Lynn University Students Observe Play-Based Learning at Sunflower

As told to Sunflower by Kelly A. Burlison, Ed.D, Elementary Education Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lynn University/Ross College of Education

Describe the typical learning environment where your students do observations.

Lynn University students observe in K-6 classrooms in public schools. They also observe at early childhood preschool, learning centers, and day care classrooms. They observe all content subject areas with a variety of learners. The teacher covers curriculum based on state standards and provides lessons and activities that align to it. [In a typical learning environment] there is not much choice for children, and many children struggle for a variety of reasons. The teachers try to meet children’s needs; however, the creativity and engagement within the learning environment can be low.

How does Sunflower’s program/philosophy differ from others you’ve observed?

Sunflower’s program allows students to play and the curriculum is child-based. The children use their imagination while inventing and creating projects at the learning stations/environments. The children express themselves and explore in a variety of areas utilizing their problem-solving skills. The facilitators allow the children to freely explore and play with no direct command or instruction that is forced or told.

What was your overall impression of Sunflower’s philosophy and how it plays out in the classroom? I was extremely impressed with the facilities, staff, and environment at Sunflower. Children were playing inside and outside with a variety of manipulatives using nature and art. Hands-on learning is definitely introduced and carried out among the staff and leaders. It is understood that children have a voice, learn with their peers and respect each other. The environment at Sunflower allows students to become empowered and believe they have created or solved “something.” This provides ownership and increased confidence.

Did anything surprise you during the observations?

I was surprised that some of my students were not used to children playing while learning because of the traditional classroom environments they see. They were not used to the free play environment and voluntary food and naptime with no rules and all choice.

Why is being able to observe a learning environment like Sunflower’s valuable to your students? All children learn differently, and at Lynn we welcome all styles of learning. Therefore, we want our pre-service teachers to see all types of learning and environments, especially for children, who need to focus on that type of structured play all day that supports human development and growth.

What might your students learn here that they wouldn’t learn elsewhere? At Sunflower the parents were a part of the learning experience, which is so critical because it reinforces [the children’s] learning and gains respect for both the child and the parent relationship.

Did the observation experience change any of your students’ thoughts about learning environments/interactions/approaches for preschoolers? I think many of them saw a whole new type of learning that does address the whole child. They saw support throughout the entire visit, stimulation constantly occurring, problem-solving skills, and honoring the choices of children.

Anything else you’d like to add? Sunflower is such an amazing place for children. All college students need to observe the children and see what type of learning, and how much learning, is taking place through play. It is truly a one-of-a-kind environment that all children should have the opportunity to be part of.

Sunflower and Delray Beach Children’s Garden: Growing a love for nature

As told to Sunflower by Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher

What is your history working with Sunflower Creative Arts?

Susan Caruso, Sunflower’s Founder/Director, and I met when her older son was not even two years old and I had a one and four year old. I was so taken by Susan’s sweet and conscious mothering style. When years later she embarked on her second year of Seedlings, she invited me to join her as a teacher. Being a Seedlings teacher under the tutelage of Susan for nine years changed my life and planted me on the path of my life’s passion and mission.

What do Delray Beach Children’s Garden and Sunflower have in common?

We are both passionate about helping children develop their voice; giving children the opportunity to develop their brains through movement, exploration and manipulation of their environment; believing that young children can be problem-solvers, and trusting children to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially through unstructured play, especially in nature.

What is the partnership between Sunflower Roots & Shoots and Delray Beach Children’s Garden? Three Wednesday afternoons a month during the school year, Jeannie Fernsworth (DBCG horticulturist and programming director) and I look forward to the arrival of the Sunflower Roots and Shoots crowd (ages 5-12). It has been a beautiful thing watching the children slowly, but surely, feel ownership of the space, find their niche and feel at home in the garden. With our goal being nurturing eco-consciousness in children and the goal of Roots & Shoots being to make positive change happen for people, animals and the world we all share, we are a perfect match. Delray Beach Children’s Garden is grateful for every seed planted, every load of mulch spread, every paver moved, every indicator sign painted …the list goes on and on.

Why is time in nature so important for children and families?

There are endless reasons why all of us need time in nature. The trend away from nature has consequences that hurt all life on the planet, from the smallest one-celled animals and plants to human beings and the age-old sequoias.

For two generations now, we have moved indoors. Air conditioning, electronics and screens, the disappearance of green space and the prevalent fear of parents to allow their children time to explore outdoors on their own have contributed to “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Obesity, diabetes and a lack of the understanding of the interconnectedness of life are all symptomatic of little time spent in the great outdoors.

For me, however, the most important reason why children and families need time in nature is that it is good for the soul. Especially in today’s frenetic, busy pace, nature provides serenity and awe and wonder. These are the sensory things that win children over to the side of nature, and we are hopeful that it will motivate them to become future stewards of the earth.

Why do you love Sunflower?

I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.

Anything you’d like to say about Sunflower’s first year in our new home?

In those blissful days when Susan and I were the Seedlings teachers, we dreamed and spoke of one day Sunflower having a place of its own. It took a long time, a lot of faith and a tremendous amount of hard work, but Sunflower has arrived!!! Looking forward to watching it grow.

P.S. (About Susan)

As a friend and a colleague I have so much love and respect for the years and years of hard work that it took Susan to get Sunflower where it is today. I recently had a conversation in the garden with a Seedlings parent. She said, “I know this might sound strange, but I consider Susan a master!” I cannot think of a better word to describe this wise, loving, talented, passionate woman who works magic with children and their parents.

Sunflower and Delray Beach Children’s Garden: Growing a love for nature

As told to Sunflower by Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher

What is your history working with Sunflower Creative Arts?

Susan Caruso, Sunflower’s Founder/Director, and I met when her older son was not even two years old and I had a one and four year old. I was so taken by Susan’s sweet and conscious mothering style. When years later she embarked on her second year of Seedlings, she invited me to join her as a teacher. Being a Seedlings teacher under the tutelage of Susan for nine years changed my life and planted me on the path of my life’s passion and mission.

What do Delray Beach Children’s Garden and Sunflower have in common?

We are both passionate about helping children develop their voice; giving children the opportunity to develop their brains through movement, exploration and manipulation of their environment; believing that young children can be problem-solvers, and trusting children to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially through unstructured play, especially in nature.

What is the partnership between Sunflower Roots & Shoots and Delray Beach Children’s Garden? Three Wednesday afternoons a month during the school year, Jeannie Fernsworth (DBCG horticulturist and programming director) and I look forward to the arrival of the Sunflower Roots and Shoots crowd (ages 5-12). It has been a beautiful thing watching the children slowly, but surely, feel ownership of the space, find their niche and feel at home in the garden. With our goal being nurturing eco-consciousness in children and the goal of Roots & Shoots being to make positive change happen for people, animals and the world we all share, we are a perfect match. Delray Beach Children’s Garden is grateful for every seed planted, every load of mulch spread, every paver moved, every indicator sign painted …the list goes on and on.

Why is time in nature so important for children and families?

There are endless reasons why all of us need time in nature. The trend away from nature has consequences that hurt all life on the planet, from the smallest one-celled animals and plants to human beings and the age-old sequoias.

For two generations now, we have moved indoors. Air conditioning, electronics and screens, the disappearance of green space and the prevalent fear of parents to allow their children time to explore outdoors on their own have contributed to “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Obesity, diabetes and a lack of the understanding of the interconnectedness of life are all symptomatic of little time spent in the great outdoors.

For me, however, the most important reason why children and families need time in nature is that it is good for the soul. Especially in today’s frenetic, busy pace, nature provides serenity and awe and wonder. These are the sensory things that win children over to the side of nature, and we are hopeful that it will motivate them to become future stewards of the earth.

Why do you love Sunflower?

I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.

Anything you’d like to say about Sunflower’s first year in our new home?

In those blissful days when Susan and I were the Seedlings teachers, we dreamed and spoke of one day Sunflower having a place of its own. It took a long time, a lot of faith and a tremendous amount of hard work, but Sunflower has arrived!!! Looking forward to watching it grow.

P.S. (About Susan)

As a friend and a colleague I have so much love and respect for the years and years of hard work that it took Susan to get Sunflower where it is today. I recently had a conversation in the garden with a Seedlings parent. She said, “I know this might sound strange, but I consider Susan a master!” I cannot think of a better word to describe this wise, loving, talented, passionate woman who works magic with children and their parents.

“My wife and I are very grateful for the opportunity that Sunflower has offered our son to grow in so many ways, and for opening the door for all children to learn in an environment that enables each one to develop on their own individual path. It has been important for us to support Sunflower in any capacity possible so that this great legacy always continues.”

• Jesse England, Sunflower dad and Chair, Capital Campaign Committee

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