A Typical Day at SLSH
8:30 arrival and free play
9:45 group time
10 Snack
10:30 outdoor free play or hike
11:30 Lunch
12:15 Story time and pick up
During the summer months we enjoy the entire morning in the outdoor classroom. In the winter months we aim to spend at least an hour outside depending on the weather.
Play
Here at SLSH, we know that play is the way our children learn most effectively and efficiently. It is through play that our children learn about and make sense of the world around them. It is imperative for children’s brain development, as well as the development of each learning domain, to provide extended opportunities for free, uninterrupted play. Our daily schedule allows for ample times of play both indoors and out.
The Constructivist Approach
We utilize a constructivist approach to learning, where children build understanding through hands-on experiences and social interactions. Young learners explore, experiment, and solve problems, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and independence. Educators guide this process by offering meaningful experiences, open-ended questions, and collaboration opportunities. This method promotes a child-centered, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Nature
Similarly to play, engaging in the natural world is an incredibly important part of development. Fresh air and open spaces enhance each of the five senses in a way that awakens curiosities and the desire for discovery. At SLSH, we make it a point to spend extended time outdoors each day by playing in our outdoor classroom, hiking trails, climbing tree branches, splashing in rainy mud puddles, stomping in snow piles, and so much more.
Benefits of a Home Based Preschool
A home environment. The home allows children to feel safe, secure and deeply loved because of the familiarity and consistency of one main caregiver. A home also allows for participation in practical life play such as cooking, baking, laundry, library trips and other meaningful outings.
Deeper bonds with caregivers. At this stage of development, it is so important to develop secure attachments to familiar adults. At SLSH we accept only 6 children per class to ensure the highest level of individualized care, second only to the care in their own home.
Flexibility within the daily schedule. It is always important to develop a daily schedule that allows predictability for a child. However, because of our homey nature, the schedule can adapt to the specific needs of a child on any given day. We are not strapped to the rigidity of a traditional classroom schedule and can easily go with the flow of the day.
Healthier children. Although viruses are unavoidable with any group of young children, it is a little less common for us because of our small class size and extended time outdoors.
Mixed age groups. Studies show that mixed age classrooms promote higher learning. Older children are excited to share their knowledge with younger children and younger children are more excited to learn from their slightly older peers. We see this all the time with our cohorts.
Meet other families. This is a great way to meet other families in the area and form a local community. This community has personally become my parenting village and has shaped our family in the best way!
