Purple Door: Four to Five Year Olds

Our Four to Five Year Olds Classroom

WELCOME TO PURPLE DOOR

A warm and collaborative environment

Children in Purple Door engage in purposeful play and in-depth project-based learning designed to prepare them for the transition to kindergarten. Educators guide daily group meetings and intentional provocations that build early literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while nurturing curiosity and creativity. Through meaningful classroom responsibilities, community experiences, and rich discussions, children strengthen independence, confidence, and social-emotional competence—developing the skills and resilience needed for a successful start to school and beyond.

Child Development Teacher: Virgina Gwyn

Email: vgk59@missouri.edu

Classroom Phone: 573.882.3269

Enroll Today!

Collaboration in action

CLASSROOM SCHEDULE

With a focus on collaboration, Purple 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 professionals work with preschool aged children at a table in Purple 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.

LEARN ABOUT MELS
Two early childhood professionals sit on the floor with preschool aged children as they play in purple door at the Child Development Lab.

Learning through play and discovery

Exploration In Action

Purple Door Olympics

To celebrate the Winter Olympics, Children trained for their first indoor hockey game. Armed with pool noodles, a ball, and paper-plate skates the children slid into first place! Teachers helped children to develop hand-eye coordination as well as sportsmanship by guiding their understanding of how sports support collaboration and community. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Social-Emotional Development; Physical Development

House Building

As part of Purple Doors ongoing Fairytale project, children read the three little pigs, then designed their own houses. Using a variety of materials, children hypothesized which materials would be the strongest. They then tested these theories by designing and building their structures before using a hairdryer to see which would be the sturdiest. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Approaches to Learning; Language and Literacy; Mathematics; Science

MEALS

Purple 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.

Our Food Program
red and green baby lettuce.

Teachers

Child Development Teacher

Virginia Gwyn, MEd

Child Development Associate

Holly Stout

CDL Personnel