The Importance of Play
Children learn by doing. Knowledge is not something that is given to children as though they were empty vessels to be filled. Children acquire knowledge about the physical and social worlds in which they live through playful interaction with objects and people. The teachers prepare the environment so that it provides stimulating and challenging materials and activities for the children. Each day’s schedule provides opportunities for children to explore and express themselves through art, music and movement, language, math, dramatic play, and hands-on science activities.
A pre-established routine followed consistently each day enables the children to easily anticipate what will happen next. The daily schedule also supports our goals of helping the children to feel secure, independent, and able to move from one activity to another with ease and confidence.
A helpful guide in knowing the approximate activity schedule your child will follow
|7:30-9:00 AM||Children arrive at the Child Center/Child Initiated Play|
|9:30-10:00 AM||Diaper Changes/Teacher Directed Play|
|10:00-10:20 AM||Group Time/Stories and Songs|
|10:20-10:35 AM||Music and Movement|
|10:35-11:35 AM||Small Groups – An activity will be offered including things such as painting, gluing, coloring, cooking, play doh, etc. Not all of the children might feel inclined to come to the table to participate which os fine. Outside Play – Also at this time. The classroom is divided into two groups.|
|11:35-11:45 AM||Diaper Changes/Handwashing|
|12:15-2:30 PM||Nap Time|
|2:30-3:00 PM||Diaper Changes/Free Play|
|3:30-4:30 PM||Outdoor Play/Gross Motor Activity|
|4:30-4:45 PM||Child Initiated Play|
|4:45-5:00 PM||Stories and Songs|
As one can imagine, the Toddler Room is less structured than the other programs offered at the Child Center due to the age of the children and the vast developmental differences among those in attendance. Additional toys, books, and art supplies are kept in the basement resource room so that the learning setting can be constantly altered for the sake of providing a stimulating play environment. The toddlers have varied interests and attention spans so the creative teacher has to keep the day moving along constantly, interacting and enriching the offerings. Keeping to the exact time schedule often is not possible. This schedule is subject to change on any given day.