Age Group: 4-5 Year Olds
Class Size: 24 Children
Welcome to Room 6 at Crossroads! Room 6 is the largest classroom in the program with up to 24 students and 5 staff members. We serve program and nursery school children from the ages of 3 to 5. Many of the students in this classroom will be transitioning to kindergarten within a year. We are an integrated classroom that is comprised of both children with special needs and nursery school children. Our classroom activities focus on the development of skills that will help each child be successful in elementary school and beyond.
Our program is designed to provide students with hands on experiences that meet their individual needs and learning styles. Some of the skills we work on are social skills, daily living skills, attending skills, literacy, math, science exploration, social studies, and more. Learning Without Tears and Touch Math are two of many tools we use to teach these skills. Every day is exciting in Room 6 as children and staff share new experiences that help us grow.
Room 6 team!
Recently in Room 6.....
02/17/2026 - Lunar New Year Parade!
Room 6 held their heads high and marched the halls of Crossroads with their hand-made dragon puppets!! We are so proud of them for walking together, listening to direction, and sharing their hard work. Thank you, Room 6, for spreading joy to the school ❤🎊🐲
2/10/26 Healthy Food Program
Last week, Room 6’s Healthy Food Program group explored melon tasting, giving students the opportunity to experience both cantaloupe and watermelon in a fun, supportive setting. Students were introduced to small pieces of each fruit and also tasted melon “juice,” offering different textures and forms of the same foods. By presenting foods in multiple ways, the group was able to meet students at varying comfort levels while keeping the experience positive and engaging.
For many children at Crossroads, food can be especially challenging. Sensory sensitivities related to texture, smell, temperature, or appearance often lead to food resistance and very limited diets. Through our ABA-based Healthy Food Program, staff use gradual exposure, modeling, reinforcement, and consistency to help students become more comfortable with new foods over time. The goal is not pressure, but progress—helping children tolerate, explore, and eventually accept a wider variety of healthy options. These small, repeated experiences build confidence, reduce anxiety around eating, and support long-term health and independence.
A visit from SANTA! 12.19.25
We were so fortunate to have a visit from Santa and Elf! With a gift for each child, they gave everyone a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and hear a joyful Ho, Ho, Ho!
We’re thankful to Steve Oill, Diane Rusch for their roles! We also appreciate Toys for Tots Capital Region for the amazing help they gave Santa, and Samantha Bailey Photography for her fundraiser for Crossroads by taking orders for photos with Santa!
12.16.25 A Special Visit Filled with Music, Language, and Smiles!
Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome Monica, a high school Spanish teacher from a nearby district, who brought the joy of language and music into four of our classrooms, including ours. Monica loves teaching learners of all ages, and it truly showed as she engaged our students with stories and familiar songs in both Spanish and English.
Through music like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, children were introduced to colors, animals, and body parts in a fun, accessible way that encouraged participation and movement. The use of familiar melodies helped our students feel comfortable while exploring a new language.
We were also happy to meet Mikayla, Monica’s daughter and a Siena College student, who assisted with group management and helped make the experience smooth and successful for everyone.
Our students and staff loved this enriching visit, and we are so grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm Monica and Mikayla shared with us. We can’t wait to welcome them back again soon!
Snow Play in Room 6 – 12/10/25
Kids of all ages, including those in Room 6, love to play in the snow. We love to get them out in it when we can, but on this occasion the frigid temps kept us indoors.
No worries, though. WE filled a jumbo sized bin with the cold white stuff and let the kids experiment with packing and sculpting using empty playdoh cups. They enjoyed concepts such as freeze/melt and solid/liquid, all while creating masterpieces with their friends.
We declared it a win for Room 6!
12/1/2025 A Visit from Moonbeam and Carol
As part of our Giving Tuesday celebration, we were thrilled by a visit from Moonbeam, a flat-coat lab, and Carol, her owner.
Moonbeam, aged four, is certified as a Therapy Dog by Therapy Dogs International, and her training shows. Gentle and sweet, she loves children, and our students responded with delight to her kisses and wagging tail.
This was our first visiting pet this year and we can’t wait to see Moonbeam and Carol again, soon.
11.19.25 Building and Connecting
In Room 6, we love starting our day with centers!
Each morning brings something a little different, and today our kiddos rotated between two hands-on building stations. One table had colorful chain links to snap together, while the other offered connector straws and plastic joints for building all kinds of creative structures.
As they experimented, the children built towers and shapes, plus they also built important skills.
Center time like this supports:
Fine motor development – snapping, twisting, and joining pieces strengthens little hands.
Language and communication – students ask for pieces, share ideas, and comment on what they’re making.
Peer connection and social skills – taking turns, working side by side, and celebrating each other’s creations.
Creativity and problem-solving – figuring out how pieces fit, what to build, and how to fix something when it falls down.
Best of all, they’re having fun together — learning through play, exploring new materials, and starting the day with curiosity and teamwork.
10.31.25 Carving Pumpkins
Our kids in Room 6 had a blast carving, and scooping out the seeds and pulp of pumpkins. It was a great chance to talk about parts of the pumpkin and how seeds grow into plants and bear fruit.
The gooky insides caused some delighted squeals as well as some not so delighted ones, but this is good for the students to experience.
Some students enjoyed counting seeds, some enjoyed carving more!
Thank you again to
D&D Lawncare and Landscaping, and Heritage Farms for the donated pumpkins!
10.10.25 Teaching Fire Safety.
October is Fire Safety Month, and this week, we had a special visit from our local fire department! Firefighters showed our students their gear, equipment, and trucks, helping everyone learn what to do in case of an emergency. The kids were fascinated watching the firefighters put on their uniforms and loved getting a chance to touch the equipment and even explore the fire truck up close!
These hands-on experiences not only teach important safety skills, but also help our students feel more comfortable and confident around community helpers. A big thank-you to our local heroes for making learning so exciting!
10.9.25 – Apples Up!
“Today we learned about the parts of an apple and tried different colored apples!” ~Ms.Julie
Recently, we explored the parts of an apple and tasted apples of different colors—red, green, and yellow!
This hands-on activity is part of our Healthy Food Program, designed to gently encourage children—especially those who may struggle with eating due to sensory sensitivities or autism—to engage with nutritious foods in a fun, low-pressure way.
By learning about apples through touch, sight, and taste, our children practiced:
- Sensory exploration in a safe and structured environment
- Language development by naming apple parts and colors
- Fine motor skills through slicing, sorting, and tasting
- Social interaction by sharing their preferences and experiences
Most importantly, they were empowered to try something new at their own pace. These small steps help build trust around food and support lifelong healthy habits.
9/25/25 Cucumbers for us!
“We did healthy food eating today, we tried cucumbers! 
” writes Ms. Julie!
Today’s snack time turned into a learning adventure! The students tried cucumbers as part of our Healthy Food Program. For some children, new foods can be tricky because of different textures, smells, and tastes. Activities like this give them a safe, encouraging environment to explore at their own pace. Some kids jumped right in with big bites, others gave it a small taste, and a few even surprised themselves by asking for seconds!
Moments like these help our students build confidence, expand comfort zones, and celebrate every step toward healthy choices.
9.22.25 Room 6 Courtyard Time
We have been making the most of our courtyard space, giving students the chance to run, move, and let their energy out before diving into classroom work. These outdoor breaks aren’t just fun—they’re an important part of learning!
Outdoor exercise provides children with opportunities to:
Regulate their energy and emotions – running and moving helps them return to class calmer and more focused.
Strengthen physical development – outdoor play supports balance, coordination, and overall health.
Boost attention and readiness for learning – studies show that short bursts of movement improve concentration and memory.
Encourage social interaction – playing together outside builds friendships and teamwork.
The courtyard is just one of the new spaces in our building designed with children’s growth and success in mind. By creating areas where movement and learning can go hand in hand, we are giving students the tools they need to thrive—both inside the classroom and beyond.
9.5.2025 Room 6 Centers
It’s only the first week of school, but this new group of students is already jumping right into center time! They’re exploring, playing, and learning side by side—building friendships and skills as they go. What a fun way to start the year!
8.18.25 CAMPOUT DAY!
Room 6 had a blast on Friday with their very own campout day! The kids pitched tents, played games inside, and enjoyed activities all around their campsite. It was a full day of imagination, teamwork, and adventure!
Outdoor-style activities like this are very fun for children. Plus, they are healthy! Here are some benefits of outdoor learning:
- Encourage movement and exercise
- Provide fresh air and sunshine, which supports strong immune systems and boosts mood
- Spark creativity and problem-solving through pretend play
- Build social skills by working together, sharing space, and taking turns
Whether it’s camping, water play, or exploring nature, these experiences help children grow in body, mind, and friendships—all while making joyful memories.
8.11.25 Sensory Wall Smarts
A visit to the Sensory Wall gives our young scholars an opportunity to manipulate fidgets and gadgets, explore cause and effect, experience multiple textures, visuals, and sounds and interact with peers simultaneously. With 5 panels, our class can spread out and engage without overcrowding. We love it!
7.29.25 Ice Cream, Classroom Made!
7.23.25 Storytime in the Library
Room 6 was one of the lucky classes to enjoy a special read-aloud in the library with our new volunteer, Chris! He read two fun books, and the children got great practice sitting, listening, and engaging with a story. Chris made it extra interactive by letting students up to see the pictures more closely. We’re so grateful for volunteers who bring stories to life!
Splish, Splash Fun in R.6! 7.11.25
The children in Room 6 are having an absolute blast with water play! From running through sprinklers to splashing around at the water tables with toys, the laughter and smiles say it all. Water play is so refreshing on these hot days. It’s also a great way for our little learners to build motor skills, explore cause and effect, and enjoy sensory experiences together.
6.20.2025
Today is the final day of the 2024-25 school year, and our class, Room 6 was one of several to celebrate our graduations and achievements today.
We had a lovely celebration and song in the courtyard, with lots of family members to cheer us on. Mrs. Becca released our last few butterflies, reminding us that it is time to spread our own wings and fly.
Back in the classroom, a party with snacks, and then fun time, friend time building structures with each other, perhaps for the last time. While some of our Room 6 friends will return for the summer session in a couple of weeks, some will not. They are off to new schools, new camps and new adventures with family.
Room 6, class of ’25, we will always treaure our time together this year, and can’t wait to see you shine wherever you go.
Listening and Learning Together 6.5.25
During a recent classroom read-aloud, every child was fully engaged—eyes on the book, ears tuned in, and minds following the story. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how far they’ve come since the start of the school year. Their growing ability to attend, participate, and enjoy group activities is a true milestone worth celebrating!
Exploring Community Helpers 5.22.25
Room 6 has been diving into a unit on community workers and recently had an exciting hands-on learning opportunity! Thanks to Ms. Becca’s husband, who is a veterinarian, the class got to view real X-rays of animals. The children were fascinated by the images and loved learning about how vets help keep animals healthy. Experiences like this bring learning to life and help students understand the important roles people play in our communities.
Egg Hunting 4.11.25
We had a blast today with our egg hunt! The Schenectady Kiwanis club came the other day and stuffed eggs for all the students – not just in our class but in the whole school! In Room 6, friends looked for eggs all over the classroom. We are ready for a school break starting this afternoon, and this was a great way to end our week.
Exploring Rain Clouds with Our Young Scientists 4.5.25
We love all things science – beakers, droppers, liquids, partial solids….
Our curious 4- and 5-year-olds recently stepped into the world of weather science with a hands-on experiment that brought rain clouds to life—right inside the classroom! Using beakers, droppers, water, blue food coloring, and fluffy shaving cream, the students created their own mini cloud systems and watched as “rain” fell before their eyes.
This engaging activity introduced big science ideas in a fun, sensory-rich way. As the children carefully squeezed droplets of colored water onto the shaving cream “clouds,” they observed how rain forms and falls when clouds become too heavy. The awe and excitement were clear as the blue rain began to trickle down—just like a real storm!
Stay tuned for more from our budding meteorologists as we continue to explore the wonders of weather together.
Clap It Out in R.6! 3.28.25
Our students are building early literacy skills by learning to clap out syllables. During this engaging activity, the teacher shows a word card with a picture, and the children first name the word, say it aloud, and then clap out each syllable together. It’s a fun and active way to develop phonological awareness!
