Preschool Daily Schedule

Clark Fork School, Missoula Montana

 

If you need care prior to 9:00 at any time during the year please inquire with our office manager about our pre-care program.

Explore Time 9-10:15/10:30

This extended time period will allow child-directed exploration of our many classroom areas. Dramatic play, block building, opportunities to work with drawing, writing and math related materials, as well as sand/water play, creating and experimenting with many art and science materials, books and storytelling activities and opportunities to explore natural specimens and processes. This will also be a time for teachers to work individually with children providing support and challenges specific to their needs and interest. Since children need to eat when they’re hungry, kids are invited to bring a snack from their lunch boxes to our “snack spot” at any point during explore time.

Clean-up 10:15/10:30

Although children are encouraged to tidy-up as they move from one area of the room to another, a bell at this time will signal a gathering to assign clean-up jobs. Our final clean-up of the morning is a group effort.

Circle and Whole/Small Group 10:45-11:15/11:30

Each day we will all gather to share a song, and poem, story or news before launching into activities in either one large group or two smaller groups. This group time will encompass activities ranging from fine arts, drama, music and movement, science, math, language arts, drawing and more. These groups are designed to support curriculum and content by enhancing in-depth discussion and exploration, long-term projects and the unique opportunity to know each other within a smaller group context.

Lunch 11:30-12:00

After clearing their space, going potty and washing their hands, children will be asked to spend a few minutes independently looking at books. A teacher will take children outside when a majority of them have completed these tasks.

Outside Time 12-12:30

In all sorts of weather, children and teachers will take advantage of our play yard, sandbox and the time to run, climb, swing, imagine and explore in the wonderful natural setting our schoolyard provides.

Closing Circle 12:30-1:00

We will meet at circle to have a cracker snack, sing songs and a teacher will read a book. We will each have a chance to share something positive and important during our “thankfuls”. Parents are welcome to join the circle and draw the morning to a close with us when they pick up their children at this time of day. Prompt pick-ups will facilitate a smooth transition for everyone at this time.

If your child will be staying during mat time, please bring a standard size, plush towel for resting on (all children will be placed in a carpeted area for resting time), a blanket, small (crib size) pillow and one soft toy for snuggling (pillow and toy are optional). We request that other types of active types not be brought to school for use during mat time as it is often too challenging to remember quiet ways of using them. We feel that this small group quiet time is a wonderful opportunity for us to introduce alternative activities from our “deep carpet bag of tricks”, as well as providing an excellent context for children to do some solitary work of their choice from among the many manipulative shelf options available to them. Please be sure to speak with your teacher concerning whether or not your child is likely to sleep at this time of day, so that we can make arrangements conducive to satisfying this need.

Table Time 1:00-1:30

Before settling down to mat time, children will be engaging in quiet table activities, crafts and art projects.

Mat Time 1:30-2:30

Teachers will most typically read a chapter or storybook at the beginning of this time. While we play soft music, children are encouraged to rest for 15-30 minutes- some will sleep. After a quiet resting time children will be allowed to look at books or choose quiet materials from our shelves to work with independently and quietly in their spot.

Closing 2:30-3:00

Children will clean-up their materials and mat time things and will be encouraged to have a nibble from their lunch boxes before returning to the outdoors to finish their day. If you don’t find us outside please find us inside.

If your child is enrolled, your child’s teacher will see to it that your child makes a smooth transition to after-care.