Yellow Door: Three to Four Year Olds

Our Three to Four Year Olds Classroom

WELCOME TO YELLOW DOOR

A collaborative and engaging environment

Children in Yellow Door learn through play-oriented experiences and meaningful project-based explorations. Educators design daily group gatherings and guided provocations inspired by children’s current interests, encouraging curiosity and shared discovery. Enriched by weekly walking trips, visits from community experts, and outdoor adventures, this classroom experience fosters connection, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging as children grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.


Child Development Teacher: Emily Grace

Email: egkbv@missouri.edu


Classroom Phone: 573.882.3883

Collaboration in action

CLASSROOM SCHEDULE

With a focus on collaboration, Yellow Door’s schedule features play-orientated learning and project-based explorations. Children participate in daily group time and guided learning provocations curated to their current interests. Weekly walking trips, visits from community experts, and outdoor adventures highlight some of the unique learning opportunities available to enrolled children.

Two early childhood teachers read to children in green door at the Child Development Lab.

Where curiosity drives discovery

OUR CURRICULUM

The CDL utilizes the Project Construct Curriculum in all classrooms. This research-based constructivist framework focuses on hands-on, child-led learning and aligns with the Missouri Early Learning Standards (MELS). Educators seek to engage, inspire, or challenge children through dynamic project-based work. Drawing on the principles of Piaget and Vygotsky, children build knowledge through interaction, experimentation, and guided problem-solving. All activities are designed to foster independence, grow curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills through robust play-based learning.

An early childhood teacher helps a child with an activity in green door at the Child Development Center.

Learning through play and discovery

Exploration In Action

Touch a Truck

As part of their Transportation project, children got to meet their favorite trucks! A recycling truck, tractor, ambulance, and firetruck all made their way to CDL so children could explore the vehicles and learn more about the important work they do. Their drivers were also on standby to offer insights into the unique job each vehicle does. The children helped their teachers to write invitations to the drivers as well as thank you notes for their time. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Approaches to Learning; Language and Literacy; Life Science

Transportation Safety

Children surveyed the staff and students of CDL as well as HDFS faulty to learn what color car is the most popular. Armed with clipboards, children met with their participants to practice active investigation and research. They then worked with their teacher to analyze the data and determine the most popular color. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Approaches to Learning; Mathematics; Language and Literacy

MEALS

Yellow Door will enjoy seasonal menu items in a family-style setting. To build confidence and independence, children will serve themselves and practice setting up and cleaning after each meal. Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, they are encouraged to explore a rich world of flavors and textures. When possible, produce and herbs from the children’s garden are included in menu items. Children in this room will also be given the opportunity to periodically practice cooking and engage in taste testing with our Chef.

red and green baby lettuce.

Teachers

Child Development Teacher

Emily Grace