Arrival: A time to greet children and their families individually. This is a wonderful opportunity for sharing special news (Grandma or Grandpa are coming, we are going on a picnic for lunch, etc). We work to create an atmosphere of warmth and understanding encouraging each child to realize his own potential.
Circle Time: We gather together sharing in God's love through song, stories and dramatic play. We talk about the day's activities and the choices that the children will have for the session. Weather, calendar and "special days" are discussed. Our primary goal is to help the children learn to listen and be patient until it is their turn. They gain self-confidence by their interaction in a group discussion.
Free Play: Children are guided in selecting interest areas such as block building, water, sand or rice play, arts and crafts (easel painting, play dough and other projects), dramatic play (puppet shows, housekeeping, dress-up) and manipulative toys and puzzles. Other choices may include planting, cooking and the publishing center where they can create their own books and papers.
Clean-Up Time: We encourage all the children to help put away the materials by using positive reinforcement.
Prayer and Snack: We provide nutritious snacks for the children that include a drink, crackers, fruit and cheese. This is another special time of the day when we can give thanks to God for our food and each other. It is a wonderful opportunity for the children to socialize with their classmates and teachers providing time to reinforce positive responses such as "please" and "thank you".
Outdoor Time: Each day will include supervised outdoor play. The children have an opportunity to interact with each other while playing on the equipment, riding bikes and scooters, playing parachute and ball games and making nature discoveries.
Story Time: During the session several stories are read that are Biblical, seasonal or a reinforcement of our theme of the day. We have a special library area where books are always available for the children to enjoy and we welcome any requests for reading that they offer. Our three and four year-year-old classes are enhanced with field trips and programs in nature, movement and music.