A SCHOOL DAY AT WCNS
At WCNS, we believe that our curriculum must be both developmentally appropriate and relevant to each child’s life experiences, interests and needs. Our play-based program offers children ample time to make choices, discover materials, explore ideas, and reflect on their experiences. We see play as the fundamental mode of learning, and truly believe that play is a young child’s work. Our teachers act as facilitators of learning and guide children as they acquire skills and knowledge.
The classroom is structured into learning centers, including a music center, big blocks area, writing center, and dramatic play area. There are big, soft mats for children to jump on, a sand table where they can get their hands dirty, and a water table where they can make waves.
The classroom is structured into learning centers, including a music center, big blocks area, writing center, and dramatic play area. There are big, soft mats for children to jump on, a sand table where they can get their hands dirty, and a water table where they can make waves.
8:00 AM ARRIVAL School Opens for early arrival for some children. Children place their jackets and lunch in their cubbies and head to the sinks to wash hands. Limited option free play in designated areas of the classroom while awaiting children who arrive at 9:00 am 9:00 AM ARRIVAL Children follow same procedure as above. 9:15 AM MEETING Songs, games discussions, greeting of visitors and announcements about the day's activities |
9:35AM CHOICE TIME (PLAY)
All areas of the classroom are open! Planned activities such as dramatic play, block building, music and movement, science and art projects (process art) take place daily. Children move about freely, making choices and interacting with others. Many spontaneous, informal learning experiences occur. Snack is offered in small group settings where children serve themselves. |
10:35 AM CLEAN UP
Children are assigned clean-up jobs throughout the classroom
Children are assigned clean-up jobs throughout the classroom
10:45AM LANGUAGE
Books or poetry, flannel board stories, puppetry, acting out stories or teachers select books to be read in small groups 11:00AM OUTSIDE PLAY
The outdoor equipment provides challenges through which confidence and body awareness are developed. There are opportunities for all kinds of physical activity such as sliding, climbing and swinging. Other dimensions of outdoor activity are scientific investigations of plants and living creatures and dramatic play involving digging, dirt, and water. We take advantage of local resources by walking to the Library, Post Office and Fire House. |
11:55AM OUTSIDE CLEAN UP
Children are assigned items to clean up |
12:00PM LUNCH
Children wash hands and set up for lunch. A story selected by a child is
read during lunch.
Children wash hands and set up for lunch. A story selected by a child is
read during lunch.
1:00PM REST/NAPTIME
Children listen to stories, use the bathroom and rest on their cots.
2:15PM SNACK TIME
Children listen to stories, use the bathroom and rest on their cots.
2:15PM SNACK TIME

2:30PM - 3:00PM CHOICE & DISMISSAL
Limited activities: Puzzles, Manipulatives, Books
Dismissal varies with the children
Limited activities: Puzzles, Manipulatives, Books
Dismissal varies with the children