A Toddler Day at Nia House

8-9am Arrival- Outdoor Time

Toddlers walk into Nia House carrying their lunch, put the lunch in their cubby, and enter the toddler yard. Upon arrival, toddlers use the toilet and wash hands. The morning is spent outside, choosing works in the Quiet Area (puzzles, blocks, trains, etc.) and can climb, run, or bike

9-10:30am Morning Work Period- Example work period video

One day each week, the toddler class will go for a neighborhood walk.

The morning work period is a time when children can freely choose their own work and explore materials. Children bring their works to a table or a rug on the floor. The teacher’s role is to observe, offer support and presentation with new or challenging materials, to support social interactions when needed, and help with toileting.

Materials are beautifully displayed on the shelves and are changed regularly to keep the classroom interesting. Examples of toddler works include:

Self serving snack- egg peeling, tea, tangerine peeling, hummus spreading
Art- Painting, stickers, chalk
Flower arranging
Reading
Puzzles
Practical life- pouring, spooning, window washing
Sensorial materials

10:30-11:30 Outdoor Time

Toddlers transition outdoors with a small teacher lead circle, often including a song, story, yoga or movement, and more. Toddlers toilet, wash hands, and dress for the outdoors. Nia House’s outdoor space allows children to play in the sandbox, climb, jump, ride tricycles, balance, garden, pick fruits- plums, apple, apricot, bananas, grapes, and figs grow here. Toddlers water the plants, sweep leaves, chalk, pop bubbles, and more.

11:30am-12:30pm Lunch Time - Example lunch time video

Toddlers transition indoors by toileting and washing hands. Then, toddlers join tables by finding the cup that has their name engraved on it. Each mealtime begins with a ritual of song and settling in. Toddlers practice eating and drinking independently and enjoy the company of their peers and teachers. Each toddler clears their plate, utensils, and napkin and prepares for nap by looking in the mirror to clean their face, and toilet again.

12:30-3:30pm Nap, Quiet and Wake-up Time

During nap time, each toddler rests on a cot with a small blanket from home. Quiet music plays and the teachers assist the toddlers with resting by rubbing their backs.

Each toddler naps differently and most sleep during the window of 1-3pm. Toddlers awaken, toilet again, and put their sheets and blankets away. After nap, toddlers often eat a bit more of their lunch and prepare for an afternoon outside.