MEET DEBBIE SUMMERS, the teacher at Seedlings Preschool
Debbie opened SEEDLINGS after obtaining her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has more than two decades of experience teaching and working with Families in the Eugene and Springfield communities. Debbie offers families a stable, respectful and playful place for their children's first steps out into the world of learning. She is a creative thinker, able to keep the school experience fresh for each child.
Debbie provides varying experiences for young learners: cooking, clay work, counting, scissoring and writing practice, gardening, nature walks, stories, art projects using all sorts of materials, and body awareness through movement activities. She likes to incorporate activities and projects that help children notice and celebrate the changing seasons.
Debbie believes all children need to have a sense of belonging. She encourages inclusive play at Seedlings and helps children develop friendly social connections. She supports the children in learning positive ways to communicate by emphasizing that it's important to treat others with respect, ask for turns, ask to be included, and pay attention to what others' "faces might be showing."
Debbie understands when it may be time to step back or to gently guide a child, helping them to navigate the "bumps in the road." If a child is feeling the need to play alone for a bit, she sets up a special play area just for them. This offers a wonderful opportunity for all of the children by honoring a school friend's quiet needs, the children watch how their "quieter" friend soon becomes comfortable and wants to jump back to playing with the group once again. Respect fosters a strong and healthy self esteem in young children.
Debbie is readily available to talk with Parents when questions or concerns come up, and she welcomes "check ins with families."
Debbie provides varying experiences for young learners: cooking, clay work, counting, scissoring and writing practice, gardening, nature walks, stories, art projects using all sorts of materials, and body awareness through movement activities. She likes to incorporate activities and projects that help children notice and celebrate the changing seasons.
Debbie believes all children need to have a sense of belonging. She encourages inclusive play at Seedlings and helps children develop friendly social connections. She supports the children in learning positive ways to communicate by emphasizing that it's important to treat others with respect, ask for turns, ask to be included, and pay attention to what others' "faces might be showing."
Debbie understands when it may be time to step back or to gently guide a child, helping them to navigate the "bumps in the road." If a child is feeling the need to play alone for a bit, she sets up a special play area just for them. This offers a wonderful opportunity for all of the children by honoring a school friend's quiet needs, the children watch how their "quieter" friend soon becomes comfortable and wants to jump back to playing with the group once again. Respect fosters a strong and healthy self esteem in young children.
Debbie is readily available to talk with Parents when questions or concerns come up, and she welcomes "check ins with families."