A morning at Birch
A morning, in order
The order stays the same from day to day, so children know what comes next.
- 01
Step 1: Arrival
A teacher greets each child at the door. Children hang up their coats and go to the table, where the lantern is already lit and the morning starts quietly.
- 02
Step 2: Free play
Blocks, silks and a corner for pretend. The adults work nearby, at a task children can watch, and play at their own speed.
- 03
Step 3: Circle time
Songs and finger games, the same in a given week and changed with the season. Children join in when they are ready.
- 04
Step 4: Snack
The day's snack is made with the children, then we sit down together and share it. Families send lunch for the full day.
- 05
Step 5: Outdoor time
The yard and the garden, in the cold too. The children dress for the weather, and two adults go out with the group.
- 06
Step 6: Story
The same story, told from memory, for a whole week. On full days, a rest on cushions follows lunch.
Circle time
Songs, silks and a story
Circle time is short and moves with the season. Some mornings the children sway with silk scarves, and some mornings a teacher tells a story with felt shapes on a board. A child who wants to watch first is welcome to.
The week
Each weekday has its own work
Step 1: Monday
Soup and a long story. The week starts slowly, with the garden and the yard.
Step 2: Tuesday
Watercolor painting. One color at a time, on damp paper.
Step 3: Wednesday
Handwork. Wool, felt and sewing, taught by watching.
Step 4: Thursday
Baking day. Bread or muffins, made in the room and eaten at snack.
Step 5: Friday
Modeling and the garden. Beeswax and clay, and a walk along the fence line to look at the week's weather.
Ready to see it for yourself?
Book a tour and watch a morning at work.