Guest Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Hi everyone. I am currently undergoing a re-structure at my sessional nursery. I am planning to overhaul our daily routine and was hoping for some suggestions as to what really works. Currently, we have 24 children in a session. They all arrive at the same time and leave at the same time, therefore we have a formal registration before free play. We stop for a group story, then we have a sit-down snacktime to encourage socialising and independence (and also because a rolling snack bar would affect our staff ratio and physical space within an already small setting). We either have more free play or outdoor play after snacks, then get together for the last 10 minutes or so for songs etc. We are putting up a play surface and canopy outside (yippee) and I am desparate to use the outdoor space as an additional classroom. However, as we are in a village hall, we cannot have free flow (the area is accessed across a busy and public-used entrance hall). Likewise, our toilets are across the hall and children are accompanied by a 'floater'. Given all the gripes, I am still very positive that I can re-structure our daily routine to allow more time for free play, both indoors and outdoors, as well as more opportunities for circle times and perhaps a different form of registration. PLEASE let me know what you do in your setting, particularly if you are also sessional. The more detailed you can be, the better. THANKYOU!
AnonyMouse_19920 Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) we allow the children to self register as they come in - an adult ticks them off at the same time - they go straight into free play for an hour this is both in and out doors (although not bikes large play equipment )- we then stop for song time and small focussed group activities then snakc time -we do snack all at the same time -as like you we have limited space inside. children then have free play again -they can use in or outdoors and now can access the bikes scooters and large equipment - we stop about fifteen minutes from end of time - children go inside for story then talk about their favourite /least favourite part of the day . we have three hour sessions and most of this time is spent in free play , although small parts are more focussed/structured. hope thats a help - pm me if you need any more info Edited July 8, 2009 by blondie
Guest Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 I'm very interested in this thread as we are planning to restructure our morning. We are a pack-away setting so need to put away some of the equipment later in the session if we want to do Sticky Kids, parachute etc. We aim to be free flow but how do you arrange your focussed activities and how many do you have a week? Do you deploy staff to different areas? Anita
AnonyMouse_19920 Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 we do a focussed activity each day - this is planned by the keyperson in line with childrens next steps - only lasts max ten minutes . the staff are deployed in areas as rota but with free flow we always have one person outside and a second will also go outside if numbers go over six.this is for twenty minutes per adult but could rise to forty if numbers outside require this. these two members of staff stay inside for the second half of the session with other staff members going outside - one or two depending on numbers outside.]this means all staff go outside not just certain ones. hope that makes sense - think there was a thread on here while ago about free flow - as wrote on it then - sorry dont know how to do a link - but try forum search x
AnonyMouse_15046 Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 However, as we are in a village hall, we cannot have free flow (the area is accessed across a busy and public-used entrance hall). Do you take children in and out in small groups as and when they want to? To my mind this is very close to free flow and much more valuable than timetabled periods outside.
Guest Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 If I'm honest, not really. It wouldn't be the most practical idea for us. However, I am certainly up for any suggestions you guys have.
Guest Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Hi sorry to seem a bit dim but Blondie what do you mean you do a focussed activity every day? Do you mean a planned adult led activity in small groups where they are making something or doing a group game or something? Are all your adults doing something different with their groups? Im sorry but Im a bit confused as my focussed activities run over the week as we cant get through everyone in a day. I find it interesting cos im also wanting to change things a little next year. Also, Anita...what is sticky kids? (if I have remembered that properly). Thanks.
Guest Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Sticky Kids is a set of cds with action songs on and the children really enjoy joining in. Anita
Recommended Posts