AGC 3’s & 4’s DAILY SCHEDULE

9:00 – 9:15 (12:30 – 12:45 for p.m. students)

Gathering Time – During this time, the students will be arriving and putting away their things. When they have everything put away they will work on a quick activity until the whole class has arrived and we are ready to begin our day. The activities may range from individual processes such as playing with playdough or other manipulatives to a group game or discussion.

9:15 – 9:25 (12:45 – 12:55)

Circle Time – Our current theme will be discussed at this time. The children are encouraged to participate in conversations pertaining to the specific topic. We work on social skills such as waiting one’s turn to speak and being a good listener. This is also the time of day when we work on some early math skills (shapes, colors, counting, singing) and emerging literacy skills (letter of the day, storytime, singing).

9:25 – 9:45 (12:55 – 1:15)

Bathroom and Snack Time – It’s time for a break, but teachable moments can be found anywhere, even the snack table. We practice good manners by thanking our snack helper and parent helper and most importantly, God. We learn table etiquette by pouring our own drinks and practicing the appropriate way to ask for something to be passed to us or for more snack and drink. Children also learn responsibility by cleaning up their own area.

9:45 – 9:50 (1:15 – 1:20)

Large Motor – This will be a brief session to “shake the sillies out” so that the children are both mentally and physically prepared for learning during group skills.

9:50 – 10:10 (1:20 – 1:40)

Group Skills – At this time the children will be divided into two groups. At the beginning of the year, these groups will be chosen randomly. After initial testing has taken place, the groups will be rearranged to accommodate similar needs and interests. The groups will be directed activities that target a specific cognitive and/or fine-motor area. After 6-10 minutes the groups will switch. Switching after a brief period in a group ensures that the child’s focus is not lost and it improves the level of knowledge retention.

10:10 – 10:25 (1:40 – 1:55)

Large Motor – Exercise develops the large muscles in the young body, builds coordination, helps to shake out the wiggles and prepares the child for the next activity by giving him/her some mental downtime. If the weather is nice, we will go out to the playground or courtyard. During the cold months or on rainy days we will do indoor activities such as the balance beam and tumbling mats or group games that incorporate large motor actions

If needed, an additional group bathroom break will be offered at this time. Individual children who need to use the bathroom are welcome to do so at any time during our day. A teacher or parent helper will escort them to the bathroom.

10:25 – 10:35 (1:55 – 2:05)

Bible Time – The children gather together on the circle and learn about the amazing gifts that God has given us. The three and four-year old students will learn about the stories and life lessons found in the Old Testament. The Beginner’s Bible is used as the foundation of our lessons and further discussion of the topics covered in class is encouraged for home.

10:35 – 11:15 (2:05 – 2:45)

Choice Time – Your child will be offered several activity choices at this time. He/she may choose to take part in all of the activities or only a couple. The choices will be fun and entertaining and will cover a broad range of early childhood standards that are set by the state of Illinois. The children practice decision-making skills as they decide what to do next.

11:15 – 11:30 (2:50 – 3:00)

Closing Time – We have accomplished so much and now it’s time to wind down our day. At this time the person who brought back the Favorites Bag will share the items in it and we will read the book that the student brought. If time allows, we will also play a group game.