Our full day program is the ideal program and what we recommend for most families.  The children arrive with a greeting and a handshake from the directress often on the playground as the extended day kids go outside at 8:00, weather depending, for 30 minutes or so.  After working off some energy, possibly gardening, getting a bit of fresh air and large motor activity, they move inside for circle time at 8:45 or so.  We have discussion, a group lesson possibly, enjoy a song or two, talk about the weather,  what day/month/year it is and what ever may arise that day.  Morning work time follows.  They will then work on lessons choosing for themselves those activities they have received lessons on and are interested in; often guided by the directress or assistant when necessary.  They will receive lessons on new material or repeated lessons when needed, observe others at their leisure, and sometimes give lessons to other children.  All lessons of which are designed individually for each child's developmental level.  You will find the children during work time doing quit a variety of activities hearing a low hum of conversation, laughter and song.  They often will be prepping a snack or lunch item with the assistant, eating a snack that is available throughout the morning at the snack table or caring for an animal or plant.  We often work not only inside the classroom, but out on the deck or even in the garden.  Towards the end of morning work time, some children begin to help prep for lunch about 11:00 as others continue to work.  They take joy in helping set the tables with plates, glasses, silverware and napkins.   Many of the preparations for lunch are done by the children as they love to get lunch jobs and wear the coveted necklaces.  After lunch some children help clean-up and then lay down for rest or nap time (depending on the child's needs at that time).  After a 30 minute or so rest time, the non-nappers get up to have a quiet afternoon work time often working freely on more complex materials or finishing up their morning materials.  When the nappers start waking up, usually around 2:00 and everyone is up about 2:30 or so, we move outside or do largemotor activities inside (weather depending) until 3:00.  At that time we have an afternoon snack during circle time and say our goodbye's with a handshake as parents pick-up at 3:30.