ARRIVAL Adults must accompany children to the school’s designated check in area and make contact with a teacher.   The teacher checking the child ensure you have checked your child for  symptoms of COVID.  Please maintain a 6 foot distance from others during this time.  Next you will support your child in putting on any necessary weather gear then help your child wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds at our outdoor hand washing station or apply hand sanitizer. Read the message board with your child, then guide your child to the outdoor classroom threshold and say goodbye.  Parents will not stay for the welcome song.

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GATHERING This is a "settling in" time. Children and their small group teacher start the day together with an informal gathering time where children choose a book or chat with their teachers and friends while waiting for the welcome song to begin. 
 

OUTDOOR PLAY   Our playground provides for choices of sand area, mud kitchen, balancing logs, stage, art experiences, big body play, loose parts play, books, as well as a bridge over a small stream and woods for observing and exploring with guidance and support from adults.

 

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SNACK & MEETING TIME Snack time consists of toileting and hand washing, a snack, a story, and sometimes a short activity. It is an important time for conversation.  The ideas that emerge when children are relaxed and enjoying their food are wonderful expressions of their thoughts.  It is a time when children laugh together, share ideas, and listen to one another. These experiences build community and the strong relationships that extend to other parts of the classroom.  The Meeting Time is used to further reflect on the day's activities: we share stories of our day, and focus the children's thoughts on goals that activities were set up to achieve. We often discuss our ideas and feelings about other relevant things. 

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TIME TO EXPLORE AND INVESTIGATE takes place on the Woodland Playground, the Green Space, on the Winant Trails, the forest just beyond the Woodland Playground or on a walking trip around the UU property and beyond.  Teachers may offer a guided experience introducing new materials or ideas, mindfulness, sit spots or other interesting experiences.  The guided experience is followed by ample time to dwell in what was presented and to continue the hard work of play and exploration in the outdoor environment.  Teachers plan for and vary the experiences to support the program goals and to stimulate continued interest.

CLOSING MEETING    Children and their teacher return to the Green Space for an opportunity to reflect on the day.  Children will have the opportunity to share their favorite part of the day, something they are grateful for and maybe ideas for the next time they are together again. 

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DISMISSAL   It is important to arrive early to anticipate time for parking and the walk through the building to the playground and check in with the teacher with the clipboard. Pick up is expected promptly at 11:30 each day. Children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian when leaving the premises.  You (or your designated pick-up person) are responsible for your child's safety and whereabouts once contact has been made.  You are welcome to arrive five minutes early to join us for our Closing Circle.

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