2–3 years
Play Group
From two to three. The day flows between play centres and short group activities; first friendships, first rules and first "why?" questions happen in this room. One educator for every five children.
The age of friendship, play and the question "why?".
- Adult : child ratio
- 1 : 5
- Group size
- max 15
- Age range
- 24–36 months
- Classroom
- First floor, 58 m² classroom with play centres and a water table
- Sleep
- Nap 13:00–15:00, a rest corner for those who don’t sleep
- Opening hours
- 07:30–19:00
Two is the age when a child learns to be part of a group. In the Play Group the room is divided into play centres the children choose themselves; the teacher plays alongside, helping language and rules form naturally.
In this period of many "no"s and "mine"s we use short, clear sentences that are the same every day. In conflicts we stay with the children, help them name their feelings and find the solution together.
What grows in this group?
- Naming feelings: I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m happy
- Taking turns and building together in play
- Dressing, washing hands and using the toilet on their own
- Colour, shape, number and rhythm games
Play Group: a day
Times are approximate; they flex to the child’s rhythm.
- 07:30
Welcome
The day’s picture is on the board: each child pins their photo in the “I’m here” column.
- 08:30
Breakfast
Helping to set the table and clearing their own plate.
- 09:15
Circle time
The weather, the plan for the day, a song.
- 09:45
Play centres
Blocks, kitchen, books, art and the water table.
- 10:45
Garden
Bikes, the sandpit, out in the rain with raincoats.
- 12:00
Lunch
Serving their own portion from the dishes.
- 13:00
Nap
A quiet book corner for children who don’t sleep.
- 15:30
Snack
- 16:00
Workshop
Weekly theme: building, painting, cooking, nature.
- 18:30
Goodbye
Report card and their favourite moment of the day.
What goes in the bag?
Your ticks are saved in this browser; print it and stick it on the fridge.
Don’t forget to label everything!
Come and see the Play Group room
A 30-minute visit: you’ll see the classroom, the sleep room and meet the teacher.