Daily Rhythm

Upon arrival the children will play outside until school starts. It is important that the children arrive ON TIME, as they have a difficult time working into the group when brought in late.

Circle Time -- A magical circle filled with seasonal songs, movements and hand gestures. In the morning the children come together as a class by holding hands in a circle. A candle will be lit for a moment while the children sing a song or recite a verse to welcome the new day. This is a time of reverence and contraction, and of group consciousness, where the children are aware of themselves as being part of the whole. The circle time of a kindergarten day consists of expansive/contractive ebb and flow from movement games which expand the children to verses, which contract them. The rhythmic movements in circle teach balance, body coordination, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills.

Activities -- Activities include baking, woodworking, gardening, watercoloring, and handwork. The Garden of Enchantment uses only natural materials, so that the children may gain a love and appreciation for the natural world.

Inside play -- The children can play with open-ended natural toys and express their creativity in undirected play.

Snack -- For snack, only organic ingredients and wholesome food are used. The Garden of Enchantment believes a young child’s food should be a source of enjoyment as well as nourishment.

Outside play -- The children spend time outdoors everyday. The children love to play on the grass, dig in the dirt, and make rivers and bridges near the tree stumps. Sand and water play, gardening, and building with tools enhance cognitive development. Sharing, cooperative planning, and testing one’s own abilities offer an opportunity for communication and social/emotional development.

Story Time -- The children sit down and listen to a beautifully told story. A verse is spoken and a song is sung before the story, to help settle the children and create a mood of quiet reverence.

Lunch -- At The Garden of Enchantment the children enjoy lunch time, which embodies an atmosphere of love and gratitude. Before eating, a reverent mood is set with a meal blessing.

Afternoon Departure -- At the end of lunch the children are lovingly reunited with their parents (and ever so excitedly they tell their parents about their adventure for the day).

"If you want your children to be brilliant tell them fairy tales. If you want your children to be very brilliant, tell them even more fairy tales" - Albert Einstein.