Daily Activities
As a trained teacher I know the value of books and scheduled activities. But I also know the value of allowing children the time to play and discover. With this in mind I try to not to have a really structured day. I don't like saying that from time A to time B your child will be doing this. If a child is participating in an activity well and feeling a sense of pride and achievement, who am I to tell them it is time to stop. So our days will go with the flow.
There are certain things, however, that I must insist are scheduled. Snack and lunch times will be observed at roughly the same time everyday with morning snack at around 10:00, lunch at roughly around 12:00 and afternoon snack at around 3:00.
I will also try to have a music time everyday. I have a lot of resources from my time as a teacher including CD's, keyboards, recorders and lots of activities that I would like to do with your child. Music to me is the one subject that all children can experience fun and success in school and the earlier children start to get a sense of beat and dance the more successful they will feel.
There will also be time during the day for free play, as well as maybe a craft or other learning activity. Weather permitting we will try to go outside everyday, either for a walk or playing in the yard.
Quiet Time
Quiet time / Nap time will be after lunch everyday. This is time for the children to relax and just have time to be. Please let me know if you do not wish to have your child sleep.
For those who will be sleeping your child will be provided with a warm, safe place to sleep with a pillow and blanket. Infants and toddlers will be provided a crib, playpen or toddler bed to nap in. Nap mats, blankets and pillows are available for older children. Please feel free to bring favourite blankets or bedtime companions to help make this time more comfortable for your child.
For those children that will not be sleeping will be quietly relaxing or reading a book on their mats. Puzzles may be available during this time if your child can quietly do them.
If at all possible please try not to pick up or drop off children during this time when the children are resting or sleeping. If you must drop off your child at quiet time please be sure he or she has eaten lunch and is ready to rest quietly on his or her mat without disrupting the other children.
Special Days
I have always believed that special occasions should be recognized. Birthdays will be celebrated for each child and I will provide a special snack on these days.
I have a great respect for all religions and feel that it is the parents' responsibility to provide guidance in this area for their children.
I usually will plan special activities or crafts for occasions such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter and Thanksgiving. If you do not wish your child to participate in these activities please let me know.
You are welcome to send a special snack (i.e. cookies, cupcakes, etc.) to celebrate your child's birthday or any special day for your child if you would like. Please ask for the number of children attending that day so that we will have enough to go around.
Children learn and grow through play, experimentation, imagination, observation and discovery. As a teacher I have been trained to always provide for all learning styles and situations. I love the look on a child's face when they feel successful and have a sense of achievement. I believe all children have the right to feel success and achievement in everything they do.