Why have a schedule?

Schedules are useful for teaching and learning. Not only does it help to keep the teacher organized but it sets the pace for the day. When children know what to expect it makes them feel secure and prepared. They are never left wondering and worrying about what their day will entail. Consistent schedules allow children the chance to look forward to the things that they enjoy; it creates interest. Children, like anyone else, handle change best if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar schedule and routine.

Sample Schedule: (may vary depending on the weather and how the children are that day)

7:00-8:00am-Arrival- quiet play

8:00-8:30am- Breakfast

8:30-9:00am- Circle time

9:00-10:00am- Literacy (reading, writing and fine motor skills)

10:00-10:45am-Centres- reinforcement and practice of skills ( numbers, letters, dramatic play, motor skills, etc.)

10:45-11:30am- Phys. Ed./Outdoor Play

11:30am-1:00pm-Lunch- preparation, eating and clean up.

1:00-2:00pm- Rest and quiet reading/listening to music.

2:00-2:30pm- Math (numbers, patterns, measuring, shapes)

2:30-3:30pm- Science and/or Arts&Crafts

3:30-4:00pm Snack

4:00-4:30pm- Free Play (indoors or outside)

4:30-5:30pm- Departure- quiet play

Preparing children for Kindergarten; academically, socially and emotionally:

Transitioning into Kindergarten can be a tough task for some children, and some parents for that matter. From stepping into an unknown environment and leaving mom and dad for a few hour each day, to interacting with new faces and learning new concepts. How better than to ease that transition by preparing them for the things they will be faced with in Kindergarten. At Blooming Butterflies we want to help children gain confidence and gain a head start in practicing social skills and curricular learning concepts. Here are some of things that your child will have exposure to and practice on a daily basis:

-social readiness (understanding of own and others feelings, and how their actions affect others)

-awareness of self and others (being a part of a community)

-self-confidence (freedom to explore what they are interested in and encourage them to ask questions and ask for help when they feel overwhelmed)

-basic understanding of math and language concepts (number and letter recognition, letter sounds, reading comprehension)

-motor skill development (pre-writing and writing skills)

Behaviour Correction: I believe in coaching young children to problem solve. It is important for each child to know that their voice is being heard and to give them the tools to begin working with others to create a solution to the problem. It is a skill that they will continue to practice when in Kindergarten.