Play is the cornerstone of our program.  A typical day at RPNS begins with a teacher greeting a little one at the door with a warm welcome.  Children will begin to settle into the day by exploring the various learning activities and interest centers that have been prepared before their arrival.  These centers are changed from week to week, day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour.  Often, these activities will follow a theme or project that has been generated from the activities and ideas of the previous class.  Our teachers are committed to listening to the children’s ideas and interests and creating curriculum experiences that enhance and extend these interests. Paint, clay, paper making, play dough, printing, collage, wood construction, musical instruments, books, blocks, dramatic play, puzzles, cooking, and the water table are but a few of the activities in which a child may engage.  There is always something new, but enough remains the same to provide the security and comfort of familiarity.   Teachers use digital cameras, computers, Palm Pilots, color copiers and other modern technology to document the children’s work, so that they, the children and the parents may understand what is transpiring throughout the day.  Emphasis is placed on extended learning and projects, that may take more than one class to investigate and complete.

During this time, the role of the teacher is that of a "facilitator".  One of the two teachers in each class is always nearby to answer a question, to offer a challenging statement, or to make subtle suggestion -- in keeping with each particular child's current level of achievement, ability, interest, and need.  She is also there to lend support, give a gentle hug or word of praise when needed.  

Following "Free Play", the children cooperatively clean up the classroom and move to a more teacher-directed part of the day.  "Circle time" connotes that time when children and teachers engage in singing, finger rhymes, games, and discussions that further the children's language, listening, and interaction skills.  It is a time when children and teachers share the work and discoveries that they have made during "Free Play" that day and make plans for the next day.  Stories are also read at various times throughout the day.

Often, classroom pets provide the ideas for discussion and projects
At snack time, juice, water and a healthy snack of fresh fruits and vegtables are provided or prepared by the children.   We encourage children to have healthy eating habbits, by trying foods that are perhaps new to their repertoire.  Children practice independence as they wash their hands, set the table, say "Grace" together, pour their own juice and serve themselves.  Manners are practriced as children invite a classmate to have snack and ask “May I please have more...”, “Please pass the…”  and “Thank you”!   We endeavor to provide a peanut free environment with our snacks being as allergen free as possible.

The final component of the day is outdoor play.  The children may choose to play on the climbing structures, in the sandboxes, or they may ride one of the many tricycles, bicycles, wagons, or "big wheels" on our blacktop track area.  They may also choose to play basketball, baseball, or soft hockey on our grass area.  As they exercise and develop the large muscles necessary for fitness, they continue to play and to practice their social skills in a much larger setting.

Throughout each month, the children enjoy “Music with Delores”.  Delores Jigi meets with each class twice a month for an hour of song, dance, finger play and instruments.  The children also sing and dance with their own teachers during class time.