Every day, life-changing work occurs in a YCC classroom. Not the work that sits on the shelf, but the work that happens inside of each child as they self-construct. The children are learning what it means to be a member of a community, how to take care of themselves, and how to adjust when things are challenging. In our room, we give the children ample space to try things independently while providing a structured environment and schedule for them to exist within. The consistency of our day provides a feeling of safety and security, which the children thrive off of. When they are understood and cared for, toddlers are free to explore the world around them. Follow along as these sweet little people experience all of life’s beauty during a single day at TCH!
When the children arrive at school, they hang their toddler-sized backpacks and jackets in their cubbies and then enter the classroom. It is important that they are each greeted with great care. These first few moments set the tone for the day, and every child should feel seen.
For the first two hours of the day, the children are able to choose work freely as they navigate throughout the classroom. “Work” is a broad term at our level, for even sitting at the snack table or using the bathroom provides opportunity for independence and growth. The children develop their fine-motor skills by putting a stem into a vase, by honing the use of scissors, and by tonging food onto their plate. They are constantly learning, not always through explicit lessons, but by taking in what is around them.
Gross motor activities are also included in the first part of our day. We frequently take walks to the garden or around the school. Restocking our art and baking supplies is an easy way to move our bodies while connecting with the greater TCH community. For those who need some time to run fast and hard, the gym is available in the morning.
During the morning work cycle, the children take care of our environment by watering plants, sweeping the patio, and mopping the floor. They care for each other by preparing snack and offering their help when it’s needed. They care for themselves by changing their clothes, washing their hands, and wiping their face with a napkin. Everything they choose to do falls under one of these categories (care of environment, care of others, care of self), and each task is massively important to the creation of their identity.
At around 10:30 a.m., the children begin to filter out to the hall where they put on their outdoor clothing (some independently and some in collaboration with an adult), and head to the playground. We try to make transitions in waves so that they are less overwhelming and each child gets the time and support that they need.
Outside, the children play in the sand, bike around the track, and collect things in wagons or wheelbarrows. Some decide they are chilly and opt to put on another layer. Some shed their layers. Again, these are learning opportunities. Sometimes we need to be a little cold to know that a jacket is what we want. Within reason, we let the children decide these things for themselves.
After an hour or so outside, the children come inside (a few at a time), hang their things, and prepare themselves for lunch. Unlike morning snack, which is set at one table and happens throughout the work cycle, lunch is family-style. We sit at one large table to share food and conversation. The adults model eating each part of the meal, as the children are much more likely to try things when they see us do it first. After lunch, each child clears their spot and cleans their face and hands if needed. Just as in the transitions before, a few children at a time make their way to the gym.
From the gym, the children return to the classroom and find their beds for a nap.
After rising, an afternoon snack is offered. We often eat the things we prepared that morning (bread, muffins, apple slices, chopped grapes, etc.), closing the loop on our school day. From snack, carline children venture out to the hallway where they gather their things and wait for their names to be called. When it is their time to go, they are walked out and reunited with their caregiver; a simple yet sacred moment shared between the different parts of the child’s life.
What a privilege it is to spend the day with toddlers. The world is so big and new and exciting. I can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow.