This rhythm is designed to provide orientation and predictability.

However, we stay flexible and responsive.

If our learners are deeply focused in their play, we may adjust the order of the day. If the group needs extra outdoor time or a quieter pace, we honor that.

Our schedule follows the children —not the other way around— because we believe listening to and respecting their needs is foundational to their well-being and growth.

8:45 - 9:30
Begrüßung / Arrival & Morning Welcome
Children are greeted with warmth and supported through gentle, unhurried transitions from home to school. A nutritious and delicious breakfast is also available, with a daily changing menu.

9:00 – 10:00
Freispiel & Kleingruppenaktivitäten / Self-Directed Exploration / Independent Play and Small Group Activities
Children engage in open-ended, self-chosen play using thoughtfully prepared materials, ranging from blocks and sensory bins to pretend kitchens. During this time, educators offer gentle guidance while observing each child’s interests, energy levels, and developmental needs.

Learning invitations may include movement and dance, expressive arts, board games, or flower arranging, depending on the interests and rhythms of the group. Children also participate in Practical Life activities such as watering plants, polishing leaves, transferring materials, and folding napkins used during mealtimes.

Early mathematical thinking is nurtured through hands-on, self-directed exploration. Children engage in activities such as stacking, nesting, sorting, filling and emptying containers, posting objects, and matching. Through these experiences, they begin to explore concepts such as more and less, size differences, order, and simple patterns in a natural and meaningful way.

This is also a time when children may engage with their personalized goals, as part of their monthly individualized development plan, supported through meaningful, play-based experiences.

10:00 – 10:15
Snack
For children who did not have breakfast, a nutritious mid-morning snack is offered, with a strong emphasis on organic ingredients and seasonal produce whenever possible. This provides a calm, restorative pause and supports sustained energy and well-being for the remainder of the morning.

10:15 – 10:30
Morgenkreis / Morning Meeting
We gather as a group for songs, stories, movement, and seasonal rituals —all in German. Visual aids like puppets, felt pieces, picture cards, and our Wochenplan help children engage, feel oriented, and understand the flow of the day and week.

10:30 – 11:45
Draußenzeit / Outdoor Play or Nature Walks
We go outside daily—rain or shine. Children are encouraged to climb, dig, run, and freely explore the natural environment. Depending on the season and the needs of the group, outdoor time may occasionally be shifted to the afternoon. Our outdoor experiences include visits to nearby parks, time at the local recreation center, use of a nearby soccer field for safe and active running, or a stroll through the neighborhood. Seasonal crafts and environmental discoveries are naturally woven into this part of the day.

11:45 – 11:50
Tischdecken / Table-Setting
Children help set the lunch table, practicing care for the environment and contributing to the community. This daily ritual builds independence, responsibility, and pride in their participation.

11:50 – 12:15
Mittagessen / Lunch
We enjoy a slow, social meal together. Children practice independence, build routine skills, and share in a peaceful group mealtime.

12:15 – 12:30
Übergang zur Ruhe / Transition to Rest
After lunch, we dim the lights, play calming music, and support children in slowing down. This quiet period helps ease the transition into nap or rest time and also includes shared story time, offering a calm and comforting moment together before sleep or rest.

12:30 – 2:30
Mittagsruhe (Mittagsschlaf) / Nap or Quiet Rest
Children rest in a calm, cozy environment. Those who do not nap engage in quiet, calming activities like books, puzzles, or drawing.

2:30 – 3:00
Snack
After rest, children are offered a second nutritious snack, with a strong emphasis on organic ingredients and seasonal offerings whenever possible.

3:00 – 4:30
Nachmittagsaktivitäten & Draußenspiel / Afternoon Activities or Outdoor Play
Afternoons may include outdoor time, such as another walk through the neighborhood or a visit to a nearby park, continued self-directed exploration, or hands-on activities such as cooking together. A few times per week, we also offer structured art activities, which may take place during this time, alongside other invitations such as collaborative art, storytelling, sensory play, music and movement, or STEM-inspired building. This time is also used for celebrating special occasions, such as a child’s birthday, German seasonal traditions like Nikolaus or Laternefest, or other meaningful holidays.

4:30 – 5:00
Abholzeit / Pick-Up Window
Children are picked up during this time. We support smooth, respectful goodbyes and a calm end to the day.

Fridays: Die Vorschule closes at 4:00 PM, with pick-up beginning at 3:30 PM.