Don’t get much back when you ask ‘what did you do today?’
Wondering what goes on behind preschool doors?
We often get asked what a typical day actually looks like. The honest answer is that no two days are ever exactly the same, but today in the preschool room looked something like this…
Today starts with strawberries, yoghurt and oats for the early birds. Other friends arrive steadily from 08:45 before a teacher time session around 09:15. The children go on a yoga adventure with Mrs Jenkins, stretching and twisting their bodies into all sorts of poses before finishing with a moment of relaxation together.
Then the garden opens and the children spill out to enjoy the sunshine. Here they might balance on the log tangles, build obstacle courses, do some woodwork or dig in the sandpit. When they are peckish there is a snack of fresh fruit and toasted muffins before a small group set off around the local area in high vis vests, clipboards in hand, ready to make notes about what they see.
Around 11:30 the children gather for songs and dancing before washing hands and getting ready for lunch. Today it is lamb tagine and rice with an oaty bar for dessert. Those who finish early share stories or games with an adult while others take their time. Afterwards the children head back outside and those who need a nap cosy up with a familiar adult.
At 13:30 the children get active with wake and shake dances before chatting about this week’s topic. Our word of the week is ‘map’, which the children have become very good at signing, and our core book is Journey Home From Grandpa’s. They join in with the sung story before getting busy again. This afternoon some sail small bears in foil boats, others plot their homes on maps, ride bikes outside or water the plants.
Those doing a longer day at Mill Lane say goodbye to their friends before a tea of cheesy peasy pasta, then spend the end of the day building towers taller than themselves or working together on large floor puzzles until home time at 18:00.
By the time they have gone home the children have usually:
- explored
- negotiated
- moved
- created
- listened
- talked
- rested
- laughed
- solved problems
- and built relationships.
That’s what a preschool day is really made of.
Still have questions?
Children learn about their world through play. If you ever want to know more about what this means in practice just ask!
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Play B C offers term-time or 48-week places, combining relationship-led early education with a play-rich, nurturing environment designed around real family life.
About the author
Marsha Dann is the founder of Play B C Preschool, a former primary school teacher with an MA in Education. She has worked with children and families for over 20 years and is passionate about helping children get the best possible start in life.
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