Each child is unique and as such meet developmental stages at different times. For this reason we don't encourage children to join a class (or move in to the next class) based simply on their age as other factors can be equally as important - how secure they are on their feet, how confident they are or how developed their imagination is for example.
If you have any concerns about which class would be best for your child, please do discuss this with your class leader who will be more than happy to help. In the meantime, here are some general guidelines we hope you will find helpful...
-
Dewdrops are babies from about six months old and younger toddlers. A Dewdrop may be ready to move in to the next group when they begin to engage in pretend play - perhaps they begin to babble on the banana telephone for example! You may notice this happening at around 18 - 24 months.
-
Raindrops children are just beginning to use their imaginations.They will still need their parent or carer or to work with them, to take part in the games and the drama and to gently encourage them back in to an activity should they lose concentration. A child will probably be ready to move to the next group at around two and a half to three years; when they begin to throw themselves in to the drama more fully and/or begin to concentrate for longer periods of time.
-
Rainbows are children who have a more developed imagination and who can work more independently of their parent or carer. Often they will feel comfortable participating in large parts of the class, without the support or encouragement of an adult. They will move to the next group at around five years, when it is felt they will be comfortable working without their parent or carer.
-
Sunbeams children are generally around five to seven years old and have the ability to work without their parent or carer. They will work in small groups, be able to discuss their ideas and thoughts with some clarity and to begin to perform some of the drama they create.