Virtual Tour of Moonbeams Preschool and Daycare
Moonbeams is a licensed home based child care facility (license #013419672) located in the West Berkeley neighborhood just off I-80 at 8th and Gilman. We are within walking distance of Studio Grow, the new Berkeley Preschool that is currently under construction and the ball field and park area on Virginia and 8th.
Here are some pictures of our learning areas (click pictures for a larger view):
Art Area
When children visit the art area, they will have the opportunity to experience a variety of materials and substances for them to express their individual creativity. In addition, the art area also:
- Presents concepts such as colors, shapes, lines, properties, textures, cause and effect, problem solving, sizes, symmetry, design, balance, patterns, etc.
- Allows small muscle development and eye-hand coordination.
- Is an appropriate outlet for anger or frustration.
Block Area
The block area is the largest area of play at Moonbeams Preschool and Daycare. Adequate space is allowed for children to have individual, parallel or group play. A table is next to the block area to use for fort and wall building. There are various types and colors of blocks to encourage all children to play in the area – not just boys! In addition, the block area also:
- Develops hand/eye coordination.
- Helps children discover various properties of materials.
- Develops math concepts: number, size, shape, space, weight and balance.
- Encourages sharing.
- Allows children to use their imagination and creativity.
- Stimulates working together/teaming.
Home Area
The Home Area is located in an open area at Moonbeams Preschool and Daycare as children work here to imitate their own home environment. In addition, the Home Area:
- Allows children to understand and experience the adult world through imagination and imitation.
- Gives children the means to express feelings and emotions.
- Assists children in better understanding their world.
- Gives children the experience of having a sense of power by imitating grown-ups!
- Develops creativity and imagination.
- Allows children to experience different roles.
- Provides children the opportunity to have a symbolic use of items and encourages abstract thinking.
Table Top Toy Area
The Table Top Toy Area is located in the classroom space. Children self select activities from a bin such as dominoes, linker cubes, puzzles and letter activities to name a few. Children use the tables for their creations and interactions with other children in this area. In addition, the Table Top Toy Area:
- Provides small motor development and control (in preparation for holding a pencil).
- Allows children to practice concentration and completion of a task!
- Enhances self-esteem and a feeling of control and mastery.
- Presents concepts such as patterning, sequencing, matching and order.
Additional Pictures
Home Area:
Classroom:
