Every teacher sets up his or her own daily schedule, but follows a basic structure that is uniform throughout Orchard Ridge Nursery School (ORNS). Schedules may be modified to accommodate the individual needs of the children in each classroom. However, a typical day includes the following activities:

MEETING TIME

During meeting time, each class gathers to make plans and discuss special activities for the day, and teachers introduce new concepts. Depending on the age of the group, children may do daily graphing activities, discuss the weather, record information on a calendar, and learn about the current theme.  Teachers also take time to ask questions to catch up on what is going on in the childrens' lives outside of school.    

            

FREE PLAY

Children are encouraged to independently and collaboratively explore during free play time. Teachers carefully prepare each classroom with developmentally appropriate learning centers, daily projects and activities that support the childrens' current interests.  Teachers spend their time working one-on-one or in small groups to encourage learning as the children play. The teachers also help children with social problem solving and ask open ended questions to make play and learning come alive.

GROUP TIME                               

Group time gives children the opportunity to gather to hear a story, play a group game, sing songs, ask questions, listen to children read their own stories, make music with instruments, do finger plays, and plan future activities. Teachers help children build on what they know and focus on the evolving interests of the group. Children are read to every day.

SNACK TIME

Before sitting down for a family-style snack provided by the school, children wash their hands and help prepare the table for one another. They pour their own water to drink and serve themselves their own snack. During this time, children talk with each other and the teacher, practice table manners and learn about sharing and passing food. 

OUTDOOR PLAY

Children at ORNS spend time outside each day, weather permitting. The playground has several slides, monkey bars, tunnels and other equipment appealing to young children. The ground under the climbing structures is covered in shredded tire, while there is grass and cement in other areas. A wooden play house, a large sandbox, and plenty of toys are also available to support a variety of outdoor activities and fun.

INDOOR GYM TIME

Each classroom spends twenty minutes running, laughing and playing in the gym each day. The physical environment, including ride-on toys, balls, large blocks and structures for climbing, is changed every week by a parent helper. Teachers also facilitate music and movement activities during gym time. At ORNS, we believe that large motor skill development is an important part of the children’s day.