Recess time!

(Refer to earlier post on a typical day's schedule for more on recess)

Generally, the recess periods are staggered so that the younger grades (K/1/2) are outside at a different time than the older grades (2/3/4/5).  Of course, with the overlap of mixed grade class compositions, this doesn't always work out perfectly; for example, does the 1/2 class go outside with the K/1 group, or the older group?  Hmmm...  Anyways, the point is that there won't be any unnecessary trampling of 5 & 6 year olds whenever the students are set free from the confines of the classroom.

What is a typical schedule? How much recess do they get? What happens when it rains? What is curriculum night?

Rest assured, your kindergartener will be exhausted after school, for at least the first few months.

Approximate Daily Schedule

A typical day looks something like this (times rather approximate - you'll get specific info from your teacher):

• 9:00-9:25  arrive at the playground, run around like a maniac, play soccer, climb on equipment
• 9:25-9:30  line up in class line at first bell and go inside by second bell
• 9:30-11:00  class time + mid-morning snack
• 11:00 recess
• 11:15-12:00  class time
• 12:00  lunch for 15 minutes + 15 minutes of recess (see previous post on the 'eat lunch in 5 minutes to get more recess' issue)
•  12:15-2:00  class time
•  2:00  recess
•  2:15-3:35  class time
•  3:35  end-of-school bell 

...so, quite a lot of outdoor playtime.