Adventures

Children need rhythm in their life and day. We create rhythm by smooth transitions between the activities, beginning and ending each class period in the "hive" sitting/standing circle formation to start and end the children with an open and welcoming sense of belonging within the group. This is a format children rely on and feel comfortable with. During the middle of the class we allow a change in that format for adventure time...to explore, children go beyond this hive into new areas or varying formations within the same area (move chairs, tables, sitting mats, etc.). Children also need the transition time between to breath and breakout/refocus for a new focus. Here is the structure explained:

Daily Structure: (a typical day)
---Transition--- greetings, Beehive board (share with parent)

Hive Time: Prepare - God 
(opening: in "sharing circle" formation)
Song
Prayer
Sharing Circle Game (welcome, beanbag toss, etc.)
Reflection (of Last Lesson)

---Transition--- song or line

Adventure Time: Explore - Self
(transition from circle formation to varying formation or different area)
Virtue Focus/Main Topic
Fable/Story
Sub-Topics: letter, number, color
Hands-on Experience/Adventure/Reflection
Following the story-telling experience/introduction to the virtue would be a hands-on experience to get children aquainted with the virtue, sub-topics, and various ways to express that new-found understanding. (see "Exploratory Learning" page)
Clean-up

---Transition--- song or line

Hive Time: Share - Others
(closing: in "sharing circle" formation)
Sharing Time (honey time: summarize/share experiences/lesson)
Planning Time (future topics or activities presented so children can have a say in next adventure. This also allows them to think about that topic and get familiar with/observe during the week.)
Song
Prayer

---Transition--- farewell, Beehive Board (share with parent)



--- Add activity below if doing similar classes geared towards older children (not necessarily for pre-K/K) ---
Monthly Sharing Activity: (last part of that day's adventure period or separate period)
This is for older children. At the end of each month will be a somewhat more formal "Sharing Session" to have the children express the truths they've learned and share the skills they've enjoyed developing. Somewhat like a music recital for the practicing musician. Something to look forward to in anticipation and trepidation (but hopefully work through that to develop confidence on sharing openly a part of themselves with others).