a typical day

Regular sessions will follow this routine:

20-30 min Center Time (9:00-9:30)
5 min Clean-Up (9:30-9:35)
25 min Carpet Time (9:35-10:00)
15 min snack (10:00-10:15)
25 min Outdoor Time (10:15-10:40)
15 min Project related Literature (10:40-10:55)
30 min Project Time (10:55-11:25)
5-10 min Clean Up & gather things (parents arrive between 11:30-11:45)

Center Time
There will be three to four centers available for the children to explore. They may stay in one center the entire time or visit as many as they choose. The centers will be self-directed and encourage further learning related to their project work. (The first project we will study will be "food", although what we learn entirely depends on the children's interest). The centers will remain and change depending on the frequency and engagement of the children at each session. Some ideas: a kitchen/dining area or restaurant, a measuring center: where the children use typical kitchen measuring tools to measure with beans, noodles, marshmallows, etc., a library with books that have food related topics and stories, an art center where the kids can create still life and sculpture of familiar fruit and vegetables. These are just a few ideas. Some centers may remain for a few weeks etc., while others will change frequently.

Carpet Time
Activities within Carpet Time will involve class social interaction and sharing of experiences and ideas, music & movement, poetry, American Sign Language, emergent literacy such as alphabet identification and beginning phonics, calendar & weather exploration, and anything else that will increase the children's learning within their project theme.

Outdoor Time
As long as weather permits, we will spend this time outside taking walks or hikes through the yard, inspecting nature and nearby animals, building snow forts and snow angels, playing all manner of outdoor games, etc. There will be activity ideas, but this is mainly a free time for the children outdoors.

Project related Literature
At the beginning of each daily project focused activity, a book will be read that will introduce the activity, strengthen concepts already learned and introduce new material in regards to the project.

Project Time
Each day a new activity will help the children continue to research and explore their project theme. These activities will integrate the curriculum and will reappear in center time if the children need or desire more time exploring the ideas presented.

Clean Up & gather things
Cleaning up is part of play. We will be using this skill after Center and Project Time. Another important skill in life is learning to care for and keep track of our posessions. My goal is for the children to take pride in having a place for their coats, gloves, hats, backpacks, etc. and for these treasures to return home with them. :)

In regards to non-typical days, I would like to take the students on field trips one to two times each month. These will be special activities that will reinforce those concepts learned while studying within their project themes. Because transportation and being in public is a concern, I would ask that a parent, gaurdian, grandparent, etc. accompany each student. These will be days that you will want to accompany your child. It will suprise you how much they learn and will help you to know how to further their learning at home.

***A small side note***
I understand that we all have bad days from time to time, and I have never had to send a student home, however, please be available if your child becomes sick or is having an exceptionally bad day that deters everyone in the class from learning. If your child is adimate about you not leaving, please either stay until they are comfortable, or just try another day.

please leave comments and questions as to our daily routine and any other ideas or concerns you may have :)