The Kindergarten day has a natural rhythm:
Children arrive between 8.50-9.00. The children have time for imaginative play, and taking part in the tasks e.g. sewing, woodwork, making, cleaning toys, preparing food for the following day’s snack, etc. Children are welcome, but not required, to help. As the teacher and assistant show devotion for their work they inspire the children to find happiness in their play. Tidy time brings the end of play and all the children are encouraged to be involved.
We then come together for ring-time, filled with seasonal songs, movement, gestures and poems; it is a time for listening. Children will participate when they are ready to do so. We are sensitive to those children who wish to be observers.
We wash our hands and prepare for a wholesome snack, a time for talking and sharing. A candle is lit and a blessing said to show appreciation for our food. We clear away together.
We put on appropriate clothes and go out for a walk in the woods, down by the stream or up the hill, or play in the garden. The teacher and assistant take on a task, which the children are welcome to take part in.
Story is a calm end to the morning. The story is normally told rather than read so that the children are free to develop their own images and feel part of the group; it sometimes takes the form of a simple puppet play. A farewell verse is said and children are taken to meet their parent/carer.
Some children stay for the afternoon, they rest for a short while before eating their healthy packed lunches, then more play, this can be a calm time after a busy morning.
Indoors: For warmth and hygiene purposes we wear slippers.
Outdoors: We try to go out whatever the weather so your child will need: Waterproofs, wellington boots, warm/sun hat, scarf and gloves, if cold, a change of clothes (just in case)