A Day at Gentle Dragon

While no two days at Gentle Dragon Preschool are ever the same, here's an example of what your child can expect when she or he walks through our doors.

8:30 - 9:00 am | Arrival

Joelle and the parent helper come into school early to clean and set up. Parents and students arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Children wash hands, put lunches in the refrigerator and seek out friends.

8:30 - 9:40 am | Free activity time

Early morning activities often include puzzles and play-dough, dress-up and drawing, the sensory table and the climbing structure. Quiet play to start the day as new ideas and new discoveries emerge.

9:40 - 9:50 am | Clean up for meeting

9:50 - 10:20 am | Meeting time

We discuss what we're learning about today, what project we'll do and any current issues with a family or friend. We pose questions and read related books — mixing quiet, sit-down time with an active game in the middle. Children answer a question at the end of meeting so Joelle can assess critical-thinking skills. We also laugh a lot!

10:20 - 10:40 am | Hand-washing and snack

The parent helper brings snack — typically a fruit or vegetable plus a protein or grain. We accommodate all dietary requirements and food allergies.

10:40 - 11:00 am | Project time

The morning continues with a group project, while other play areas and activities remain available. Little hands go flying. Paint and paper, glitter and glue, beads and buttons. Smiles everywhere.

11:00 - 11:15 am | Clean up and dress for outdoors

11:15 - 12:10 pm | Outdoor play

Children run and jump, climb and throw, hug and high-five. In inclement weather, project time is extended and extra activities are brought out.

12:10 - 12:15 pm | Come inside and wash hands for lunch

12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch

All the kids sit together around the big table, followed by play or story time. Tooth-brushing after lunch is supervised by the teacher.

12:45 - 1:00 pm | Pick-up time

Parents arrive to take their tuckered little ones home, exhausted and excited to share what they did at school today. Joelle and the parent helper, equally exhausted, clean up and close the door on another day.