Little Acorns Daily Schedule: Wednesday and Friday (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM)

10:30-10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)

• Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Greetings and group check-in to practice expressing feelings and sharing thoughts

• Songs or finger plays to promote listening and speaking skills

• Overview of the day to set routines and expectations, promoting executive functions

10:50-11:10 AM | Nature Exploration & Outdoor Play (30 minutes)

• Focus: Math (Geometry, Measurement), Science (Seasonal Effects), Physical Education

• Nature walk with observation of seasonal changes and collection of objects (e.g., leaves or rocks)

• Exploration of patterns in nature (introducing geometry)

• Unstructured outdoor play for large motor development and social engagement

11:10-11:50 AM | Story Time & Creative Activity (40 minutes)

• Focus: Language Arts (Reading, Comprehension), Social Studies (Families, Cultures), Music and Art

• Read-aloud session with books about families, communities, or nature

• Art project or craft related to the story, promoting creative expression

• Group discussion to build comprehension and appreciation for different cultures

11:50 – 12:35 PM | Lunch & Free Play (45 minutes)

• Focus: Health and Physical Education (Nutrition), Social and Emotional Development

• Outdoor picnic-style lunch with conversations about healthy eating and practices

• Time for unstructured play to encourage social engagement, friendships, and cooperation

12:35 – 1:05 PM | Movement & Music Time (30 minutes)

• Focus: Music and Art, Physical Education, Social Development

• Singing and dancing to develop rhythm and creative expression

• Parachute games or yoga to promote large motor skills and social cooperation

1:05-1:50 PM | Hands-On Nature Exploration (45 minutes)

• Focus: Science (Life Processes, Physical Properties), Math (Problem Solving), Approaches to Learning

• Garden time (planting, watering) or sorting natural objects to explore life systems and physical properties

• Use natural materials for problem-solving activities (e.g., creating patterns or counting objects)

• Encourage curiosity, initiative, and persistence through open-ended exploration

1:50-2:10 PM | Snack & Story Wrap-Up (20 minutes)

• Focus: Language Arts (Listening, Speaking), Social and Emotional Development

• Healthy snack to support nutrition awareness

• Group sharing about the day to develop expressive language and reflect on emotions

2:10-2:30 PM | Goodbye Circle & Pick-Up (10 minutes)

• Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning

• Closing song or reflection to reinforce routine, friendships, and positive coping skills

• Set intentions for the next session, promoting attentiveness and cooperation

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Math: Geometry, Number Sense, Measurement, Data, Problem Solving

• Science: Inquiry and Problem Solving, Physical Properties, Life Processes and Living Systems, Seasonal Effects

• Social Studies: Families, Cultures, Geography, Communities, Rules and Routines

• Language Arts: Listening, Speaking, Writing, Reading (e.g., Comprehension, Phonological Awareness)

• Music and Art: Creative expression through singing, dancing, painting, etc.

• Health and Physical Education: Large and small motor development, healthy practices, nutrition

• Approaches to Learning: Executive functions, persistence, initiative, curiosity, cooperation, attentiveness

• Social and Emotional Development: Managing emotions, positive coping skills, developing friendships, social engagement, self-awareness

Mighty Maples 7-Hour Schedule – Thursdays (10:30AM-5:30PM)

10:30-11:00 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (30 minutes)

• Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Group check-in, greetings, and overview of the day

• Set intentions and reflect on the previous week

• Practice self-expression and build connections through group discussions

11:00-11:40 AM | Nature Exploration for Math (40 minutes)

• Focus: Math, Science

• Outdoor exploration to inspire mathematical thinking using natural objects

• Engage in observations that spark curiosity and scientific inquiry

11:40 AM – 12:50 PM | Math Exploration (70 minutes)

• Focus: Math, Approaches to Learning

• Hands-on math activities tailored to each child’s individual level, aligned with VA SOL for their specific age group

• Incorporate movement-based activities for engagement and problem-solving

12:50-1:40 PM | Lunch & Free Play (50 minutes)

• Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor picnic lunch followed by unstructured play in the garden or treehouse

• Encourage friendships, social engagement, and cooperative play

1:40-2:20 PM | Nature Exploration for ELA (40 minutes)

• Focus: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

• Explore the environment to inspire storytelling and creative writing

• Collect natural objects or reflect on observations for writing prompts

2:20-3:40 PM | ELA Block (80 minutes)

• Focus: Language Arts, Social and Emotional Development

• Reading and writing activities personalized to each child’s individual level, aligned with VA SOL for their specific age group

• Write personal narratives or nature-inspired stories

• Participate in read-aloud or independent reading sessions

• Group discussions to build comprehension and storytelling skills

3:40-4:10 PM | Snack & Free Play (30 minutes)

• Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Engagement

• Healthy snack followed by unstructured outdoor play

• Promote friendships and build social-emotional skills through cooperative activities

4:10-5:10 PM | Science, Group Collaboration & Closing Reflection (60 minutes)

• Focus: Science, Social Studies, Approaches to Learning

• Engage in hands-on experiments or nature-based projects

• Collaborate on group activities (e.g., building a nature sculpture)

• Reflect on the day’s learning and set goals for the following week

5:10-5:30 PM | Closing Reflection (20 minutes)

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Math: Aligned with VA SOL standards to meet the individualized needs of each child’s specific age group

• ELA (English Language Arts): Aligned with VA SOL standards to meet the individualized needs of each child’s specific age group

• Science: Inquiry, life processes, physical properties

• Social Studies: Communities, geography, rules, and routines

• Health and Physical Education: Motor development, healthy practices

• Approaches to Learning: Curiosity, initiative, persistence, cooperation

• Social and Emotional Development: Expressing emotions, building friendships, self-awareness

Overview of the Day

This 6-hour schedule strikes a balance between structured academics, outdoor exploration, creative projects, and social engagement. The individualized approach ensures that each child’s learning in both Math and ELA aligns with VA SOL standards, meeting them where they are developmentally.

The thoughtful combination of academic lessons, free play, and hands-on nature activities fosters both intellectual growth and social-emotional development, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

COMING FALL 2025!