A Typical Day at the Canterbury Children's Center, a private coeducational elementary school in Canterbury NH, serves students in grades 1-3 from Concord NH and central New Hampshire communities including Gilmanton NH, Loudon NH, Hopkinton NH, Bow NH, Boscawen NH, webster NH, penacook nh, canterbury nh, pembroke nh, providing a unique primary school education and fostering practical, artistic and academic skills, enthusiasm for learning, healthy self-awareness, and respect for others.

A Typical Day

A typical day at the Canterbury Children's Center has a flow to it that children come to know and expect. Tradition, consistency, and continuity make up the pattern of each day. Life in our classroom reflects a respect for a child's need to move, converse, and be active and includes work times during which children can move and make choices.

8:15 - 8:30 - Children Arrive. Children complete their morning responsibilities and enter into an activity of their choice.

8:30 - 9:00 - Chores and Morning Responsibilities. Children complete their morning responsibilities and enter into an activity of their choice. Students rotate through a series of responsibilities throughout the school year.

9:00 - 9:45 - Morning Meeting. Morning meetings are an important part of the Canterbury Children's Center day. These include daily organization and direction, calendar, music, story and discussion.

9:45 - 10:30 - Math Activities. Math activities with participation in small group and individual skill work. Children also work on their individualized math contracts. Snack is eaten in the attached greenhouse as needed.

10:30 - 11:30 - Language Arts Activities. Language Arts activities including quiet reading and participation in small group and individual skill work. Children also work on their individualized language arts contracts.

11:30 - Noon - Group Meeting. Group meeting to put closure to the morning, share children’s “published” writing, and enjoy an ongoing chapter book.

Noon - 1:00 - Lunch and Recess. Students bring their own lunches to school. After lunch, they go outside to play.

1:00 - 1:30 - Poetry Reading. Poetry reading with selections from a wide variety of poets. Teachers read to the group Monday through Thursday, but on Fridays children read selected poems to the school community.

1:30 - 2:30 - Independent Projects. Children pursue independent projects, extend morning work or participate in various activities.

2:30 - 3:00 - Reflection. Children and teachers reflect upon the day, write in daybooks and share entries aloud with the group.