Extended day programs have become an essential component of modern family life in coping between work, school, and the daily hustle and bustle. They ensure that parents have dependable care to keep the children busy beyond the hours of regular school. For the child, this time means opportunities to play, learn, and grow in an environment designed by caring hands.
Horizon Montessori is aware of the importance of these additional hours. So we have an extended day program specially shaped for 3-6 year olds, enrollable by preschool this fall. We will be grateful for this reading. We shall now accompany you through an illustrative day in a child’s life spent in the program, showing how truly enriching and supportive the extended day program can turn out to be.
Morning Events: An Easy Start into the Day
For some, early drop-off cannot be avoided. Before the school day officially begins, the Extended Day Program already provides managed care in a situation free from tension where the youngsters ease into the day.
Early arrivals are met by warm, familiar faces and are ushered to a calm classroom environment. The morning is easygoing–children might:
- Work on quiet Montessori materials
- Read books quietly and independently or with a teacher
- Engage in simple art activities or puzzles
- Listen to soft music or nature sounds
This period of grace allows the young child to transition easily into the day’s beginning. No hurry, no stress–just a gentle rhythm to start the day with confidence.
The Core Montessori Programming Day
When the actual school day begins, our preschool students carry out every aspect of a Montessori program, inclusive of
- Practical Life skills: like pouring liquids, sweeping, buttoning, tying, food preparation, and snack-making, which develop independence and coordination
- Sensorial Materials: Hands-on objects help children to classify all that enters their awareness through the senses and explore color, shape, size, texture, and sound
- Language and Literacy: Rhyming, storytelling, vocabulary building, reading readiness, and early writing activities.
- Mathematics: Very imaginative lessons in identifying numbers, simple counting, and beginning operations using concrete materials.
- Cultural Studies: Geography, science (biology, botany, and zoology), music, and art altogether directed by the weekly rhythm.
The children work either independently or with others, moving around in the prepared environment. The motive behind this philosophy is that the child exercises his own free will in deciding when and how to use the variety of activities, showing initiative in problem solving, self-esteem, and inner satisfaction.
Lunchtime: A Nourishing Body at Lunch
Lunchtime in the Extended Day Program does not only signify lunch and food preparation; it becomes an opportunity to teach life skills and social graces.
Children take turns to:
- Set the table
- Help prepare food served (age appropriate)
- Using polite words and manners
- Clear up after themselves
Spending time in this silent group breaks down any mental and emotional barrier that allowed them to bond with one another.
Naptime: Gather Strength in the Afternoon
When the children return from playing between noon and 1:00 pm, it is clear they need a rest. It is essential for many of the 3-6 year-olds at Horizon Montessori to have a short nap or a quiet rest period to refresh their energy.
In the Horizon Montessori Extended Day Program,
- Children lie down on their individual mats in a low-lit room
- Soft music or white noise may be played
- Teachers are always nearby for gentle comfort
- Children who do not nap will be engaged in quiet, restful activities
An afternoon break from the daily learning routine brings physical and emotional equilibrium to these children.
Creative Time: Time for Space to Learn
The Extended Day students, following a time of rest, move into another afternoon work cycle. This afternoon session mimics the structure and intent of the morning session, yet the emphasis is on individualized learning characterized by hands-on activities.
Because the students are very much engaged with work that is revisited from morning, much more depth, concentration, and mastery can be observed in the children in the afternoon. Montessori materials, in fact, are inviting them to discover more and further grow what they have learned from.
In addition, teachers might introduce enrichment activities on occasion, such as
- Music and rhythm games
- Yoga or stretching
- Science experiments
- Gardening and nature walks
- Cooking or food prep
These activities provoke curiosity and imagination and are placed within the paradigm of practical skills learned. This afternoon lesson allows the children to follow their interests, engage further in classes, and have a sense of ownership of their learning.
Outdoor Play: Fresh Air and Free Movement
For the time of four seasons, weather permitting, the children from the Extended Day Program play outdoors in our safe and child-centered play environment. This is very much a usual daily rhythm—especially for youngsters with high energy and imagination.
Outdoor play includes
- Free play with friends all over
- Climbing, running, balancing, and jumping
- Nature exploration and sensory play
- Group games and movement exercises
Physical development and coordination are promoted, and their skills for interaction are built. All these supporting and nurturing experiences form social skills and foster cooperation in the child.
At Horizon Montessori, we see outdoor time as an extension of the classroom for observation of nature, environment exploration, movement, and play across a variety of learning planes.
Snack and Break Social
The children settle into sharing the last part of their day with a nice snack. Through this shared experience, the children practice the principles of their practical life exercises and table manners.
It is also a “decompression” time at the end of the day in which the children have the opportunity to share in social interactions with their classmates, led by the teacher. Group discussions, storytime, or mindfulness activities are great accompaniments to aid in transitioning the children calmly into the evening.
Dismissal: Closing of a Full Day with Happiness
As parents begin gathering to pick up their kids, teachers assist children in cleaning and gathering their belongings and saying goodbye.
We always try to end it with a pleasant conclusion that comes with warm goodbyes—with a note from the teacher and a quick rundown of the child’s day. There has to be a lot of love and smiles passed around because the kids show their accomplished work with pride.
By the time the child gets home, they have not only had themselves a good day at school, but they have also had:
- Special focus geared towards their needs
- A structured environment, respect, and esteem
- Enrichment beyond core learning
- Emotional support
- Movement and social opportunities
Why Do Families Pick Horizon Montessori for Extended Day?
For many of our families, extended day is more than just convenient—it is instrumental in their child’s early education. It is the missing bridge between home and school that nurtures children in all areas: cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.
Here are some features of Horizon Montessori that set it apart:
- Age-Appropriate Program: Designed specifically for toddlers aged 3-6, our programs are developmentally appropriate and respect the young learners’ needs.
- Continuity of Care: Your child remains within a consistent environment with the same trusted adults all day long.
- Enrichment and Exploration: The program we offer is not simply a babysitting program but extends the Montessori learning experience to the afternoon hours with learning, exploration, and creativity.
- Open Communication: Families are made aware of their child’s growth through communication, insights, and ongoing emphasis.
- Holistic Support: Children flourish in our symbiosis amongst academics, practical life, rest, movement, and play.
An extended day should simply mean more time instilling lessons, playing, connecting, and growing in a nurturing and supportive environment. which is precisely what they receive at Horizon Montessori.
Our Extended Day Program does the rest. It provides a safe, nurturing environment for children ages three to six to grow well past regular school hours. Understanding the demands of a working family coupled with the developmental needs of young ones, we endeavor to meet both with heart, care, and excellence.
If you are seeking a preschool and extended day program that supports your child’s growth right through from the morning to the evening care, we would love it if you took the time to regard Horizon Montessori. Come by and see the beauty of our classrooms in action.
Call now and arrange your visit–we would love for your little one to become part of the Horizon family.
