Sprout 2 Families
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” — Friedrich Froebel.
Welcome to Sprout 2! We are super excited to get to know our kiddos: Eames, Graham, Milo, Oliver, Ren, Sonny, Theo, Thomas.
At Growing Tree, our philosophy is “Children Learn Through Play.” In the Sprout classroom, we focus on helping them find their independence. Many times a day, Sprouts will be outside in nature with their friends, moving freely and testing their gross motor skills. You will be amazed at what your child can achieve with support and encouragement.
Conscious Discipline is our social-emotional approach at Growing Tree. Mindfulness activities are part of our daily routine to help build our sense of self and community. Some activities include toddler yoga, deep breathing, baby doll circle time, and checking in with our feelings.
As Growing Tree teachers, we aim to build strong connections with each child while providing a positive, safe environment for everyone to grow, learn, and play. Each day, your child will engage in creative art projects, play games, participate in circle time, and explore pretend play, music, and movement activities. Spanish is a key component of our Sprout 2 class, along with ASL.
Meet the teachers:
My name is Ms. Yesenia! I am originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, but I grew up in Bend. I joined the Growing Tree Family in March 2024. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, and have fun! Outside the classroom, I love concerts, fishing, road trips, video games, astronomy, soccer, poetry, and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to meet new families and be part of your child’s learning journey!
Hi, my name is Ms. Jennifer! I was born in Prineville but was raised in Bend. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy crafts, baking, cooking, and going to the coast. I love all animals, but I have a special love for dogs, like my dog Sprinkles, whom I have had since middle school. I’ve been teaching at Growing Tree for nearly three years. I believe that creating a classroom that is both fun and educational is very important. I know we can work together to help each child succeed and reach their goals during these toddler years. I’m excited to meet everyone and see where this year takes us!
Each month, we have a monthly study. In September, our monthly study will be “My School.” These monthly studies include activities from each developmental area:
- Social Emotional
- Cognitive
- Language
- Physical Development
- Mathematics
Monthly studies include songs, books, storyboards, and even games.
September Books:
- Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes
- Llama Misses Mama
- If You Take a Mouse to School.
September Songs:
- ABC’s
- Wheels on the Bus
- Make New Friends
How to keep up with your Sprout?
- Read our daily notes through BrightWheel. Also, on Fridays, you will receive a message regarding supplies that will need to be replenished for the next week.
- Please bring in a 4×6 family photo for us to display on our family board.
- Check your child’s file folder on the table in the hallway for art projects and communications from the Center.
- On Fridays, we will have their belongings ready to take home. Please return everything on Monday.
Common Sprout room questions:
- Q: “Do we potty train in the Sprout room?”
- A: We will support what you are doing at home. In the Sprout room, we work on pre-training skills. We encourage them to pull their pants up and down, master stairs/steps so they can get on the potty independently, and identify when they need to go potty. Once they have these steps in place, they can move on to the next step. The average age when children are ready for potty training is two and a half.
- Q: “When is breakfast over?”
- A: We serve breakfast around 8:15am, breakfast is then over at 9:00 am.
- Q: “What time is lunch?”.
- A: We serve lunch around 11:20am. Lunch is over typically around 11:40 am.
- Q: ‘How long is naptime?”
- A: Lights are off by 12:00 PM, kiddos start to wake up around 2-2:30 PM.
- Q:” What does my child need for nap?”
- A: We ask that they have two blankets, one to lay on and one to cover up with. We also encourage a small stuffed animal for comfort.
- Q: “What is something I can do to help prepare my child for the Sprout room?”
- A: Practice drinking from an open cup if you haven’t yet., Allow you child to do as much for themselves as possible. These are tasks are their work! You will be amazed at what they can do.
We are always available to answer questions and concerns. We are here to help make this transition fun and happy!
Thank you, Ms. Jennifer & Ms. Yesenia.