Transitional Kindergarten Monday-Friday 9AM - 3PM A 3PM pickup is strongly encouraged, but a 1PM pickup is available if a family so chooses.
Kindergarteners will be a part of the mixed-aged program (3-6) but will have a specific kindergarten teacher designated to observing, documenting, and facilitating their growth and development within the mixed-aged setting.
We wholeheartedly believe and are supported by current research that with a qualified educators, small ratios, and an intentionally designed structure of the day, mixed-aged classrooms provide invaluable opportunities for all. Kindergarteners will have the unique opportunity to lead, guide, and inspire younger peers while also developing a sense of patience and understanding of different developmental levels. A mixed-age group allows children to appreciate their own progress and develop a deep sense of community where all learners are welcome to go at their own pace and it is recognized, supported, and celebrated.
Educators will create and facilitate many opportunities throughout the day for Kindergarteners to extend their inquiries and participate in more focused individual and small group work.
Flow of the day: 9:00-10:30 Welcome and free play in the pasture and classroom. Teachers facilitate the transition from home to school. Children are free to choose individual or group activities, explore pre-set provocations, create in the maker space/art studio, complete both their classroom and farm chores, etc.
The mix-aged community will spend this time engaged in inquiry projects- allowing children and educators the opportunity to dive deeper into their emergent curriculum. Educators will also provide opportunities for integrating literacy, STEM, agricultural studies, storytelling, etc. both within the children's projects and with teacher presented provocations and lessons.
This time of day is invaluable for children to create habits of mind surrounding their individual and group goals. Educators and children will work together to expand their concept understanding through study groups and teacher-directed instruction across all educational domains.
10:30 Time to put a pause on our work, clean our space, and prepare our environment for it's next use.
10:40 Morning Gathering, mindfulness, and gratitude practice. This is when we come together as a community for a deep breath, relationship building, emotional check-ins, and to set our intentions for the day.
11:00 Hand washing and snack. The produce for snack is provided by Clark Farm's CSA. Children will help pick, wash, prepare, and enjoy with their teachers and peers.
11:30-1 Trip into the fields, farm, and surrounding trails and forests.
1:00 Picnic lunch and story. This is when we nourish our bodies, reflect on our morning, and set an intention for the rest of the afternoon.
1:40-3:00 After a day of work and extensive outdoor play, children will be offered the opportunity to rest their bodies and mind in a read aloud, quiet mat work, building, journal work, studio creations and and other child-led activities, having a roaming snack when hungry.