HighScope Elementary Approach: Classroom Environment (continued)

Half-Day Kindergarten Sample Schedule

8:30 - 8:50 Opening/circle (song & movement)
8:50 - 9:30 Plan-do-review
9:30 - 10:30 Language/math workshop
10:30 - 11:00 Outside play/snack/movement
11:00 - 11:30 Movement/music/story
11:30 Song & dismissal

Full-Day Kindergarten Sample Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 Opening/circle (song & movement)
9:00 - 9:45 Plan-do-review
9:45 - 10:45 Language/math workshop
10:45 - 11:15 Music & movement
11:15 - 11:45 Lunch
11:45 - 12:00 Prepare for outside
12:00 - 12:30 Outside play/movement
12:30 - 1:00 Circle or theme activity/movement
1:00 - 1:40 All read/write
1:40 - 2:00 Movement/physical education
2:00 - 2:20 Story
2:20 Song & dismissal

First Grade Sample Schedule

8:30 - 8:50 Opening (song & movement)
8:50 - 9:20 Music
9:20 - 10:30 Math workshop
10:30 - 10:45 Story time
10:45 - 11:10 Whole-group reading
11:10 - 12:10 Language workshop
12:10 - 12:35 Lunch
12:35 - 1:05 Science/social studies
1:05 - 1:35 Movement/physical education
1:35 - 2:50 Plan-do-review
2:50 Song & dismissal

Second Grade Sample Schedule 

8:10 - 8:30 Opening (song & movement)
8:30 - 9:00 Music
9:00 - 9:30 Science/social studies
9:30 - 10:15 Math workshop
10:15 - 11:05 All read
11:05 - 11:35 Movement/physical education
11:35 - 11:55 Calendar & wash-up
11:55 - 12:25 Lunch
12:25 - 12:45 Story time
12:45 - 1:45 Language workshop
1:45 - 2:50 Plan-do-review
2:50 Song & dismissal 

Third Grade Sample Schedule

8:30 - 8:55 Opening (song & movement)
8:55 - 9:55 Math workshop
9:55 - 10:05 Music transition
10:05 - 10:40 Movement/physical education
10:40 - 12:20 Language workshop
12:20 - 1:05 Lunch
1:05 - 1:45 Music/science/social studies
1:45 - 2:50 Plan-do-review
2:50 Song & dismissal

Activity Periods: The Plan-Do-Review Sequence

As mentioned above, the activity periods are key blocks of time in the daily routine during which children work through the plan-do-review sequence. Briefly, this is a sequence in which children, with the help of the teacher, initiate plans for projects or activities; work in learning centers to implement their plans; and then review what they have done with the teacher and their fellow classmates, perhaps by presenting an oral or written report, a drawing, or a dramatization. Through this process, the High/Scope Curriculum enables children to take initiative and become responsible for their own actions. The plan-do-review sequence involves children in making choices and decisions. It also provides teachers with a structured framework within which to manage the activity period as an effective learning tool.

The activity periods present opportunities for children to use representation—speaking, writing, imitating, building, drawing—as a vehicle for employing their newly acquired knowledge and learning new concepts and skills. It should be noted that the learning opportunities during the activity periods cut across curricular areas, as children may work through different projects involving math, language, science, and art. Furthermore, the plan-do-review sequence may take place in any of the classroom activity centers, including the computer station. Teachers support children's implementation of their plans as well as their representations by engaging in appropriate dialogue with the children during these phases. In addition, they help children reflect on the outcomes of their activities at review time.