Daily Rhythm
There is a rhythm to our days, but rarely a set plan. Children arrive beginning at 8:30, with everyone settled in by 9:00, and from there we head outside. Where we go and what we do is often decided together. Some mornings we hop on the Bunch Bike and head to a nearby park or trail; other days, the backyard has everything we need. We might spend hours digging in the mud kitchen, building, looking for bugs, making up games, or following a new question that catches our attention. The weather, the seasons, and most importantly, the children’s interests help shape what each day becomes.
Around 11:30, we head inside to make lunch and eat together. Children are encouraged to be part of the process, whether that means helping prepare food, setting the table, or sharing stories about our morning. After lunch, we slow things down for rest. We gather our mats, blankets, and stuffies and settle in with books, songs, and dream visualizations. Nap typically lasts from 12:30–2:30, although our timing can shift depending on the energy and needs of the group. Rest is a gentle part of our day, with space for children to sleep or simply recharge.
The afternoons are just as open-ended. After a snack, we might settle into art, music, or books, head outside again, or find ourselves completely absorbed in something the children have discovered. There are always invitations to explore, but there is no expectation that every day will look the same. Sometimes a planned activity becomes something entirely different, and sometimes the best part of the day is simply following the children’s curiosity.