Ms. Kristen!!! Ms. Ayesha!! Ms. Kristen!!! Ms. Ayesha!! Ms. Kristen!!! Ms. Ayesha!! Ms. Kristen!!! Ms. Ayesha!!
Imagine hearing this from 19, 3 to 5 year old’s every single morning as you enter your place of work. Did it bring a smile to your face? I hope it did. This is a common occurrence here at The Day Nursery in the Garden Room. The children exclaim our names, and run clamoring for a hug and to share with us what they had done the night before. Soon all that can be heard is a mixture of words that even the best listener couldn’t decipher. We calmly ask the children to wait and hold their thoughts as we give each child their hug as we enter the room. Ms. Ayesha and I then join the children in the dining room as some are finishing breakfast and others are rummaging through books.
Once settled, the conversations begin, and fascinating stories of trips to the park, the diner, and a friend’s house are shared between friends. Breakfast ends, and we are on our way to the playground. Children run, jump, climb and dig on our large inviting space for the next half hour. Once our time here is done it is time to truly start our day. We wash hands and as a class discuss the weather and what day it is. Are you exhausted yet? No? Good, because this was just the first hour of the day. There is a lot more in store for these precocious learners.
“If your name begins with Sssssssss, you may stand up!” Children follow the direction for one of these transitions and are then allowed to start the area/small group portion of the day. Would you like a slice of pizza? If you said yes, then you are going to love the dramatic play area. A pizza shop was just started there. If pizza isn’t your thing, what about building a tower? An entire city was just built over in the construction area. Would you like to get your hands dirty instead? If this is more your style, you will enjoy our art and writing areas, which boast various mediums in which the children can write and create with.
This is just a sampling of the amazing and educational areas within our classroom. We also work on math, science, fine and large motor skills throughout the morning and rest of the day. Don’t worry though, the children aren’t too exhausted after all this learning, we make sure that they are full of fuel with our meals and snacks. The children and teachers gather around two large dining tables and share a family style meal with each other. Conversations are had and connections are made.
After this refuel we head back downstairs to The Garden Room. As the children enter the soft sounds of instrumental music can be heard as they prepare their spaces for rest. After a short relaxation period, any children that do not sleep are invited to look at books or attend to a quiet activity.
So I must ask one more question…Would you like to join the Garden Room?
