In this post we will open a window through images to see how the school works for children at this age.
9-9.30. RELAXED ENTRANCE
The arrival at the school is a very important time and we take care of it as such.The fact that the entrance is relaxed allows teachers to have some time dedicated to welcome children and their families and a space where they can share information. If a child has not slept well the night before, if s/he is sad because s/he has lost his/her favorite toy, or if s/he is very happy because that day s/he will have lunch at a friend's house... It is important to know all this in order to support the child in the most appropriate way.
On the other hand, this time of the day allows each family to have the time needed to say goodbye to their children and start the day at school calmly. <a id="assembly"></a>
9.30-10. WELCOME ASSEMBLY
The welcome assembly is one of the most important moments of the day for various reasons. On one hand it is a meeting place for the group and with the tutor. It is also a moment to strengthen bonds and to cultivate a sense of belonging.
<a id="workshops"></a>On the other hand it is the moment when the adults present the activities prepared for the day and the children decide if they want to participate in one of the workshops or, on the contrary, they prefer to dedicate their time to the autonomous activity in the prepared learning spaces.
10-11. WORKSHOPS / AUTONOMOUS ACTIVITIES IN LEARNING SPACES
After the assembly, it is the time for workshops to begin and the children who have decided to start the autonomous exploration go to the prepared spaces. The task of observing and giving support is important when planning the workshops, as they are an opportunity to meet the needs of children and support their interests.
<a id="snack"></a>The thematic of the workshops is very varied: workshops where the protagonist is the sensory world, others where it is the linguistic intelligence, mathematics, naturalist... Workshops on art, music, cooking... All from a transversal and interdisciplinary perspective.
11-12. SNACK AND FREE TIME IN OUTDOOR SPACES
At 11, at the end of the workshops, most of the children are already hungry and want to have a snack. If the weather is good, children enjoy having a snack in the sun, some children like to have their snack with their friends or in small groups, and some others are gathering into larger circles that are formed spontaneously, and there are also those who prefer to spend this time in solitude.
<a id="spaces"></a>This is a moment that gives us precious images of complicity and shared snacks.
Once they finish having their snack, the game is reactivated. Children can develop a more motor game in outdoor spaces or also go to the indoor spaces that will slowly be reopened.
12-13. AUTONOMOUS ACTIVITIES IN LEARNING SPACES
At 12 all the learning spaces are open and ready to welcome children again. They are the ones who, from the connection to their needs, decide which activity they want to dedicate their time to.
<a id="assembly2"></a>In the symbolic play space, or in the constructions one, or in the languages area, or in the art laboratory or in our beloved wood... The adults are present to accompany the children through their interests, offer them proposals or present materials to make this a moment full of experiences.
13-13.30. CLOSING ASSEMBLY
It is already the end of the day and children and adults will start the closing assembly. Each one is unique and fulfills many functions: to reconnect us after the day to explain how it has been, to tell a story, to sing a song, to share anecdotes and to talk about some discomfort or conflict that may have arisen during the morning.
13.30-14. RELAXED DEPARTURE
After this assembly, towards 13.30, the families arrive and they have 30 minutes to share the space with the children, talk to the teachers about how their child has been during the day, to share conversations with other parents, mothers or grandparents... and gradually leave the school.
