Purple Door: Four to Five Year Olds
Our Four to Five Year Olds Classroom
WELCOME TO PURPLE DOOR
A warm and collaborative environment
Tiny Tigers™ 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, Tiny Tigers™ 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
Current families can call 573) 882-3269 to speak directly with a member of the Purple Door team.
If you are a prospective family, please call (573) 882-4318 to speak to an administrator.
Collaboration in action
CLASSROOM SCHEDULE
With a focus on collaboration, Purple Door’s schedule features play-orientated learning and project-based explorations. Tiny Tigers™ 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 Tiny Tigers™.
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, Tiny Tigers™ 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.
Learning through play and discovery
Exploration In Action
The following activities offer a glimpse into the play-based experiences of the Purple Door room.
Purple Door Olympics
To celebrate the Winter Olympics, Tiny Tigers™ trained for their first indoor hockey game. Armed with pool noodles, a ball, and paper-plate skates, Tiny Tigers™ slid into first place! Teachers helped our Tiny Tigers™ 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 Door’s ongoing Fairytale project, Tiny Tigers™ read The Three Little Pigs, then designed their own houses. Using a variety of materials, Tiny Tigers™ 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, Tiny Tigers™ 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.
Tiny Tigers™ in this room will also be given the opportunity to periodically practice cooking and engage in taste testing with our Chef.
