rhythm of the day
7.30am - Our opening time
Children begin to arrive and settle in for the day.
8.00 - 9.15am - Children continue to arrive
Children and educators set up the playground together.
Experiences are available at the tables inside as well as writing, books and construction materials.
The Art studio is usually open for children to help prepare the materials and do an early morning painting.
This is, for some children a welcoming ritual.
9.30 - 9.45am - Morning meeting time
Children divide into three groups and meet with Educators to give their news, share ideas and hear the day’s program. It is also a time to develop language skills through poetry and songs and make a decision about what they might like to do during the morning program.
9.45 - 10am - Morning Tea
Time to wash your hands, have a snack, drink some water and chat with friends and Educators.
10am - 11.15am - The morning program of activities
Children can move around the centre participating in the experiences from a range of disciplines that include literacy, cooking, gardening, art, drawing, dance, music, construction, fine and gross motor activities, and dramatic play. Some of the experiences will be part of ongoing project work.
11.15 - 11.30am – Time to tidy away
Children will help Educators to pack away from play and experiences.
11.30 - 11.45am
An Educator presents a story, puppet play, rhythmical drama or percussion session for the whole centre in the theatre room.
11.45am - 12.15pm – Lunch
A menu is available to peruse in the foyer and we often augment the lunch with something the children have made. Produce from our garden is used almost daily in the menu, depending on the season.
12.15pm – Rest Time
Prepare for rest (toileting), nap, quiet time as is appropriate for each child. Rest time is in the theatre room and art studio.
12.30 - 1.15pm - The centre is quiet
1.15pm – Play time
Time to play again inside and outside weather permitting. Children who are still sleeping wake up when ready and join their friends.
2pm – Art Studio is opened
The art studio is open for an afternoon session with materials that differ to the mornings.
2.45pm – Afternoon Tea
We sit outside on sunny days, under the trees or on the grass or inside if it’s wet.
3.00 – 4.00pm – Packing away time
There is a slow packing away process and a general tidy up where children are expected to take part. This is also a learning experience. Children discover that everything has a home and it is kind to leave things beautifully set up for the next person. Parents begin to pick up their children.
4.00pm – 4.15pm – Story Time
Children put on their shoes and prepare to go into the theatre for a story or a game.
4.15pm – 5.00pm – Late Snack and Play time 5.00pm - Centre closes for the evening
Late snack before home time for those that are still with us.
