Week 9 — Storybook Adventures
A gentle, cozy week of climbing inside our favorite stories. The whole week rides on one soft, playful move: be someone new — and try another way! We become bears and bunnies, try on new voices, and wonder "what happens next?" — until Friday, when each Little wears a simple costume they made and the whole class parades together. A friend from the library visits Wednesday to read with us, lap-close. July 27 – July 31 · Littles classroom, ages 2–3.5.
This guide pairs with the General Planning Guide and applies Storybook Adventures to the Littles (2–3.5) daily schedule. The big moment is Friday's Character Parade — right in our own program, each Little wears a simple costume they made and the class parades together with a handmade banner while teachers and classmates cheer (no parents, no visiting classes; Brightwheel photos carry it home). The whole week is one soft, happy move: "Be someone new — and try another way!" — we become bears and bunnies, try new voices, and go along when a friend bends the pretend. It's each Little's own version of a character, celebrated together on Friday — not one big group project. A friend from the library visits the center Wednesday for a short, lap-close story time (an in-house guest — no field trip). Remember the morning order: Outdoor → Circle → handwash → Snack. Start with the prep block below, then run the five days.
Week Snapshot
Before You Run the Week
How this guide works, the one skill we're watching for, what to prep, and what to have on hand. Read these first; the five days follow.
How to use this guide. Each day below is the full run-sheet — every block of the Littles schedule, in order, so you can print one day and run it from the page. Transition and fixed blocks are kept brief; the active and guided blocks carry the detail.
The 📸 Brightwheel moments are built in. Look for the warm camera callout inside each day — it sits on the block where the photo happens, with the shot to grab and a ready-to-post caption. Littles mid-pretend in a bear voice, and little ones in their own costumes at the parade, are the most shareable photos of the summer.
Morning order. Littles come in from Outdoor Play to Circle Time (8:50–9:00), then handwash (9:00–9:15), then Morning Snack (9:15–9:35). Circle first, snack after. The big pretend lives in the cool morning window.
Each Little's own version. This is not a big group build — twos and threes are parallel players. Each child does their own pretend, their own voice, their own simple costume, and on Friday all the little characters parade together. The arc is gentle and sensory: hear a story → be an animal → dress up and become someone new → make a simple costume → parade.
The week's two threads. A Story Basket (favorite board and picture books, added to daily) and a Character Corner (soft, choke-safe dress-up — capes, ears, hats, puppets, a mirror) that grows all week toward the parade. These make the week cohere and make Friday a celebration instead of a scramble.
One Teacher Move a day. Each day carries a single 🏃 Teacher Move — a quick coaching note on the day's highest-leverage moment. One per day, on purpose; ignore the rest of the polish and nail that one.
About Wednesday's Library Friend. A friend from the library visits for a short, lap-close story time — an in-house guest, no field trip. Keep it cozy and brief (a Little's attention is short): a board book or two, a song, and warmth. It slots into Wednesday's late-morning Centers block.
About Friday's Character Parade. No vendor, no field trip, no outside visitors — the parade stays in-house. Each Little becomes their own character (costume made Thursday) and the class parades a short, shaded route with a handmade banner while teachers cheer. It's a celebration, not a performance — a wave counts, and every child is a star.
Printing. Use your browser's Print — each day breaks cleanly onto its own sheet.
This Week's EF Lens — Cognitive Flexibility
Be someone new — and try another way!
Cognitive flexibility is the brain's ability to shift — to try a new idea, a new role, a new way. For a two- or three-year-old it's just beginning, and it grows in the simplest, happiest ways: putting on bunny ears and becoming a bunny, trying a growly bear voice, going along when a friend says the block is a phone, and trying again another way when the first way doesn't work. So the week's soft throughline, said sing-song every day, is one flexible move: "Be someone new — and try another way!"
The week is built to invite that, gently: Monday we hear a beloved story and act it out; Tuesday we become different animals and try their voices; Wednesday we dress up and become someone new — and the Library Friend reads with us; Thursday we make our own little costume; Friday we parade as someone new. Your job is warm and light: notice it and name it — "you were a bear, now you're a bunny!" — never drill it. At this age, a grown-up who plays alongside is the whole lesson.
EF Research: pretend and story play are among the earliest, richest ways flexible thinking and self-regulation grow in the toddler years — trying a new voice, taking a role, and rolling with a friend's twist, long before any "rules" game. Google "pretend play cognitive flexibility toddlers."
Watch for it when a Little…
- Puts on ears or a cape and "becomes" someone new — a bunny, a bear, a puppy.
- Tries a new voice — a growly bear, a squeaky mouse — different from their own.
- Goes along when a friend changes the pretend ("yes, and…") instead of only one way.
- Pretends a familiar thing is something new — a block is a phone, a scarf is a river.
- Tries again another way when the first idea doesn't work — and keeps playing.
Before the Week
A little setup makes the whole week run itself. Get these squared away over the weekend or Monday morning — and confirm the Library Friend's Wednesday visit early. Everything for this room stays large and choke-safe.
Supplies — Check & Request
Scan this against what's already in the room. Anything you're short on, send the checked list to Amy early — costume and banner materials especially, since those have the longest lead time. Items marked (parent) are family-supplied; on hand means it's already here; Fri means it's needed for the parade. This is the gentle Littles version, so everything stays large and choke-safe — no small parts, no buttons, no loose beads.
Furniture & Equipment · order early
- Book basket / low display (the Story Basket)1
- Dress-up rack or bin (Character Corner)1
- Child-safe mirror (try on characters)1
- Story-spot rug or cushions (Library Friend)set
Story & Character Materials · the theme
- Favorite board / picture books (big characters)6–8
- Hand puppets / soft characters (large)set
- Dress-up: capes, hats, scarves (choke-safe)set
- Simple story props (basket, crown, soft toy)few
- Felt-board or picture cards (re-tell)1 set
Craft & Costume · the make
- Headband strips (character ears)1/child
- Paper plates / card (masks on a stick)1/child+
- Construction paper & felt (ears, tails)reams
- Chunky crayons / washable markersset
- Glue sticks / wide tape (adult helps)set
- Big star stickers / stampers (shared)few
- Yarn / ribbon (adult threads)roll
- Big banner paper / roll (parade)1Fri
Per-Child & Consumables
- "My Storybook" pages (keepsake)1/child
- Character name/label cards (parade)1/child
- Simple costume from home (optional)parent
- Smocks (craft days)1/child
Safety & Cleanup
- Water bottles + hydration (parade morning)1/child
- Sun hats + sunscreen (morning outdoor)stock
- Hand soap + paper towelsstocked
- First-aid kitcheck
Five Days That Build Toward Friday
A gentle, sensory arc — first hear a beloved story, then become the animals, then dress up and become someone new (with a live model from the Library Friend), then make our own little costume, then parade as someone new. Each day is small and joyful, and each deposits something the parade pulls back out.
The Daily Rhythm
Every day runs the identical clock, carried in full in each day plan below. Four blocks are fixed — snack, lunch, nap, afternoon snack. Everything else is flex: that's the pretend.
Five Days, Fully Planned
Each day is the full run-sheet — every block of the Littles schedule, in order. The 📸 Brightwheel moment and the day's one 🏃 Teacher Move are tucked into the blocks where they happen.
Combined arrival care. All classrooms together — soft play and books until the Littles room opens. Stay present: circulate, narrate the quiet play, and offer warm welcomes.
Outdoor Play · Act Out a Story — "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" (anchor)
The first big pretend, in the cool morning. Sunscreen and hats at the door, then gather in the shade and move through a favorite story with our whole bodies — We're Going on a Bear Hunt is perfect: swish through the grass, splash through the water, squelch through the mud, all together. Keep it sing-song and simple; the joy is doing the motions as a group. Then, very gently, try another way: "What if it's a BUNNY hunt? Let's hop!" and follow whatever the Littles offer. Big, happy, sensory. Water break halfway.
Materials — open shady space, a soft "river" scarf, the Story Basket book, water bottles, hats.
Don't direct the story from the side — climb into it. Swish and squelch right alongside them, in a big bear voice. At this age, a grown-up who plays is the whole lesson: a Little tries a new voice because they just saw you try one. Narrate the pretend as it unfolds, and follow the ideas the children offer instead of steering back to the book. Your delight gives them permission to be someone new.
Circle Time (10 min)
A tight, cheerful circle. Hello song, a peek at the picture schedule, and meet the Story Basket — hold up one beloved book and name it together. Say our magic words, sing-song: "Be someone new — and try another way!" Finish with a quick story-song.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for snack.
Fixed
Morning Snack
A calm, cozy snack and a big drink of water after our first pretend. Chat the table: "Who was in our story?"
Craft / Tables · My Favorite-Story Page
Each Little scribbles or stamps a page about a story they love — a bear, a big dog, a caterpillar, whatever they point to — for a class Story Basket book we add to all week. Keep it loose; the scribble is perfect. Table toys alongside. As they work, wonder softly: "Who's in your story? What do they say?"
Materials — paper, chunky crayons / washable markers, big stickers, the Story Basket books nearby, smocks.
Handwash / bathroom. Quick wash and reset.
Music & Movement · Story Songs
Sing a story-song everyone knows (Old MacDonald, Wheels on the Bus) with the animal voices and motions. Then try one silly swap together — "what if the cow says QUACK?" A little switch like that, set to music, is a joyful flexible-thinking rep. Keep it giggly.
Centers / Free Choice · Story Corners
A few gentle stations: the Story Basket book nook, a felt-board or puppet basket, and the Character Corner dress-up to explore. Move among the Littles — read a page here, give a puppet a voice there — and follow their lead. Narrate the pretend and enjoy it with them.
There's lots of lighter, child-led play here too — stay in it: circulate, narrate, and play alongside.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for lunch.
Fixed
Lunch
A calm, social meal.
Handwash / bathroom. Wind-down begins.
Free Choice & Closing Circle
Soft play settling into a calm closing song before nap. A gentle "what story did we play today?" to wind down.
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time
A full 2.5-hour nap. A gentle favorite is a lovely pre-nap read. Soothe and settle.
Wake-up · handwash / bathroom. Slow, gentle waking; water.
Fixed
Afternoon Snack
Refuel and rehydrate after nap.
Outdoor Activity / Play (hot window)
Peak heat — keep it light and shaded. A cozy story picture-walk in the shade (flip through a book and tell it from the pictures), or gentle play; indoors on a hot day. Offer water.
Handwash / bathroom. Tidy hands and faces.
Cleanup & room reset. Everyone helps with the cleanup song; tuck the Story Basket books away for tomorrow.
Closing Circle
A short goodbye song and a wave. "We brought a story to life today!" Plant tomorrow: "Tomorrow we meet the characters — and try their voices!"
Combined Active Engagement — Departure. Classrooms combine; soft play and warm handoffs to parents. Teachers stay present and narrate.
Combined arrival care. Soft welcome until the Littles room opens. Teachers circulate and play alongside.
Outdoor Play · Character Walks & Voices (anchor)
Move like the characters, in the cool morning. Call out a simple character and the whole group becomes it — stomp like a bear, hop like a bunny, tiptoe like a mouse, waddle like a duck — then switch to a new one on a happy signal. Add a growly or squeaky voice for each. Keep it big and silly; a wave or a wiggle counts. Water break halfway.
Materials — open shady space, a few animal picture cards, water bottles, hats.
Flexibility is invisible unless you point at it. When a Little flips from bear to bunny, smile and say it out loud: "You were a big bear — POOF — now you're a bunny!" You're not drilling; you're noticing. Naming the switch warmly — and celebrating the quiet switchers as much as the loud ones — is the whole light-touch lesson. Do it often; it's the lesson in one happy sentence.
Circle Time (10 min)
Hello song and picture schedule. Pull one book from the Story Basket and meet a character — "how does the bear sound? how does the mouse sound?" — and try each voice together. Our magic words one more time: "Be someone new!" A quick voices-song to finish.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for snack.
Fixed
Morning Snack
Cozy snack and a water top-up. Ask the table: "Which animal was your favorite to be?"
Craft / Tables · Make an Animal Puppet
Each Little makes a simple paper-plate or stick puppet of an animal they like — a bear, a bunny, a puppy — with an adult's help. Big pieces only; it goes to the Character Corner and stars in tomorrow's dress-up. As they build, give it a voice: "What does your puppet say?" Loose and joyful; the finished look doesn't matter.
Materials — paper plates or craft sticks, big pre-cut ears/shapes, chunky markers, glue sticks (adult helps), smocks.
Handwash / bathroom. Quick wash and reset.
Music & Movement · Voices Song
A call-and-response where each verse is a different animal's voice: "if you're a lion, ROAR"; "if you're a mouse, squeak"; "if you're a puppy, woof." Littles switch their voice and body each verse. A loud, happy rep of trying on — and flipping between — different ways of being.
Centers / Free Choice · Character Play
A puppet basket with today's puppets, a dress-up spot in the Character Corner, and a small-world animal tray. Move among the children and wonder in play: "Oh, hello Bear! Where are you going?" Nudge each Little to take a character and let it change. Follow their pretend.
Lots of lighter, child-led play here too — stay in it: circulate, narrate, and play alongside.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for lunch.
Fixed
Lunch
A calm, social meal.
Handwash / bathroom. Wind-down begins.
Free Choice & Closing Circle
Soft play softening into a calm closing song before nap. A gentle "what animal did you like to be?" to wind down.
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time
Full nap. Soothe and settle.
Wake-up · handwash / bathroom. Gentle waking; water.
Fixed
Afternoon Snack
Refuel and rehydrate.
Outdoor Activity / Play (hot window)
Peak heat — light and shaded. A quiet puppet chat in the shade (the puppets "talk" to each other), or gentle play; indoors on a hot day. Offer water.
Handwash / bathroom. Tidy hands and faces.
Cleanup & room reset. Cleanup song; everyone helps add the new puppets to the Character Corner for tomorrow.
Closing Circle
Goodbye song and a wave. "We tried so many voices today!" Plant tomorrow: "Tomorrow we dress up and become someone new — and a friend from the library comes to read with us!"
Combined Active Engagement — Departure. Soft combined play and warm handoffs. Teachers stay present.
Combined arrival care. Soft welcome until the Littles room opens — a guest is coming today, so the room's a little extra ready.
Outdoor Play · Dress-Up & Become Someone New (anchor)
Happy pretend in the cool morning. Bring the Character Corner dress-up to a shady spot: each Little picks a piece — ears, a cape, a hat — and becomes someone new, moving and sounding like their character. No script; follow each child's own pretend. If a friend turns a stick into a "magic wand," go right along with it — "yes, and…!" Keep it warm and unhurried. Water break halfway.
Materials — Character Corner dress-up (capes, ears, hats), a few soft props, shady space, water, hats.
When a Little decides the block is a phone or the scarf is a river, don't correct it — go with it: "Hello? Yes, this is Bear!" Following their pretend instead of tidying it up is exactly how flexible thinking grows at this age. The more you say "yes, and…," the more they'll take the little risk of trying a new idea. Let their story lead; you just keep it flowing.
Circle Time (10 min)
Hello song and picture schedule, then the big news: "A friend from the library is coming to read with us today!" Practice how we welcome a guest — kind faces, listening ears. A short story-song to settle bodies.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for snack.
Fixed
Morning Snack
Cozy snack and water. Build the anticipation gently: "Our library friend comes soon!"
Craft / Tables · A "Hello" for Our Friend
Make a simple story prop for the Character Corner (a paper crown, a stick puppet) or a big group "hello" sign to greet the Library Friend — handprints and stamps, all together. Keep it short and calm so hands are free and bodies are settled before the visit. Table toys alongside.
Materials — paper, big roll for the group sign, chunky markers, big stampers, tape (adult helps), smocks.
Handwash / bathroom. Quick wash and reset; tidy the story spot for our guest.
Music & Movement · Settle-In Story Songs
A couple of favorite story-songs to gather and settle bodies right before the guest — end with a calm one so the Littles arrive at the story spot cozy and ready. A quick "listening ears" game keeps the energy warm but contained for the visit.
📚 Special Story Time with our Library Friend (the visit)
Our guest reads with the Littles — lap-close, on the story-spot rug — doing gentle voices and pausing for "what happens next?" Keep it short and cozy: a board book or two, a song, and lots of warmth (a Little's attention is brief, and that's perfect). You sit among the children, hold the wigglier ones on a lap, and model listening. A snug, memorable few minutes — flexible storytelling modeled by a real book-lover.
Materials — the story-spot rug/cushions, the Story Basket, two favorite board books, water for the guest.
For a two- or three-year-old, cognitive flexibility is just beginning — and it grows through simple pretend: trying a new voice, becoming a bunny, going along when a friend bends the story. This cozy story time is that in one place — a real storyteller does the voices, wonders "what happens next?", and the Littles try ideas right alongside. Just notice it and smile; there's no drilling at this age.
EF Research: pretend and story play are among the earliest, richest ways flexible thinking and self-regulation grow in the toddler years — long before any "rules" game. Google "pretend play cognitive flexibility toddlers."
Handwash / bathroom. Wave goodbye and thank our guest, then wash up for lunch.
Fixed
Lunch
A happy, social meal — lots of "the bear voice was so funny!" chatter.
Handwash / bathroom. Wind-down begins.
Free Choice & Closing Circle
Soft play into a calm closing song before nap. A gentle "who came to read with us today?" to wind down.
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time
Full nap. The book our guest read is a perfect pre-nap re-read.
Wake-up · handwash / bathroom. Gentle waking; water.
Fixed
Afternoon Snack
Refuel and rehydrate.
Outdoor Activity / Play (hot window)
Peak heat — light and shaded. Retell the guest's story in the shade with the puppets, or gentle play; indoors on a hot day. Offer water.
Handwash / bathroom. Tidy hands and faces.
Cleanup & room reset. Cleanup song; keep the props and puppets in the Character Corner for costume day.
Closing Circle
Goodbye song and a wave. "We became characters AND a friend read with us!" Plant tomorrow: "Tomorrow we make our own little costumes for Friday's parade — who will YOU be?"
Combined Active Engagement — Departure. Soft combined play and warm handoffs. Teachers stay present.
Combined arrival care. Soft welcome until the Littles room opens. Teachers circulate and play alongside.
Outdoor Play · Parade Practice Walk (anchor)
Practice the parade, in the cool morning. Walk a short, shaded loop together so everyone knows the path, doing character walks — stomp, hop, flutter — and a happy "character freeze" when the music stops. Try a friend's walk too. Joyful and simple; the walk is the whole thing, and a wave counts. Water break halfway.
Materials — a short shaded route, music, any in-progress costume pieces, water, hats.
Some Littles will want to be a bunny, then a lion, then a bunny again. Let them, and cheer it — a changed mind here is the very flexibility we're growing. Keep the costume make so simple that switching is easy, and reassure the anxious child that whoever they are tomorrow will be perfect. A calm "you can always try another way" frees a little one to play — and it makes a lovely thing to share at pickup.
Circle Time (10 min)
Hello song and picture schedule, then the exciting question: "Who will YOU be at tomorrow's parade?" Peek at the Story Basket and Character Corner for ideas; it's fine to change your mind. A quick round: each Little names an animal or character they like. A story-song to finish.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for snack.
Fixed
Morning Snack
Cozy snack and water. Chat the table: "What will your character say in the parade?"
Craft / Tables · Make Your Costume (the keepsake)
The signature make: each Little makes one simple piece for their own character — ears on a headband, a paper mask on a stick, or a scarf cape — decorating the pre-cut parts while an adult does the tying and threading. One great piece is plenty, and it goes right over their clothes tomorrow. Write their name and character on a label card. If a Little wants to change characters, that's welcome — hand them fresh pieces and cheer the new idea.
Materials — headband strips, paper plates/card, pre-cut ears & shapes, chunky markers, glue sticks & tape (adult helps), name/character labels, smocks.
Handwash / bathroom. Quick wash and reset.
Music & Movement · Parade Practice March
Put on a lively march and parade the room as characters, practicing a happy line and a big "character wave" to the pretend crowd. Add a freeze-and-pose so tomorrow's photos are easy. A joyful little dress-rehearsal — everyone moving together.
Centers / Free Choice · Decorate the Banner
Two gentle threads: a costume-finishing table (last touches, adult help with ties and tape) and the parade banner — the Littles decorate a big "Storybook Parade" banner with handprints, stamps, and big stickers. Circulate: "Which color will you add?" Set the banner and costumes by the door, ready for the morning.
Lighter, child-led play here too — stay in it: circulate, narrate, and play alongside.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for lunch.
Fixed
Lunch
A happy, social meal — lots of "I'm going to be the bunny!" chatter.
Handwash / bathroom. Wind-down begins.
Free Choice & Closing Circle
Soft play into a calm closing song before nap. A gentle nudge toward tomorrow: "think about who you'll be at our parade."
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time
Full nap. A story about a character they love is a lovely pre-nap read.
Wake-up · handwash / bathroom. Gentle waking; water.
Fixed
Afternoon Snack
Refuel and rehydrate.
Outdoor Activity / Play (hot window)
Peak heat — light and shaded. A quiet "practice your character voice" game in the shade, or gentle play; indoors on a hot day. Save the marching for the cool morning. Offer water.
Handwash / bathroom. Tidy hands and faces.
Cleanup & room reset. Cleanup song; hang the banner and set the costumes by the door for the morning parade.
Closing Circle
Costumes made, banner hung: "We're ready for our parade!" A wave. Plant the payoff: "Tomorrow is our Character Parade — we'll all cheer each other on!"
Combined Active Engagement — Departure. Soft combined play and warm handoffs. Teachers stay present.
Combined arrival care. Happy parade-day energy building — soft play and warm welcomes until the Littles room opens. Teachers circulate and play alongside.
Outdoor Play · The Character Parade (anchor · the payoff)
The big moment, in the cool morning, right in our own program. Sunscreen, hats, costumes on. The class carries the "Storybook Parade" banner and parades a short, shaded loop around the center — each Little as their own character, doing their character walk and a big wave. Teachers (and any classmates lining the route) cheer each one by name and character. Take a lap, then gather for a little story-celebration circle: each Little who wants to shows their character walk while everyone claps. It's a celebration, not a performance — a wave from a teacher's hand counts, and every child is a star. In-house — classmates and teachers are the crowd. Water and shade after; Brightwheel photos carry it home.
Materials — costumes, the parade banner, character labels, music, water & shade, hats.
The Little in a full costume and the Little who is "a fast little cloud" with no costume at all are exactly equal today. Cheer each one by their character name — "Here comes Bunny Mia!" — and give the shy walker the same warm spotlight as the big one. Photograph generously, and for this anxious-drop-off age, make the pickup handoff glow: "She was the bravest little bunny today." A proud parade photo and a warm word mean everything to a Little's family.
Circle Time (10 min)
A short, proud circle right after the parade. Look at the Story Basket — all the books we loved this week — and cheer for every character one more time: "We had a bunny, a bear, a puppy, a cloud!" Calm, happy, glowing.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for snack; a big drink of water after the parade.
Fixed
Morning Snack
A calm, cozy snack and water. Let them relive it: "Who did you love cheering for?"
Craft / Tables · My Storybook (the keepsake)
While the parade's still glowing, each Little fills in a little "My Storybook" — scribble or stamp the character you became and a favorite story from the week, with a spot for the parade photo to be added later. A proud keepsake to carry home with the costume. Loose and happy; help with words as they narrate their page. Table toys alongside.
Materials — "My Storybook" pages, chunky crayons/markers, big stickers, glue (adult helps), smocks.
Handwash / bathroom. Quick wash and reset.
Music & Movement · Character Celebration Dance
A big, joyful free dance — come as your character and dance how they'd dance, then "switch characters" on a happy call for one more flexible flourish. Pure celebration to cap the week; end with a calm song to settle bodies before lunch.
Centers / Free Choice · Character Corner Free Play
Open the Character Corner and Story Basket for one last happy, child-led play — costumes on, puppets out, favorite books everywhere. Move among them and enjoy it; this is the week's world, fully built, handed back to the Littles to run however they imagine.
Lighter, child-led play — stay in it: circulate, narrate, and play alongside.
Handwash / bathroom. Wash up for lunch.
Fixed
Lunch
A happy, social meal — lots of "did you see my costume?" chatter.
Handwash / bathroom. Wind-down begins.
Free Choice & Closing Circle
A glowy wind-down after the parade — "who did you become today?" Let them tell one last story. Soft play into a calm closing song before a well-earned nap.
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time
A deep nap after a big, joyful week. Soothe and settle.
Wake-up · handwash / bathroom. Slow, gentle waking; water.
Fixed
Afternoon Snack
Refuel and rehydrate.
Outdoor Activity / Play (hot window)
Peak heat — light and shaded; gentle, quiet play to close the week. A cozy story in the shade if they're up for it. Offer water.
Handwash / bathroom. Tidy hands and faces.
Cleanup & room reset. Cleanup song; everyone helps pack up the Character Corner. Send costumes and "My Storybook" keepsakes home.
Closing Circle
A proud goodbye: "What a week of stories — you all became someone new!" A wave. Send them off happy with their costumes and storybooks, and let families know next week's adventure — our last — is coming: Kinder Confidence.
Combined Active Engagement — Departure. Soft combined play; share parade photos at warm handoffs. Teachers stay present and narrate.