Free Play 

Each morning starts with free-play as everyone arrives and gets settled. Other free-play times occur throughout the morning. The main play room is set up with a variety of toys, books, puzzles and activities based on the weekly theme. Depending on the theme,  additional building, sorting and other favourite toys may be offered.  Free-based play is important for personal, social and emotional  development. Children learn to explore their environment, get along with others, problem solve and use their imaginations.  

Outdoor Play

My home/school has a fenced in yard with a gated driveway. There is plenty of grass to play on and the driveway is large enough to ride cars and scooters. Balls, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, doll strollers, trucks and tools are some of outdoor toys offered. When it is warm out we play with a water table and in the winter we play in the snow. Playing and learning outside is an integral part of my preschool. This being said, we do not have an allotted number of minutes we are allowed to be or need to be outside each day. It is flexible and fluid depending on the weather and what we are doing that day. 

Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts are a great learning tool for so many reasons. Not only do the children produce pieces that they are excited to show their parents, but it is also a way to teach an array of skills and build on the content learned each day. At my preschool I put a lot of effort into planning my crafts so that each child can feel confident and successful about their artistic creations. I never have examples of what we are making so that everyone can feel good about their own finished product. As long as the children are following the basic instructions, trying their best and respecting the materials, it is a success.  

Music

 Every day involves music. We sing songs together, listen to music and use shakers, ribbons, clapping and actions on a regular basis. We dance, experiment with instruments and have fun! I also use specific songs so the children know when to transition to different activities and when to clean up the toys and materials.

Bathroom/Toilet Training/Diapers

During the toddler/preschool years most children progress from diapers to using the toilet. The age range is large and I am used to every and all diaper/potty/toilet situations. Don't worry if your child is still in diapers. I don't mind at all and neither do any of the other children. Just keep me posted about any progressions  or changes so I can support your child while at my school. 

Behaviour

For the past 14 years I have not had any major behavioural problems in my preschool. The student:teacher ratio is very low, I can almost always see all the children, and I clearly communicate my expectations for a high level of respect to the other children, myself, and the property. My main goal is to keep all your children safe and happy. If issues arise, we talk about them and come up with solutions of how to make things better.