A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLOOM STUDENT
Curious about a typical day at Bloom? These general schedules provide insight into the student experience, though they may be subject to change due to special events.
Pods (K - 2nd Grade) Schedule
8:30 - 8:50: Welcome Time
Our daily routine begins with an opportunity for students to share their feelings, allowing us to gauge their emotional state. This is followed by a read-aloud and a movement activity.
8:50 - 9:20: Math
This time is dedicated to hands-on math instruction and practice through small group lessons and/or games.
Teacher book: Mindset Math
9:30 - 9:40: Reading
During this time, students work in small groups on reading activities Program used: All About Reading Curriculum.
9:40 - 10:30: Nature Walk
These nature walks provide students with the opportunity to regularly visit familiar locations near campus, allowing them to experience and observe the changing seasons firsthand. During these walks, students also participate in a variety of activities, including inventing games, journaling about their nature observations, discussing topics related to current projects, and simply enjoying being out in nature.
10:30 - 11:00 Project Time
This time is dedicated to extending student learning on current topics of study. Students engage in activities such as reading and structured, hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding.
11:00 - 11:40: Choice Time
During this period, students participate in both small group instruction and play-based learning. They have the freedom to choose from several intentionally designed learning areas: the art room, science discovery area, math manipulatives, building, imagination area, and a quiet reading space. The materials in each center are carefully curated, promote hands-on learning and reinforce concepts from the current unit.
Resources: Institute of Education Science, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Learning Through Play, Edutopia, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children
11:45 - 12:00: Clean Up and Prep for Lunch
12:00 - 12:30: Lunch
When the weather allows, lunch is enjoyed outside.
12:30 - 1:30 - Recess
We have outdoor recess unless weather warnings are in effect.
Resources: National Institute of Health, Stanford Health, Newport Academy, Healthy Children, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Medical News Today, Summerlin Hospital
1:45 - 2:00: Read Aloud
Longer fiction read-alouds expose students to richer language and complex ideas, and the resulting discussions strengthen both listening skills and reading comprehension.
2:00 - 2:40: Quiet Time
Students use this time to rest and recharge. They can choose from a variety of calming activities, including reading, writing, playing board games, drawing, and creating with perler beads.
2:45 - 2:55: Sharing
To close out the day, students share their favorite or most memorable experience.
3:00: Pick Up
Sprouts (3rd - 5th Grade) Schedule
8:30 - 8:50: Morning meeting
Our day begins with a look at the schedule then we move into a variety of activities, including discussions about current events and social and emotional learning.
8:50 - 9:30: Conceptual Math
This period is designed to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, one that goes beyond memorization and emphasizes the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas. Through math talks, students discuss short problems or puzzles with multiple solutions, developing their mathematical language and reasoning skills. Following these discussions, students work in small, grade-level groups on open-ended math problems and projects that promote creative approaches to mathematical thinking.
Teacher book: Mindset Math
Resources: Youcubed from Stanford Education, Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics, EdSurge, ST Math
9:30 - 9:45: Spelling
Our spelling program utilizes a multisensory, phonics-based approach, progressing systematically and sequentially.
Program used: Orton and Gilligham
Research: Teaching Reading is Rocket Science
9:45 - 10:00: Typing
We use Touch, Type, Read and Spell (TTRS) to teach typing. Beyond teaching typing, TTRS reinforces spelling and reading fluency. Developing strong typing skills is crucial in the 21st century and creates a more inclusive learning environment for students who struggle with handwriting.
Program used: TTRS
10:00 - 10:30: Break
Our break is usually spent outdoors, weather permitting. The class decides where to go on campus and enjoys small group games.
Resources: Child Mind Institute, St. Louis Children Hospital, The Nature Conservancy
10:30 - 11:00: Writing
This time is for journaling or short writing projects, such as essays or letters.
11:00 - 12:00: Project time
This is project-based learning (PBL) time, dedicated to students' long-term projects.
Resources: Dr. John Spencer, Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning, Edutopia, EduSourced, Buck Institute for Education, Smart Lab, Destination Imagination
12:00 - 12:30: Lunch
When the weather allows, lunch is enjoyed outside.
12:30 - 1:30: Recess
We have outdoor recess unless weather warnings are in effect.
Resources: National Institute of Health, Stanford Health, Newport Academy, Healthy Children, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Medical News Today, Summerlin Hospital
1:30 - 2:00 Quiet reading
Reading a book of their choice helps students unwind after recess while also fostering community and exposing students to diverse genres through book sharing and recommendations.
2:00 - 2:30: Foundational Math
We utilize online math programs tailored to each student's individual needs to build foundational math skills.
Program used: ST Math
2:30 - 2:40: Chores
Caring for our classrooms builds pride in our environment and strengthens our sense of community, character, and responsibility.
2:40 - 3:00 Read aloud
Longer fiction read-alouds expose students to richer language and complex ideas, and the resulting discussions strengthen both listening skills and reading comprehension.
3:00 - Pick Up
Blossoms (6th - 8th Grade) Schedule
8:30 - 9:00: Morning Meeting
Our day begins with a review of the schedule, and then we transition into a variety of activities designed to build community, encourage movement, and support social and emotional learning.
9:00 - 10:00: Conceptual Math
This period is designed to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, one that goes beyond memorization and emphasizes the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas. Through math talks, students discuss short problems or puzzles with multiple solutions, developing their mathematical language and reasoning skills. Following these discussions, students work on open-ended math problems and projects that promote creative approaches to mathematical thinking.
Teacher book: Mindset Math
Resources: Youcubed from Stanford Education, Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics, EdSurge, ST Math
10:00 - 10:30: Break
Our break time is usually spent outside, weather permitting. We enjoy walks in the areas surrounding the school, and on specific days, we also visit a nearby playground.
Resources: Child Mind Institute, St. Louis Children Hospital, The Nature Conservancy
10:30 - 11:00: Writing
Students engage in grammar lessons and a variety of writing projects during this time, from journaling to essays and stories. These writing assignments connect to the topics explored in our current projects.
11:00 - 12:00: Project Time
This is project-based learning (PBL) time, dedicated to students' long-term projects.
Resources: Dr. John Spencer, Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning, Edutopia, EduSourced, Buck Institute for Education, Smart Lab, Destination Imagination
12:00 - 12:30: Lunch
We eat outdoors when the weather permits.
12:30 - 1:30: Recess
Students have outdoor recess unless weather warnings are in effect.
Resources: National Institute of Health, Stanford Health, Newport Academy, Healthy Children, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Medical News Today, Summerlin Hospital
1:30 - 1:45: Typing
We use Touch, Type, Read and Spell (TTRS) to teach typing. Beyond teaching typing, TTRS reinforces spelling and reading fluency. Developing strong typing skills is crucial in the 21st century and creates a more inclusive learning environment for students who struggle with handwriting.
Program used: TTRS
1:45 - 2:15: Quiet Reading
Reading a book of their choice helps students unwind after recess while also fostering community and exposing students to diverse genres through book sharing and recommendations..
2:15 - 2:45: Foundational Math
We utilize online math programs tailored to each student's individual needs to build foundational math skills.
Program used: ST Math and Brilliant
2:45 - 2:55: Chores
Caring for our classrooms builds pride in our environment and strengthens our sense of community, character, and responsibility.
2:55 - 3:05: Reflection
We practice calming techniques and reflect on the day to finish up.
3:05: Pick Up
