Innovation Station provides children with the added structure they are ready for as they prepare for school. They are actively developing self-esteem and social skills through free play opportunities. Our preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners are increasing their attention spans as they participate in a combination of large and small group activities throughout the day. Teachers will communicate daily with parents verbally at the end of the day, as well as provide a daily summary of the children’s day through email.
A Typical Day at in Preschool …
Before 8:00 – Early Arrivers
At the beginning of the day, we start in the young two year old classroom downstairs. Children will have free play during this time.
8:00 – Free Play
The children have the opportunity to explore the classroom and socialize with their peers at this time.
8:30 – Breakfast
We offer breakfast from 8:30 to 9:00. For those children who already ate at home, free play is still available.
9:00 – Group Time
Each morning we join together at group time. During group, we have the opportunity to listen to different stories typically based on our theme. We also learn many different songs during this time. Music experiences are very important for children at this age. We have been working hard on adding sign language and movement to our songs.
9:15 – Centers and Small Groups
During this time, we have small group times to focus on more individual learning. While this time is going on, the children will work on a variety of activities, including art projects, using manipulatives for counting or sorting, sensory play, and cooking projects. They can also select from a variety of choices to encourage exploration and learning through play that go along with our thematic units.
10:45 – Outdoor Play
11:30 – Lunch
We have a family-style lunch prepared at the center each day. As we eat lunch together, we socialize with each other in addition to working on self-help skills and manners.
12:15 – Rest Time
For those staying for the afternoon, rest is a very important part of the day. We encourage resting for the first 30 minutes. For those not sleeping after that time period, we will work on one-on-one activities and quiet choices.
2:30 – One-on-one Work/Table Toys
3:00 – Centers and Snack
Students can again pick from the activities of the day. We will also have another opportunity for art.
4:15 – Outdoor Play
Emergent Theme Planning
Each unit we do in our classroom is inspired by the children through observation and conversation. We feel that this kind of planning helps the children learn the math and literacy skills even better since they have shown interest in the units. Some of the units we have covered in previous months include: dinosaurs, bugs, birds (including chicken hatching), and nursery rhymes.
