The Sunflower Room

To learn, a child must be able to play. By allowing a child to interact with items in their environment through play, the child will discover their environment on a personal level.  This will create an atmosphere of learning that will span the disciplines that will be needed in the future to become a productive person in life.  Through play a child learns math, science, vocabulary, social skill, cause and effect, as well as small muscle and large muscle development and cognitive skills.

Amanda, Sunflowers Teacher

Hello, my name is Amanda Zuber. I have a degree in Studies in Education from Edgewood College, and I have been teaching in the early childhood field since 2006. I started teaching at The Learning Gardens in January 2021, and have taught in the school age virtual learning classroom, summer camp, and helped out in many other classrooms, prior to joining the Little Sprouts classroom. My teaching style includes a lot of fresh air and outdoor time for exploring and discovery play, as well as including children’s interests in lesson plans and everyday learning opportunities. I grew up on a dairy farm south of Madison, so I love incorporating and sharing my rural upbringing with my students! I am excited to be a part of the Little Sprouts classroom!

Jacqui, Sunflowers Teacher

Hello, my name is Jacqui Vinje-Shields and I have been at The Learning Gardens since 2013.  I believe children learn best through play and life experiences.  I love working with children because watching them make connections through learning is incredible.  I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential.

I grew up in Green Bay but I have lived in Madison since 2013.  I am married and I have 3 children (8 year old twins and a 1 year old).  I also have a dog.

I am a Level 12 on the Wisconsin Registry and I hold an Associates degree in Early Childhood and Development from Madison College.