Each of Bellwether's programs has its own rhythm, but there are similarities across the school in how a Bellwether student's day unfolds. A typical day at Bellwether includes:

Warm Up: Upon arriving at school, students join the classroom by working with manipulatives, projects on the tables, books, games, and other materials thoughtfully chosen by teachers to both ease transition and engage the students. This important part of the day establishes the tone for the classroom as well as gets students ready to fully participate in and benefit from the learning environment.

Morning Meeting: Morning meetings are an important part of every Bellwether classroom. The class comes together to discuss the upcoming day. Teachers may hold mini-lessons; share poetry, songs, and games; and facilitate dialogue on issues of importance to the learning community. Children practice active listening and learn to speak effectively in a large group.

Explore Time: Engaging activities draw forth the talents and discoveries of each child and strengthen classroom connections. Students work and play in an environment that invites learning and nurtures and honors diversity. This is a time for experimenting, questioning, and collaborating. Students pursue responsible choices, follow inspiration, work intimately with teachers, and integrate academic work.

Specials: Students have the opportunity to focus on developing their passion for Spanish, Art, and Music with the guidance of our specialist teachers.

Reflection Meeting: Cultivating a habit of reflection is a hallmark every Bellwether classroom. The class comes together to discuss their experiences from the morning, inspire others and take pride in their work and reflect on how their learning community functions as a whole.

Outside Time: All students have outside time together where they run, play, construct, try new physical activities, and enjoy free time. They meet with friends from different classes, explore cooperative and competitive games, and learn to care for and appreciate the natural world.

Story/Chapter Book: Students listen to and discuss literature as well as explore topics of personal interest and enjoyment to the class.

Readers Workshop (nap for Preschool): All of our students benefit from a time to pause from the intensive social experiences of the morning. Our younger students rest quietly on a mat or blanket. Older students read silently or meet with the teachers for individualized reading conferences to further develop literacy skills.

Afternoon Workshops: Students participate in small group and individualized instruction (in such areas as math, science, and writing) with particular responsiveness to each child's development. Project Times are held to develop in-depth areas of study using the arts, literature, research, and performance as pathways to meaning.

Clean-Up and Read-Aloud (older programs): Students take turns with clean-up responsibilities around the classroom. Afterwards students gather to enjoy a read-aloud book. Students come to know and love this relaxing way to end the school day.