Welcome to Our Older 4's Classroom
Our classroom serves as a stepping-stone from early childhood education to Kindergarten. Together, the children and educators work through learning experiences. We open our doors to family and friends who would like to contribute talents and ideas to our classroom. The Older Fours class is warm and inviting, filled with the sound of laughter and learning.
Shady Lane Philosophy
We encourage learning through hands-on exploration with materials at each child’s developmental level. We balance play and creativity, while enhancing pre-kindergarten readiness. Throughout the day, the children are exposed to a range of learning activities that allow them to learn in different modes and make meaningful connections. They have the opportunity to work in small groups as well as through free choice and self-directed play.
Daily Schedule
Our school day rotates through a variety of environments: a cozy library in which to foster literacy, a computer station, a large science area, mini art studio, block area and dramatic play area. The class offers manipulative materials for your child to enrich their creativity and problem solving skills. Within each area of the classroom, your child will grow socially, cognitively, and gain independence.
Older 4's Team
The Older Fours Team includes Lead Educator Amy Linder and Educators Johnny Willett and Sara Pelikan. Johnny has served a variety of roles at Shady Lane since 2007, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, and is currently a student at Pitt majoring in Occupational Therapy. Sara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Education at Pitt. Sara has prior experience working in diverse early education programs in Maryland, and started as an Educator at Shady Lane in September 2008.
Lead Educator
I graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1992. Since then, I’ve been teaching in numerous schools throughout Pittsburgh. I began as the Older Fours Lead Educator in 2001.
We look foward to an exciting school year and are eager to meet all of you.
Amy Linder
Older 4's Lead Educator
