Each day your child will experience the same sequence of events from the moment they arrive at school! Although each activity will be different, your child will gain a sense of security knowing that there is an order to things each day. As the year goes on, children understand what is expected and find comfort in knowing what comes next. All of the curriculum goes as follows:
9:00/1:00
Free Play Time
At this time, we wait for all the children to arrive. Children interact with each other and we demonstrate appropriate play and social skills. This is a great opportunity for your child to explore new things with their classmates and navigate new social situations.
9:15/1:15
Music/Movement Activity
I am a firm believer that you must wake up your brain and your body for learning! During this time we do all kinds of things like learning rhythm using drum sticks, crawling around on the floor like puppies and doing doggy tricks, practicing skipping, hopping on one foot, balance, singing, learning nursery rhymes and songs, and basically anything to get our bodies moving.
9:30/1:30
Circle Time
During circle time we learn songs about the days of the week, the months of the year and counting to 31 on the calendar. We talk about holidays, weather, and introducing new letters. We also learn the pledge of allegiance and say it each school day. During circle time I read a new book aloud to the children (usually based on what we are learning during the day or week). We also play games that teach kids about giving clues, letter sounds and social skills.
9:50/1:50
Table Craft
This is where the kids get creative. Although I provide activities and different art and mediums to the children, this is the time the children have to explore new avenues with their creativity. There is no right or wrong way to make something. We do have crafts that require certain steps and we also have crafts that are "free-range" where anything goes. There is no right or wrong way to make it!
10:05/2:05
Reading/Puzzles
This is a five minute transition activity that allows Ms. Ali to clear off the table and get ready for snack. During this time the children may read a book off the book shelf (which has books that are rotated every week so they never read the same ones) or do quiet puzzles. Sometimes I will get out lace ups, beads for stringing or other quiet independent play activities. This time allows for children who are quick to finish their craft to go quietly to the next activity while the others finish.
10:10/2:10
Snack/Cooking Time
This ten minute time frame is when the children gather at the table to eat a snack. Sometimes we have goodies and treats while other times we explore new foods! Every now and again we will cook something together for snack. Most of the time we can cook it at the table and sometimes we go up to the kitchen.
10:20/2:20
Learning in Motion
Learning in motion is when we do a physical activity while learning a concept. For example, sometimes we learn math by counting bean bags stacked on top of our heads! One day we might make patterns with beads or practice our letter sounds by tossing blocks into buckets. Most of the time we practice with manipulatives that help us learn our letters. This time is great for those learners who do better away from the worksheets and flash cards.
10:30/2:30
Academic Activity
During this time, we head back to the table and do a reading or writing activity. We usually practice the letter of the day. We practice pencil grip and small motor skills with scissors, glue, paint, etc. While the children are working Ms. Ali spends time with each child working on their particular need. We also practice writing our names.
10:45/2:45
Outside Play Time
This is where the kids get outdoors and explore nature! We generally head to the back yard and play soccer or frisbee down in the park right out our back doors. Or we play at the subdivision play ground (which is also just right out our back door.) When its too cold to play outside, or we have bad weather, we play inside and play with large motor skill toys like hula-hoops, jump-ropes or balance beams. The children may also choose to do more free play with the school toys.
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