An Overview of the Annapolis Twos Schedule
Greeting Time
Children develop their own ways of saying goodbye to parents; some children desire more time during this transition than others. All areas within the room are open for exploration.
Morning Meeting
Every day, class starts with a morning meeting after the children have said goodbye to their families. During this time, we come together as a group greeting each other and sharing our plans for the day. While short in duration, morning meeting offers a time for children to acknowledge one another and have an opportunity to share something important to them. We will sing songs or engage in a short activity, finger play, dance or game. The meeting lasts five to ten minutes. Our goal is to have happy transitions from parents to the room
before this time. Of course, parents whose children are not yet ready to transition are invited to join us for this meeting time, as the teacher, parent and child work together toward a smooth transition for the child.
Work in Interest Areas
After meeting time, we go into planned small group work. The majority of our time will be spent in the classroom. Here, children have a wide variety of materials and equipment to choose from, as well as daily opportunities to express themselves through art, creative movement and music. Teachers present ideas, projects and new materials in interest areas such as dramatic play, art studio, blocks and structures and our classroom library, inviting children to explore the room. Teachers implement plans they develop based on interests of the children, incorporating music, art, dramatic play, sensory activities, motor development, science, nature and pre-math experiences into the classroom. Trips to the playground and walks around the building and school may round out this time. Special guests, such as one of our music instructors, science teachers or art teachers may be invited to interact with our Annapolis Twos. In all activities, you’ll find teachers joyfully moving among small groups and individuals developing projects with them, reading in a cozy setting, presenting challenges and ideas for children to explore, guiding social interactions and documenting children’s play. This setting provides children with opportunities to learn important social skills such as asking for a turn, sharing, being helpful, respecting others, assertiveness and using appropriate words to have needs met.
Closing Circle
At the close of the morning, the teachers again gather the children together to celebrate the morning through song, a review of the day and a happy “good-bye.” Children begin to learn simple responsibilities such as gathering their coats and backpacks along with any projects or work that’s ready to share at home.
Bathroom
Teachers will change diapers as needed to keep your child comfortable and happy during the morning using a diapering station in the room. Teachers will talk with families whose children are using the toilet in order to extend the progress established at home. Using common terms or prompts with your child, for example, and accompanying your child on visits to the bathroom are some ways teachers will work constructively through the morning in this important learning area.
Snack / Light Lunch
Children will enjoy a snack or light lunch together during their class. Coming together around a table promotes social skill learning and sharing. The school will provide a healthy, allergen-free snack that consists of grains, dairy, fruits or vegetables, along with milk or water. If your child has food restrictions or allergies and you wish to provide a snack from home, simply speak with the teachers. All teachers are trained in recognizing food allergy reactions and in the use of the Epipen.
