How structured is class time?
The class generally follows a regular schedule. Children thrive on consistency. Each teacher sets her own schedule. However, for Preschool/PreK and PreK/Kindergarten, it usually goes something like this: First, circle time with greetings, songs, games, and demonstrations. A work period follows where children choose from a broad range of materials in the environment. Then perhaps another short circle, outside time, and a story/closure circle. Children then have lunch or leave to go home. The afternoon class follows a similar schedule. Within the schedule, there are many opportunities for independence and personal choice. The schedule may be adapted to include special activities such as music or movement enrichment, special events, the weather, and of course the needs of the children.
