Our typical daily rhythm follows approximate timings (these are flexible as it is preferable not to interrupt children as they play). Children are free to participate in as much or as little as they like.
Before children arrive, I prepare the room by making sure it is tidy and set up ready for play. I may choose to lay out some specific items if I think a child might be particularly interested in them.
Children who arrive for breakfast club will have a comforting and nutritious breakfast. Then we walk to school together and say goodbye to the children going to school.
The main day begins at 9am. Children enter and put their belongings away safely. Children are free to play inside while everyone arrives. Resources are accessible so that children can help themselves to anything.
Around 9:30am we come together for seasonal songs, rhymes, stories or games. Children can also share any news with us.
Following this, we sit round the table for a nutritious snack, usually consisting of fruit/veg and milk.
After snack is outdoor time. This could be in the garden or a local outing or nature walk. This will involve free play, semi-structured activities and nature study.
12 noon lunch is served at the table. See example menu. A story is told at the table too.
After lunch, an inviting activity is set up, usually at the table. This could be baking, arts/crafts, festival planning, etc. Free play is still available.
Just before 2pm children are invited to help tidy up. Then they gather their belongings and prepare for home time.
The daily rhythm is sometimes adjusted to suit the season/weather. For example, in summer we try to get outside earlier in the day when it is still cooler, whereas in winter we might wait until the afternoon.
Weekly Rhythm
Monday – Cooking/Baking – preparing food for the week ahead.
Tuesday – Gardening – Planting, harvesting, weeding, watering. Errands – grocery shopping, posting letters, library visit.
Wednesday – Art/Crafts/Handwork – Quick makes to take home and working collaboratively on larger projects.
Friday – Hygge Friday – Celebrating the end of the week together and getting cosy to embrace the weekend.