Preschool Classrooms Sample Daily Rhythm
Here’s an example daily schedule for our preschool classrooms:
Morning
Arrival and breakfast
Open – 9:00 a.m.
Children play quietly and eat breakfast. As they finish their meal, they can play however they choose at our learning centers until most children have arrived and are finished eating.
Group time
9:00 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
The real start to our day begins when we come together as a group to welcome each other and talk briefly about the day's planned events. We will also do things like read a book out loud or sing a song!
Activity centers
9:25 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Activity centers are an important part of our classrooms, and usually involve small-group activities. Your child will do things like play with blocks, experiment with creative arts, engage in dramatic play, read, do age-appropriate math or science activities, or write.
Morning snack
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
They’ll have a healthy snack like carrots and hummus or cheese and crackers.
Outdoor play
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
It’s time to go outside! Mostly little ones play on their own, using their imaginations. Outdoor time can also be part of our daily themed activity.
Lunch
11:50 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Time to wash our hands, help set tables, and get ready to eat lunch!
Afternoon
Transition
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
We all help clean up from lunch and get ready to rest.
Rest time
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Ssshh … it’s quiet time. Many children will nap, but as they wake up (or if they never quite get to sleep), they can select different quiet activities, such as looking at books or drawing.
Activity centers
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kids come back to activity centers to play and explore on their own, and also do a theme-related activity led by a teacher.
Group time
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Every afternoon, we gather as a group to talk about the day's events as well as any special events planned for the following day. Other activities could include a read-aloud or a song.
Afternoon snack
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
They’ll have a nutritious snack like apples and seed butter.
Outdoor play
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
It’s time to go outside! They might play on their own or participate in a group activity.
Activity centers and pick-up
4:15 p.m. – Close
It’s time for pick-up! After a busy day together, children are given the space and time to explore and play in the learning centers on their own.
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