I invite 7 other Mommies and their little ones to join us. I think 5 to 8 pairs is ideal, depending on your space. Some years we have had enough interest to host 3 groups of 6 pairs.
Each class includes a gathering activity, circle time where we introduce the Book of the Week,an art activity (fine motor), a snack, and a game (gross motor). Each of these are related to the Book of the Week. We transition based on the children's interest in the activity, not the clock. We end with our class "Good-bye Poem."
I email out the lesson plans each week to all of the Mommies. They email a response to all with the activity they would like to be responsible for that week. I always do circle time, and try once or twice a month to do one of the other activities as well. We have a fantastic group of Mommies who are always willing to help out, so I don't have to do too much, actually.
I will post individual sections that explain each time period in detail, but below is a loose time frame. I hesitate to even include it, because we really do transition based on children's interest. Some weeks we only get to three of the four activities, some weeks we have enough extra time for free play in the back yard.
Our VERY Flexible Schedule
9:55am-10:10am-Gathering Activity: Families arrive and get settled in. Children participate in the gathering activity while Mommies get supplies they brought with them set up.
10:10am-10:30am-Circle Time: Includes Songs, fingerplays, and BOOK OF THE WEEK
10:35am-10:55am-Art Activity and clean up
10:55am-11:10am-Snack
11:10am-11:25am-Game
11:25am-11:30am-Good-bye circle, gather projects to take home, etc...
