SayPro Design and Implement a New Routine

Morning Routine

1. Arrival and Settling In (7:30 AM – 8:00 AM):
   • Teachers welcome children and check in with parents.
   • Children store belongings in cubbies and engage in self-directed quiet activities, such as puzzles or drawing.
   • Goal: Develop independence and prepare for the day.
2. Morning Circle Time (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM):
   • Group activities: greetings, calendar/weather discussions, and songs.
   • Introduce the day’s theme or lesson (e.g., colors, shapes, seasons).
   • Goal: Promote social interaction, communication skills, and group awareness.

Learning and Exploration

3. Themed Learning Activity (8:30 AM – 9:15 AM):
   • Teacher-guided tasks: literacy activities, story reading, or exploring math concepts through hands-on games.
   • Example: Counting objects, tracing letters, or discussing a story’s characters.
   • Goal: Strengthen language and cognitive skills.
4. Creative Expression (9:15 AM – 10:00 AM):
   • Art and craft projects, music sessions, or imaginative play.
   • Example: Painting, creating a seasonal craft, or role-playing in the play kitchen.
   • Goal: Foster creativity, fine motor skills, and emotional expression.
5. Snack Break (10:00 AM – 10:15 AM):
   • Provide a healthy snack while encouraging self-serving and clean-up routines.
   • Goal: Build independence and healthy habits.

Physical Activity

6. Outdoor Play (10:15 AM – 10:45 AM):
   • Structured games like obstacle courses, ball games, or free play on the playground.
   • Goal: Develop gross motor skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for physical activity.
7. Sensory Play (10:45 AM – 11:15 AM):
   • Activities like sand play, water exploration, or sensory bins with themed items.
   • Goal: Stimulate sensory development and encourage problem-solving.

Midday Routine

8. Lunch and Clean-Up (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM):
   • Children enjoy lunch together and practice table manners.
   • Assign small clean-up tasks, like disposing of trash or wiping tables.
   • Goal: Promote social bonding and life skills.
9. Rest/Nap Time (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM):
   • Children rest on mats while listening to soft music or a calming story.
   • Quiet activities (like book browsing) are provided for those who don’t nap.
   • Goal: Support physical and mental restoration.

Afternoon Routine

10. Exploration and Centers (1:30 PM – 2:15 PM):
    • Rotate through learning centers: building blocks, science experiments, dramatic play, or reading.
    • Goal: Encourage choice, exploration, and collaboration.
11. Outdoor Play or Movement Activity (2:15 PM – 2:45 PM):
    • More time for physical activity or indoor movement games (e.g., dance or yoga).
    • Goal: Reinforce the benefits of exercise and coordination.
12. Snack Break (2:45 PM – 3:00 PM):
    • Serve a light snack with opportunities for conversation among peers.
    • Goal: Foster communication and healthy eating habits.

Wrap-Up and Dismissal

13. Reflection and Story Time (3:00 PM – 3:30 PM):
    • Reflect on the day’s activities during circle time and discuss tomorrow’s plans.
    • End with a story or mindfulness activity.
    • Goal: Build communication and closure to the day’s learning.
14. Departure (3:30 PM – 4:00 PM):
    • Children gather belongings and are dismissed to parents/guardians.
    • Teachers share quick updates or observations with parents.
    • Goal: Transition children from school to home with a sense of accomplishment.

Key Features of This Routine

• Balance of Structured and Free Activities:
  • Includes both teacher-led lessons and child-initiated exploration for holistic learning.
• Focus on Core Areas:
  • Cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and creative development are all integrated.
• Consistency and Flexibility:
  • Offers predictable routines while allowing room to adapt based on children’s needs or energy levels.

This routine aligns with SayPro Pre-School’s educational goals by fostering growth across multiple developmental areas.