Orange Room

A TYPICAL DAY

A day in the Orange Room begins with free play. Sometimes, teachers set out activities before children arrive or on other days, children help to choose the activities for the morning. Different materials are offered daily, though more popular activities will be available for longer periods; for example, the dramatic play area might be a hospital, a restaurant or other set-up engaging enough o remain in place for several weeks. The block area is usually open with an array of props: people, animals, cars, etc. Books and puzzles are always available for the children to use. Art shelf materials and easel paints are within easy reach. The science area has displays for longer time periods, so that each child has the opportunity to explore items at length. During cleanup time, each child lends a helping hand.

We gather in the group area for morning meeting to share ideas for new projects, music, participate in classroom helper jobs, play group games, and discuss the events of the day. The children enjoy this whole group experience; it is an important time for communication, problem solving and interactive learning.

Next children wash their hands in preparation for morning snack: a time to socialize with teachers and peers. We regularly have nutritious snacks, often prepared during the morning by teachers and children working together.

We then go out to the playground or on a walk, unless it is raining or exceptionally cold; in that case, we visit the Red Room. In the Red Room, children are able to tumble on mats, use balls, hoops, streamers, bean bags and other toys which promote gross motor activity. In addition, teachers may plan group obstacle courses, parachute play or cooperative games.

Returning to the classroom, we begin activity time. Children make choices among a variety of activities or on some days, a whole group activity is planned. Activities are often part of the current group focus and may include science experiments, language, arts, cooking, and pre-math projects. Once children choose an activity, they are encouraged to finish the project they have begun. They are also encouraged to modify or extend activities to achieve their own personal goals.

After clean up time, children return to the group area for stories, games or songs. This brings the group together for a quiet time before lunch. Then children wash hands and sit down for lunch. After eating, children clean up, use the bathroom, gather their rest sheets and toys and settle down on their cots to listen to the latest chapter book story tape. During rest, which lasts approximately forty-five minutes to one hour, some children sleep, while others relax with a book.

The afternoon schedule varies with each teacher and often takes shape with teachers and children planning together. We regularly take walks to explore areas on and off campus, returning to the center by 5:00. Often a picnic snack is part of our adventure. If we do not venture away from the center, afternoons include playground time, activity choices group time and snack. The major clean up occurs about 5:30 and children enjoy quiet activities until pick up time. If the weather is nice, pick up is often outside on the playground. We ask parents or sitters to check in with teachers before leaving and read the bulletin board and wipe off board listing the morning’s activities.