A Moorestown Preschool
A Typical Day’s Schedule
Arrival/Table Activities When arriving, children are encouraged to complete their morning unpacking routine and then choose from activities that have been set out at a table. Children engage in a teacher-led activity that may include an art or sensory experience or a small group game that provides a natural time to say “goodbye” to a parent.
Morning Meeting The children begin with a good morning song and are greeted by their teachers. Then the class engages in a fun activity, which may be a discussion of a theme or investigation, a whole group game, a sing along, or a movement activity. A teacher reads a morning message which previews the day’s schedule and notes any special event that may be occurring, such as a classmate’s birthday.
Centers Classroom centers are thoughtfully prepared by teachers and stocked with appropriate and exciting materials to promote independent, meaningful, creative, and social play. A Preschooler may choose to explore the dramatic play area, book nook, studio, sensory table, or be found with puzzles on the rug. In addition to everyday centers, various learning experiences are presented in the areas of language arts, math, fine motor development, and science. These activities may be theme related or an extension of the group’s interest. In addition, some of our special area teachers (Art, Coding, and Quaker Education) visit and present an activity related to their field of expertise. During center time, the teacher is able to work with a small group of children or with an individual child using skill based activities.
Outside Play Climbing equipment, swings, slides, and the sandbox provide opportunities for developing gross motor skills. Playground is also a time to think creatively, practice social skills, and seek adult help when needed. Both Preschool sections meet on the playground together so this time gives the children a chance to interact with more peers.
Snack A snack is provided by families. Before snack is served, the children settle into a moment of silence. Afterwards the children practice good manners, self-help, and conversational skills as they enjoy a nutrition break.
Special Area Class Preschoolers participate in either a library, physical education or music class each day taught by specialists in their field. The children practice lining up and walking safely and independently to a different classroom space around our campus.
Literacy Back in the classroom the teacher presents a lesson from our early literacy program, adopted from The Hill Early Literacy Program. During this meeting time, we use The Hill Early Literacy Program to develop critical pre-reading skills in the children. Teachers read one featured book or nursery tale each week that targets knowledge of the alphabet, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and comprehension. Each day of the week brings a varied activity related to the featured story.
Half Day Dismissal or Lunch Lunch provides a relaxing social time as well as the opportunity to practice table manners and self-help skills. Teachers eat lunch with the children to offer help and guidance. After eating lunch, the children clear their place, put away their lunch bag and use the bathroom in preparation for rest.
Book Exploration and Story Time After lunch, the children move to the rug area while their teachers prepare the classroom for rest time. The Preschoolers look at books with their classmates. A story, read by a teacher or narrated on tape, always introduces rest time.
Rest A teacher checks on each child to make sure they are comfortable on their cot. Relaxing music is played and children settle their minds and bodies after a busy day. Around 2 p.m. the children not sleeping are offered a selection of quiet cot toys.
Closing Meeting The class highlights the events of the day and talks a little about what they will do tomorrow. The children end their day with a song for friends and teachers.
Dismissal Car line or Extended Day.
Program Features
For children who are 3 years old by September 30.
- Extended Day Options
- Full Day and Half Day Option
- Five and Three Day a Week Options
- Small Class Sizes
- Never More Than a 1:7 Teacher Student Ratio
- Preschool Literacy Program
- Growing With Mathematics
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Quaker Values-The Examined Life
Specials
- Coding
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Library
- Quaker Education
Special Events
- All-School Picnic
- Friendship Feast
- Winter Concert
- Grandparents Day
- Arts & Literature Week
- End-of-Year Family Party
Click here to view more photos of the Lower School (Preschool – Grade 4) at Moorestown Friends.