Flow of the Day at BunnyBears
Greeting time
Each family has its morning routines and rituals. Through collaboration between parents and teachers, we have developed separation routines that work best for each child. Some children come to school as early as 7 a.m. They arrive in the Community Room. Our early mornings start with an intimate story reading with a teacher or gathering in the art studio. As more children arrive at school they choose their area of interest to explore and enjoy free playtime. This is also a time for families to communicate with teachers. (7a.m-9:15a.m)
Outdoors exploration
Each age group takes turns going outside in the morning. Weather permitting children participate in gross motor activities in our playground. The outdoor art studio is always available and an invitation is set up on the art table. The sand area is open for the children and provocations are set up based on current interests ranging from gross/fine motor to sensory activities. Depending on the time of the year children take care of the garden, set up sensory play station, clean the playground, and dry off morning dew of the playground structure and tables. Each age groups get an hour of outdoor play in the morning and spends most of the afternoons playing outdoors (8:30 a.m-11:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m – 5:30 p.m)
Morning and Afternoon Snacks
Caterpillars and Butterflies eat morning snacks inside Family style. Children help themselves to serve bagels, waffles, toast, and fresh fruit. They use ceramic cups and bowls and clean up after themselves by taking their cups to the tray once they are done. Morning Snack is served at the picnic tables outside for the Dragonflies, they use paper cups. (9:30a.m-10:00a.m)
The whole school eats afternoon snacks at the picnic tables outside. Healthy snack options (whole grain crackers, cheese quesadilla, pasta, etc.) along with fresh fruit are offered to children. Children drink water throughout the day. (3:30p.m)
Morning Meeting
Each age group and their teacher have their morning meetings every day. The entire class meets for their morning meeting to reflect on morning dynamics, re-visit ongoing investigations, and plan their day. Children take turns talking and listening to their peers. They share opportunities to discuss topics of interest and announce special family events. Songs, nursery rhymes, and learning chants often come from Caterpillar and Butterfly rooms. (9:45-10:15)
Small Group Work
During this time invitations are created for children to explore a wide range of different materials that support early learning. Work in small groups is encouraged by teachers where meaningful conversations among teachers and children take place. Teachers carefully observe children and offer resources to help children to deepen their knowledge and expand their work. Children have the opportunity to come to the art studio and choose to work with rich materials to expand their line of work. Clay, wire, markers pencils are available to children. An overhead projector is also used in the art studio for light and shadow exploration. (10:00-11:30)
Lunch Time
All school comes together for lunchtime outdoors (weather permitting). Teachers help children to open their lunch boxes and warm up food from home. Children share special notes from home they find in the lunch boxes, talk about their favorite foods, and share events of the day. (12:00-12:30)
Nap Time
Children rest their bodies on cots during this time. Children are welcome to bring sheets, blankets, and cuddle toys from home. Soft music is played and the shades are lowered to encourage children to rest. Teachers sit with children and pat their backs to help them fall asleep.
Departure
After nap time the entire school plays together outside. An art activity is offered in the art studio. Invitations are created at the picnic tables for children to work in small groups: puzzles, small manipulatives, loose parts, etc. Children who stay all day are picked up anytime between 3 and 6 pm. Pick-up usually occurs outside until sunset when we bring the children into the Caterpillar room for quiet activities. Half-day children are typically picked after lunch at 12:30
