Preschool – “A Day in the Life”

Preschool students walk in with their parents each morning and greet their friends and teachers. They start the day with free choice in their classroom, choosing between a variety of areas and materials until the class all comes together for Morning Meeting. Morning Meeting is a special time where our preschoolers sing songs, review the schedule and check the weather. They also ask and answer the “Question of the Day” which allows them each an opportunity to practice important life skills like learning to voice their opinions, speak aloud to each other, and practice eye contact.

After Morning Meeting, the preschool heads outside for their first recess of the day. During this hour outside, the children use the sandbox, the climbing structure, swings, bikes, build with natural materials or just run around!

Snack follows directly after morning recess. The preschool enjoys snack together, allowing for peer and group conversations, and a chance to work on table manners!

Next up, the preschool either has a Special. Specials include Science, Creative Movement, and Art. Art may include a visit to the Ceramics Studio, where the preschoolers get to learn about clay; where it comes from, how it feels to flatten it with their hands after warming it up, and then create clay tiles using different design tools.

After Specials, we come back to the Preschool Room for Group time where we read a story and sing a few songs. We then review what is available for Center Time and have 45 minutes of Centers. An example of Center time this week consisted of: letter treasure hunt in the sensory table, transparent blocks on the light table, Doctor’s Office in Dramatic Play to promote creativity, imagination and cooperative play, exploring farm animals on the rug with blocks, barn, tractors, etc., Learning how to play a board game, Wooden cylinder blocks, scissor work, painting at easel, etc.

After Center time, children set up their own sleeping bags, wash hands and sit down for lunch as a group. We enjoy having conversations with one another and learning social norms and table manners. When children are done with lunch, they go to their beds for rest time.

Rest time takes place from 12:30-2:30. As children wake they put their bedding away and make quiet table choices such as books or puzzles until pick up time.