ACTIVITY 1: FREE PLAY (15 minutes) MATERIALS FOR ACTIVITY Name tags Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper. PREPARATION FOR ACTIVITY Make name tags for the children you are expecting and set these out with a few extra blank name tags and a marker. Display the free play options attractively, for the children to use, such as a puzzle with a piece already put in place, a family of ethnically and gender-diverse dolls sitting together in the dramatic play area, a group of trucks near a block garage, or a book. Review Program Structure in the Introduction for a description of free play. See also Separating from Parents and Caregivers, under Resources in the Introduction. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY As the children arrive, invite them into the Chalice Children meeting room. Help them get comfortable by pointing out the free play area and noting the options for play that are displayed. Help them say goodbye to their parent(s) or caregiver(s). Guide and invite the children to play, helping them feel safe and welcomed. Give a five-minute warning to the children that free play will end and cleanup will begin; follow with a one-minute warning.
ACTIVITY 1: FREE PLAY (15 minutes) MATERIALS FOR ACTIVITY Name tags Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper. PREPARATION FOR ACTIVITY Make name tags for the children you are expecting and set these out with a few extra blank name tags and a marker. Display the free play options attractively, for the children to use, such as a puzzle with a piece already put in place, a family of ethnically and gender-diverse dolls sitting together in the dramatic play area, a group of trucks near a block garage, or a book. Review Program Structure in the Introduction for a description of free play. See also Separating from Parents and Caregivers, under Resources in the Introduction. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY As the children arrive, invite them into the Chalice Children meeting room. Help them get comfortable by pointing out the free play area and noting the options for play that are displayed. Help them say goodbye to their parent(s) or caregiver(s). Guide and invite the children to play, helping them feel safe and welcomed. Give a five-minute warning to the children that free play will end and cleanup will begin; follow with a one-minute warning.