The Toddler Two Living Room includes twelve two-year-old children, two full-time teachers, and a part-time teacher.
Organization of the Day
Greeting Time
Children develop their own ways of saying goodbye to parents; some children desire more time during this transition than others. All areas within the room are open for exploration. It is important that the children are present, as we come together as a community and move into our small group time.
Morning Tea
During “Morning Tea” children are offered a nourishing snack. Our morning teas are served family-style and create a moment for children to converse and build relationships with friends as well as to build “practical life” skills such as pouring, taking turns, asking for what you need, cleaning and so forth. This snack is served around 8:30 a.m. Children arrive by 8:30 a.m. if they would like to join us for morning tea.
Personal Care
The children’s personal care is responsive and diapers are changed every two hours or as needed. After morning tea , diapers are changed, and older children who have displayed signs of toileting readiness are offered an opportunity to use the bathroom if needed. These moments are opportunities for learning, as teachers engage children in conversations, supporting “practical life skills such as hand washing and dressing.
Morning Meeting
After the children have finished their morning tea and diaper changes, we gather in small groups for an organized story time. As the year progresses, this time may develop into a whole group morning meeting. Story time begins around 9:15 a.m. Please arrive by this time so that your child can be involved in the morning activities from their beginnings.
Learning Choices and Small Group Time
Teachers maintain an environment that is engaging and filled with provocations based on the children’s interest and the teacher’s questions. From our morning meeting, we go into our planned small group work based on the children’s interests and emerging skills as well as teacher’s question. You may find us pinching and coiling clay, studying the cause and effect of musical instruments, taking a trip to the playground, investigating the weight of sand, walking around our community, living-rooms, or other areas within the school. Explorations of materials, continued project work, and meaningful exploration of classroom areas are some examples of what might occur during small group time.
Lunch
We all come together again for a family-style lunch at the dining table at 11:15 a.m. The children eat at tables in small groups with an educator. Once the children have settled into their new routines, parents are welcome to join us for lunch.
Personal Care and Rest Time
After lunch, the children wash their hands, faces and brush their teeth and take care of their bodies. Afterwards, we prepare our bodies to rest, practicing yoga, reading books, rubbing backs and soft whispers. The length of each child’s nap varies, but all of the children do sleep. Soothing music is played in the classroom as the children fall asleep. Educators attend meetings and take their breaks during this time.
Afternoon Activities
If the weather permits, we go outside to the playground for the afternoon. Small group work, open explorations within the School, and mixed-aged group activities may occur within these periods.
Late Day and Afternoon Gathering
Between 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. most parents and children prepare for the transition from the school to their homes. Special messages and highlights of the day are also shared. If you would like to speak with an educator at length, we suggest that you schedule a mini conference. The Center closes promptly at 5:15 p.m.