Strategically structure a daily schedule that not only outlines class start and end times but also incorporates appropriate breaks. Ensure that the designated times for whole group, small group, independent activities, and intentional play are developmentally appropriate, providing a balanced and effective framework to optimize your teaching and support the diverse needs of your students.
The TK Schedule should include a daily rest/quiet period after lunch. This should be about 30 min. Cots have been provided for this purpose. Some students may lay quietly and look at a book, others will fall asleep. Typically after 30 min, other students stirring in the room will wake the sleepers. If a student needs a little extra rest at the start of the year that is fine. He/she will wake naturally. As the year progresses fewer students will fall asleep but the rest/quiet period may stay 30 min.
Quiet time is exactly what it sounds like, about thirty minutes of structured rest-time, preferably right after lunch. It’s a time for children to rest their bodies and, to a lesser extent, their minds. Dimmed lighting and quiet instrumental music can facilitate this time. Activities for restless student can include quietly reading with teacher/aide, looking through a book, or independent drawing/coloring in a quiet spot.
Building Stamina:
Stamina to all classroom activities are built over the course of the first few months of school. Incorporating brain breaks, music, and dance will be important all year, but especially so at the start of the year. Build in extra story time and take learning walks across the campus. Use this time to have discussions and extend their learning. For example play games like: I spy something (color)… I wonder if we can find something that is the shape of a (shape)… Raise two fingers if you see something shaped as a (shape)… Raise three fingers if you see something that is (color)… etc.