DAILY ACTIVITIES

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Activities and schedules vary from program to program, but many aspects of the day are similar from classroom to classroom. Here are some of the activities that occur throughout KOCO during the day.

 

ELM CURRICULUM: Early Learning Matters

The Early Learning Matters (ELM) Curriculum, developed by Purdue University, promotes positive outcomes in all areas of development from birth to age 5 years. It is based on the latest research on child development and best practices in early education and care. ELM offers a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate approach to meaningful learning for all children.
Key features of ELM include the following:

• Whole child focus on skills that bolster school readiness and life success

• Developmentally sequenced activities that embed strategies for individualizing

• Evidence-informed, friendly-to-use resources for classroom staff and families

• Training tools to support direct care staff with different professional backgrounds

At the heart of the ELM Curriculum are activity plans that build on children’s pathways of development in five infant/toddler areas and eight preschool areas.  The plans support growth and development with a range of active learning opportunities that include careful attention to differences in children’s abilities and interests. 

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GET SET FOR SCHOOL

This complete, research-based Pre-K program provides a hands-on curriculum that engages young minds through purposeful play, active engagement, and custom manipulatives. The curriculum suits a wide range of children and adapts to their changing needs as they grow. It acknowledges what all great educators know and what research supports: that learning needs to be joyful, child friendly, and active. We believe in meeting children where they are and giving them the experiences that will enable them to blossom

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LEARNING EXPERIENCES: "Investigations"

The teachers and students at KOCO investigate topics  of interest throughout the school year. In lieu of a traditional lesson plan, each class decides what they already Know about a particular topic, discuss what they Want to know about the topic, and then they devise learning experiences to help them Learn (K-W-L model). Topics for early childhood investigations are ideally quite simple; recent investigations topics have included Hands, Apples, Balls, and Shoes.  

 

Ideas generated by each "investigation" are webbed collaboratively; the web becomes a "living document", to be added to, changed, and otherwise revised as the investigation progresses. Students control the depth and length of each investigation (topics of great interest may generate investigations of a month or more!).

 

Visit Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Early Childhood Education to learn more about Investigations-style learning experiences.

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CIRCLE TIME

KOCO staff regularly gather students for Circle Time, which can differ dramatically from program to program. In general, younger children participate in shorter, simpler, more predictable Circle Time activities: a welcome song, a story, a fingerplay. As children develop, more sophisticated activities (weather, calendar, Show & Tell) can be added. Schoolage children are periodically gathered for more informal group activities as needed.

 

CENTERS & GUIDED ACTIVITIES

Each classroom is set up with age-appropriate play centers, including quiet rest area, blocks, dramatic play, math & science, music, games & puzzles, reading, arts & crafts. During Center Time, students rotate through centers in small groups while teachers monitor and facilitate play. Centers are reoutfitted regularly  to support changing lesson themes and developmental progress. A dedicated teacher guides at least one center activity per day -- an art project, a science experiment, a new game. 

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MEAL TIMES

In the Infant program, the babies set the schedule for feeding.  We can accomodate both formula and breast milk. Once infants graduate to the Waddler Room, mealtimes become more communal.

 

Some children eat breakfast upon arrival. Most students who attend a full day program eat a morning and afternoon snack, as well as lunch. Except on special occasions, families provide all food and beverages. Extra meal supplies can be stored in your child's classroom.

 

Due to life-threatening allergies, some of our classrooms are designated peanut-free.

 

As a quarterly fundraiser, KOCO sponsors a special lunch (pizza, hot dogs, McDonald's, mac & cheese).

 

REST TIMES

In the Infant program, the babies set the schedule for napping. Every child has his/her own crib. Families provide clean bedding each week.

 

Once infants graduate to the Waddler Rooms (109-110), rest time becomes communal; children sleep on cots during a common midday rest period. Rest time continues as part of the daily schedule until children move on to Kindergarten. Families provide clean bedding each week.

 

Although older children do not have a designated rest period, each classroom provides an area of soft furnishings for any-time relaxation.

 

TOILETING

In the Under 3 area (107-111), children are diapered every two hours or as needed. Families provide diapering supplies.  Toilet learning begins around the age of two. Toddlers (and interested Waddlers) are prompted to use the potty frequently. Teachers implement reward systems at the request of families (stickers, M&M's, etc.). Families are encouraged to provide extra clothing during toilet learning.

 

Good hygiene is encouraged at all ages (careful wiping, handwashing, etc.). Older children are prompted to use the rest rooms at regular intervals and before transitioning to new activities. Toileting accidents can occur even with schoolage children, and we encourage families to keep extra clothing on hand just in case.