While we remain flexible to the needs of each and every child, we do follow a schedule of routines each day as follows. Our daily routine is also designed to include many children led as well as teacher directed activities. Our teachers will build in transitions which are built around large group, small group and independent activities.
Free Play: This is how the children start their day with us. They may choose anything they want from table top games, to blocks, books, housekeeping, dress ups, etc. This is an opportunity for free expression, choice, and decision making as well as socialization. Typically, this takes place for the first 30 minutes of their day. Once they hear the bell ring, they will learn that means it is clean up time and then circle time.
Circle Time: This is when the children come together on the carpet for large group time. We greet each other, say our morning/afternoon prayer, sing songs, learn about the calendar, the days, the weather, finger plays, and the Pledge. The children will also discuss and learn the new day's theme and activity. Follow-up tasks are presented and modeled and then children are guided to centers.
Center Time: The class is then divided into 3 smaller groups for table top center time. The centers are designed to reinforce the daily theme in the way of science, math, social studies, or even art activities to expand on their concepts and skills. As each child completes their center, they are free to choose an open area in the room in which to play until it is time to report to the next table.
Bathroom Break: Bathroom breaks are, of course, permitted on as needed basis. But there is one group break which occurs before snack time where the children line up behind their line leader and caboose and walk down the hall to the bathrooms. During all bathroom breaks, children are escorted by the teacher, assistant, or director and are never alone. Note, you will be contacted if there should be any bathroom accidents during school hours. You can either bring clothes to change your child and leave them to complete their day or take them home with you.
Snack Time: A snack time will be enjoyed by your child each and every day unless it is a delayed opening or early dismissal day. This is a time for your child to take a break and socialize with their friends. However, this is designed as a short SNACK time, not a meal time. Please keep your snacks and drinks healthy, small and simple. Do not send in any milk or milk products as your child's snack remains in their cubby and not in a refrigerator. We will keep you posted as to when we are celebrating a birthday snack which is when you do not need to send in a snack for your child as it will be provided for the whole class by the Birthday Child. We will also advise our parents as to any food allergies in our program.
DEAR: Drop Everything and Read - or book and belly time. This is a time when the children choose their own book and and sit or lay down and read/look at it.
Gross Motor: Children are engaged in gross motor development play activities during either indoor or outdoor activity time daily as well as during their regularly scheduled gym day. Please dress your child accordingly as we will go out on the playground every day possible.
Story Time: Children will listen to a story, participate in the reading or retelling of a story, sing songs, learn and repeat finger plays daily. Additionally, the library lady visits each class monthly for a very special story time.
Theme Discussions/Recall: This is the time at the end of the day when students and teachers review the day's learning and activities and assess how the day has gone and prepare for dismissal.