Children are given educational opportunities throughout the day that include large and small motor development, creative expression, social interaction, intellectual and cognitive growth.
A typical TNPC classroom will include the following activities:
Each day starts with meeting time. The group sings a hello song, and children hang up individual name tags. A feeling of community is built through sharing ideas, listening, recognizing one's own and peers' names, increasing vocabulary and learning to talk in a group.
Meeting Time
Play Time
Child-Initiated Play/Activity Time
During activity time, children are encouraged to use the materials and areas in the classroom and to get involved with special projects and activities. It is a time for planning one's own time, problem solving, working independently and/or in small groups, learning to care for the classroom/materials, and learning to make choices.
After working together to pick up the classroom, everyone meets for large group. It is a time for singing songs, using instruments, reading stories, participating in group games, establishing group cohesiveness, listening, and following directions.
Large Group Time
Snack Time
Snack Time
Parents provide the snack and beverage for the class. Snack is set up family style so that children can learn to pass food, pour drinks, clear dishes, and wipe up spills. At snack, teachers and visiting parents are encouraged to sit with the children to talk about the day, share news, try new foods, and practice using good table manners.
Children working in small groups will have the learning experience of working together. A wide variety of learning tools are used and children will experience language skills, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, sharing and taking turns.
Small Group
Outside Play Area
Outdoor/Large Motor
Part of each day includes time to play outdoors or in the multipurpose room. It is a time for children to work on large motor skills: running, jumping, climbing, riding bikes, and interacting with other children and peers.