Typical Gan Shalom Schedule
Although the exact timing of the daily schedule varies slightly from class to class, and from day to day as we respond to the needs of the children, the general daily routine is as follows:
Arrival
The children arrive at 9:00 to find the classroom ready for them to explore. Children put away their belongings in their designated spaces, wash hands, and say goodbye to their caregivers.
Exploration and Free Play
To make for an easy transition into the school day, Gan Shalom classes start with open exploration time. Teachers put out a variety of provocations each morning - materials and toys which invite exploration. These can include open-ended art, toys and natural materials and also may relate to the theme the students are exploring. All other toys and many art materials are stored on low, open shelves which the children can access independently. Books are always available. Teachers facilitate play and social interaction, encouraging the children to take the lead in their own play and observing the choices they make. Facilitated free play lasts approximately 45 minutes. Teachers signal clean up time and the children help put everything back to the designated spots.
Morning Meeting
The children and teachers then gather for a morning meeting. They sing a good morning song welcoming each child and share how s/he is feeling. Morning meeting activities include share-out and an introduction to the day's activities.
Snack
Next, the children join together for snack time. Snack is provided by the families and includes whole grains, a meat-alternative (yogurt, cheese), and/or a fruit or vegetable. Children are encouraged to serve themselves, to open their own wrappings, and to pour their own drinks. On Thursdays and Fridays the children celebrate Shabbat by lighting candles, and saying the blessings over grape juice and challah, followed by a mini Shabbat sing-a-long.
Students in our Sachlavim class also eat lunch during the school day. Lunches are provided by families and must be either dairy or pareve (neither milk nor meat).
Students in our Sachlavim class also eat lunch during the school day. Lunches are provided by families and must be either dairy or pareve (neither milk nor meat).
Outside Play
Following snack, the children have an opportunity to use our front play space or walk to a local park for outdoor play. The children spend 45 minutes outside every day except for days of extreme heat or cold, or excessive rain. In the event that outdoor play is not possible, teachers utilize our indoor play space for gross motor activities.
Group Exploration
Teachers then assist the children through group explorations. These can include teacher facilitated art (making challah covers for Shabbat), science experiments (making play dough or planting seeds), cooking projects, etc. Often these activities are part of our ongoing classroom investigations into topics of interest to the children. In this photo, for example, the Tzivonim students are looking for evidence of the first sprouting of the seeds they put in cotton balls. The children also participate in a variety of specials that may include music, science, soccer, yoga, and gymnastics.
Goodbye Gathering
As our days draw to a close, the children gather for a story and a goodbye song. Families are invited in to join their children as we sing "Shalom Chaverim (Goodbye, My Friends)" as a community. The children then say goodbye with a wave, a smile, or a hug. As they leave, the children and their parents or caregivers move their names back from school to home, symbolizing the end of another wonderful day of learning and playing at Gan Shalom.
