The HighScope Preschool Daily Routine

Daily Routine Components

• Planning time (10-15 minutes)
• Work time (45-60 minutes)
• Recall time (10-15 minutes)
• Small-group time (15-20 minutes)
• Large-group time (10-15 minutes)
• Outside time (30-40 minutes)
• Transition times (including arrival and departure) (variable)
• Eating and rest times (variable)
• Adult team planning time (20-40 minutes)

Components of the Daily Routine

Plan-do-review sequence (planning time, work time, recall time).  This three-part sequence is unique to the High/Scope Curriculum. It includes a 10- to 15-minute period during which children plan what they want to do during work time (the area to visit, materials to use, and friends to play with); a 45- to 60-minute work time for carrying out their plans; and another 10- to 15-minute period for reviewing and recalling with an adult and other children what they've done and learned. In between "do" and "review," children clean up by putting away their materials or storing unfinished projects. Children are very active and purposeful during the "do" portions of the day because they are pursuing activities that interest them. They may follow their initial plans, but often, as they become engaged, their plans shift or may even change completely. The three elements of this sequence always occur in the same order.

Small-group time. During small-group time, 6-8 children meet with an adult to experiment with materials, try out new skills, and solve problems. Adults develop a small-group activity based on children's interests and particular skills, materials, or content areas that suit children's developmental learning needs. Though the adult plans the activity and sets it in motion, children make choices about how to use the materials and freely communicate their ideas. The length of small group varies with the children's age, interests, and engagement. At the end of the period, children help with cleanup.

Large-group time. Large-group time builds a sense of community. Up to 20 children and 2 adults come together for movement and music activities, interactive storytelling, and other shared experiences. Children have many opportunities to make choices and play the role of leader.

Outside time. Children and adults spend at least 30 minutes outside every day, enjoying vigorous and often noisy play in the fresh air.

Transition times. Transitions are the minutes between other blocks of the day, as well as arrival and departure times. Teachers strive to make transitions pass smoothly, since they set the stage for the next segment in the day's schedule. They also provide meaningful learning opportunities themselves.

Eating and resting times (if applicable). Meals and snacks allow children to enjoy eating healthy food in a supportive social setting. Rest is for quiet, solitary activities. Since both activities happen at home as well as at school, adults in High/Scope programs try to respect family customs at these times as much as possible. A primary goal is to create a shared and secure sense of community within the program.

Adult team planning time. This time happens every day in a High/Scope program. It can occur during children's naptime, before children arrive, or after they leave. The teaching team meets to discuss their observations of children's developing abilities and interests, focusing on these observations as they plan activities and review the materials in the classroom.

The name "High/Scope" and its corporate logos are registered trademarks and service marks of the High/Scope Foundation.