A core part of any preschool daily schedule is circle time. Circle time usually centers on a specific theme that the class has been working on, such as fish, animals or teddy bears. Circle time typically takes place at the beginning of the day to ensure that all children present are mentally prepared for the rest of the day's activities. It serves as a precursor to the rest of the daily schedule while the theme gives children a focus.
Educational activities are an essential part of a preschool's daily schedule. Preschool age children are ready to be introduced to basic ideas that will prove to be the foundation of their learning in future years. Concepts such as color recognition, alphabet recognition, numbers and basic rhyming should be incorporated into the schedule using educational games that teach the concepts while the children are having fun.
Believe it or not, food is a major part of the preschool daily schedule! Some preschools offer an optional breakfast program for those students who arrive early. For preschools that start after the standard breakfast hour, a morning snack about an hour and a half after students have arrived is customary. Whether or not students bring their own lunch or it is provided for them, lunch time should be planned for noon. An afternoon snack should be served about two hours after lunchtime. Meal time has the added benefit of teaching children proper dining etiquette.
Free play is perhaps the most significant part of a preschool's daily schedule. While the other components discussed are certainly important, experts around the world agree that learning through play is an essential part of childhood development. Preschools should have many different "stations" available that offer the students a variety of activities to choose from, such as an art station, a puzzle station, a reading corner and a dress-up station. Teachers should use the time to observe and interact with students. Much insight can be gained into the development of a child when observing them during unstructured play time.