This is a play-based preschool that emphasizes play, art, nature, music, movement, stories, purposeful work and gentle academics.
2025-26 Class Schedule
Outside Play (includes sensory play/invitation to play)
Circle Time
Story
Shared snack (prepared by the class every Thursday and some Tuesdays)
Literacy/Journals
Process Art
Inside play time
Class Outline
Sensory Play
We start preschool with sensory play. The children come in and are invited right away to immerse themselves in play with things that can be smelled, touched, manipulated, etc. such as pretend snow, dried beans, sand, water, etc. I find that when the children first get to class they often have a lot of energy and are excited to talk and engage with their friends. Starting the day with an invitation to play helps with the flow of the start of class and allows the children to settle into being together. Sensory play has many benefits! It aids in cognitive development and sets a foundation for mathematical and scientific thinking through spacial awareness, pattern recognition, observation, prediction and experimenting. It encourages language development, supports fine motor stills and social interaction, helps calm nerves, encourages imaginary play and improves problem-solving skills. Read here to learn more!
Circle Time
Circle time includes songs, poems, movement, story-telling, books and/or learning activities. As I plan circle time, I have a learning objective that is often science or social studies-based. I email parents the theme(s) for each week prior to the start of the week. The kids have lots of chances to use their voices and move their bodies during this time.
Story Time
Stories are not only captivating but they speak to children on a level that they can easily internalize. Stories are relatable and help children process what is going on in their real worlds in a meaningful way.
Snack
On Mondays I will provide the snack. On Thursdays we will prepare it together. The children chop, scoop, pour, measure, spread and eat the snack they helped prepare. This is a highlight of our day! They love getting to use kitchen tools and learn practical skills.
Literacy
Literacy time includes an introduction to the alphabet and weekly journaling. We learn the letter with a corresponding picture and sign. For example, we say "Dependable dog. d d d" while we sign "dog".
My emphasis for this year will not be teaching your child how to read. I believe at this age some children may be ready to learn to read, but many will not and there are so many other beneficial and age-appropriate ways to utilize our short time together!
Process Art
Process art is art that is focused on the process, not on the end result. This time gives the students an opportunity to explore, get messy, and try different art mediums. There is no right or wrong choice, no sample to follow or step-by-step instructions. It gives each child ownership of their art and allows them to take the lead and make the choices. We do everything from painting to sculptures to slime to collages. The options are endless! Process art strengthens fine motor skills, enhances creativity and self-expression, allows for sensory exploration and encourages risk-taking in a safe environment. This is often the part of the day parents say is their child's favorite and it's mine too! I love seeing what the students create.
Free Play Outside
This time is the most simple and it's also arguably the most important time of our day! Play is essential for healthy brain development. It helps kids develop social and problem-solving skills, manage stress, process and recover from trauma, develop language skills, increase attention span, and strengthen fine and gross motor stills as well as overall health. It is through play that children learn and remember best.
We play outside as often as weather and air quality permits. I have a completely enclosed backyard and we dig, build, climb, jump and explore, even in the rain and snow! I encourage the students to play in the dirt and get hands-on with nature, which in and of itself has many benefits.
When the air quality is poor, we play inside. I have lots of open-ended toys that support imaginative play.
