Daily Schedule and Routines
The goal of the classroom daily schedule is for children to experience the Learn And Explore Preschool program as a place of safety and comfort where they know what to expect and when to expect it. All classroom schedules are flexible enough to provide adaptability when necessary, but structured enough to provide predictability for children. Daily schedules are developed by each classroom within the program’s overall guidelines and philosophy.
A predictable routine helps children develop a sense of competence and involvement in their world. These routines can be viewed as on-going opportunities to practice practical skills used throughout life as well as build on social, cognitive and motor development. The emphasis in the classrooms is on the children developing observation and analysis skills, making predictions, problem solving, and experimenting. These are all skills that will serve them well as they mature into older grades and are ready for more vocabulary, abstract concepts and other skills that require higher level thinking. At Learn And Explore Preschool, we consider the routines of each day as opportunities to develop children in the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language focus areas. The following are examples of daily routines that are created within the guidelines of our program philosophy.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIME
Children arrive/depart; greet/say good-bye to teachers and friends; put away/gather personal belongings, make choices regarding available activities in the classroom/assume the responsibility of restoring activities to appropriate containers, shelves or areas in the classroom.
WHOLE GROUP TIME
The entire class participates in Circle Time, Music & Movement, Read-Alouds, and whole groups projects. Children come together as a community of learners to share and listen to one another, actively participate together, and build a sense of respect and support for each other.
INTEREST AREAS AND SMALL GROUP TIME
Children choose activities from a variety of learning centers and may be asked to join a small group activity led by a teacher. Interest areas include: Blocks, Library, Dramatic Play, Art, Manipulatives (toys and games), and Science & Discovery.
MEAL/SNACK TIME
Children eat tasty and nourishing meals. Meal times are times when children learn proper dining etiquette and have the opportunity to socialize with fellow students. Teachers facilitate meal time by modeling expected behaviors.
OUTDOOR TIME
Children play outside every day, weather permitting, Outdoor play helps develop children’s muscles, improves coordination, and reinforces healthy habits. This time enables children to learn social skills such as taking turns, planning and coordinating with peers, and building strong friendship.