Alongside this emphasis on social development, the preschool class facilitates children’s emerging thinking skills: imaginative play, early representation in art and writing, natural science and applied early math. Teachers encourage children to adopt an inquiring stance towards their rapidly-expanding questions and theories about the world around them. Children and teachers work together to investigate materials, play themes and natural phenomena, often over a long period of time.  The classroom takes on more of the feel of a workshop and laboratory.  The garden becomes an area for caretaking and research.  Group times continue to offer music and movement, and also begin to feature short meetings, where children plan, ponder and discuss their learning.