The daily routine at The Mayapple School balances independent and group work, outdoor and indoor explorations, and the needs of the body and the mind. The times below are a guide for the normal rhythms of the day, but our schedule is flexible to accommodate the needs of the students. Usually…
8:30-9:35 a.m. – Flexible Drop Off Time and Indoor Explorations – Students acclimate to the classroom with a dependable morning routine upon arrival. Parents are welcome to play with their child in the classroom during this period. Students choose and move freely among the available centers of the classroom, playing alone or with others. Often, a unique activity supporting the unit’s theme is set up as one of the free choices.
9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. – Morning Meeting and Unit Lesson – Children, teachers, and visitors gather together for morning greetings, story time, stretches or games, and a lesson and activity based on the unit topic. Read more about our units here.
10:05 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. – Bathroom Break - After a bathroom break for the whole class, we spend time getting ready for the great outdoors! During this time, we’ll also sing songs or play counting games. Children who are “ready” early may read a book on the couch while waiting.
10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. – Snack—Children gather outside, picnic-style, for a healthy snack.
10:40 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Outdoor Explorations – Children choose and move freely in our outdoor classroom and playground area. Inspired by the Forest Kindergarten movement, we go outside in almost all weather and temperatures, though during especially inclement weather outdoor time may be shortened.
12 p.m. – Half-day Dismissal – Children enrolled in our half-day program are dismissed from the playground.
12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Bathroom Breaks and Lunch—Children enrolled in our full-day program gather for a healthy lunch brought from home. Bathroom Breaks before and after lunch ensure clean hands!
12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Nap Time – Due to licensure regulations, all children must have the opportunity to nap during the day. Children who do not fall asleep during this half hour rest quietly on mats, listening to music or reading a book.
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Independent Work Time – Children either continue to nap, or, if they do not fall asleep, choose from a variety of “quieter” work modules that support math, literacy, art, or motor skills.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Bathroom Break and Outdoor Explorations – We love outdoor explorations at The Mayapple School!
3 p.m. – Full-day Dismissal – Full-day students are dismissed promptly at 3:00.