Children have access to various activities throughout the day, such as block building, pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as Legos, pegboards and puzzles. Children are not all doing the same thing at the same time. Teachers work with individual children, small groups and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend time only with the entire group. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and dictated stories.
Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.
Exploring the natural world of plants and animals, cooking, taking attendance and serving a snack are all meaningful activities to children. Filling out worksheets should not be their primary activity. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day that weather permits. This play is never sacrificed for more instructional time. Teachers read books to children throughout the day, not just at group story time.