What to expect!
What is a session like in the gifted learners’ class?
Small Poppies meets weekly for 2.5 hours. Each week’s session explores a topic, and there are experiments, activities, and books that support academic as well as social and emotional learning.
Every week the topic is different, which is what makes Small Poppies an exciting and novel program for young, gifted children. Here are just a few topics we’ve covered over the years:
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- The solar system
- Carbon dioxide
- Gravity
- Ancient Egypt
- Fossils
- Rocks & Minerals
- 3D shapes
- Storytelling
- Time
- Money
- Dinosaurs
- Insects
- Kitchen Chemistry
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Small Poppies teachers choose topics that are of interest to the students and allow them to dig a little deeper to build on their existing knowledge. Because the children at Small Poppies are still quite young, classes are fast-paced and flexible, which keeps everyone engaged in the day’s learning
Who attends Small Poppies?
A parent, grandparent, nanny, or other familiar adult always attends with the child, as we’ve found that allows for the best experience for everyone.
The Small Poppies teachers recognise that the needs of each child and family are unique, so the programme is designed to be flexible and responsive to provide the best support possible.
For the very youngest learners, parents or caregivers are more involved, but as the children get a bit older, adults are encouraged to step back little by little to foster a bit of confidence and independence.
Having parents or guardians attend serves a few purposes:
- it means we can do more involved activities if everyone has adequate support.
- class time is a chance for a parent and child to have some dedicated time together, learning about a new topic and all about giftedness.
- the adults are also learning alongside the children.
Younger children are welcome too!
If you’ve got younger children, they’re welcome to come along too! There are always enough resources for them to join in if they’re old enough, and the Small Poppies teachers (especially Ashle!) are always happy to cuddle a baby while the older child gets some dedicated time with mum or dad.
What should we bring to class?
There’s always a morning (or afternoon) tea break in the middle of class, so come prepared with a drink bottle and some healthy snacks. We spend lots of time engaged and learning, so brain food is a must!
We don’t always get messy, but it’s probably not a bad idea to have a change of clothes on hand in case of a spill or other unexpected mess! And if you want to bring a coffee for yourself, feel free!
Would your child thrive in this environment?
Fill out our form and join us for a class!
What kids say...
For me, normal preschool wasn’t a good fit, because they couldn’t understand what I needed. At Small Poppies, I got to learn about dinosaurs and space and science, and the teacher loved all my questions! I never felt like I had to pretend I didn’t know the answers or hide the things I knew how to do.
- Izzy, age 10, former SP student
