"Quiet Time" (Q.T.) is a scheduled part of your child's daily routine, which means 30 minutes of quiet. Each child is expected to lie down, remain calm, and not talk. There is no requirement to sleep but some do. The goal is to 'recharge' their energy in a healthy way so children don't get overtired. This Q.T. is where everyone (including the teachers) rests our ears, voices, and bodies for a few minutes following a very busy, noisy morning that includes at least 40 minutes of outdoor play.
Quiet Time usually occurs somewhere between 12:30 & 1:30 - depending on when the teacher starts.
This is necessary considering that some children are 3 years old, some students arrive at school at 7 am, and some stay at school until after 5 pm --- the day can be long and exhausting. Simply being immersed in a busy room filled with 30 other active children can be draining all by itself.
*** MATS ***
Each child is required to have a small mat at school to lie down on during Quiet Time. This mat can be a rubber yoga mat cut in half, or three pillowcases sewn together and filled.
*** BLANKETS ***
We encourage each child to bring a SMALL blanket. Please do not send in a large comforter, bedspread, or even a full-size blanket. All blankets must fit neatly into each child's own small cubby space, along with their extra set of clothes in a labelled Ziploc bag. Big blankets fall out & are difficult for a child to fold, so we ask for either a "crib-size" blanket or light throw. [*Baby blankets at the Dollar Store or Dollarama are available for $3- and are the perfect size.]
***TOYS***
Absolutely NO TOYS are permitted at school; this includes Pokeman cards, etc. There is one small exception to this rule and that is the allowance for a small stuffy to cuddle with during Quiet Time. This toy is left in the cubby (with the blanket) at all other times of the day and is not considered a toy for playtime.
Please clarify this rule with your child and ensure their toys stay at home! We have found that toys are a constant source for conflict or upset unless they are neutral items belonging to the classroom.
Thank you for your assistance in regards to these 3 important items.
