Core Microschool Hours: 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

9am-12pm and 11am-2pm

A Playful and Purposeful Daily Rhythm

At Willow & Wonder Academy, our daily flow is thoughtfully crafted to honor the way children learn best: through curiosity, connection, and meaningful exploration.

Rather than rigid time blocks or traditional classroom periods, we follow a consistent yet flexible rhythm that balances structure with freedom. Each part of the day is rooted in whole-child development and designed to support joyful, hands-on learning across academic and social-emotional domains.

We intentionally embed literacy, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning into multi-sensory experiences that invite students to wonder, build, collaborate, move, and create.

What Learning Looks Like (Whether Morning or Afternoon)

Arrival and Table Time
Students ease into the learning environment through calm, open-ended invitations that promote focus and connection. These may include journaling, fine motor provocations, sensory play, puzzles, quiet reading, or creative building.

Discovery and Play
Learners transition into active discovery time, indoors or outside, where they engage in imaginative play, social collaboration, or nature-based exploration. This time honors autonomy, fosters relationships, and often sparks ideas that carry into the rest of the day.

Gather and Connect
We come together to build connection, share stories or songs, move our bodies, and preview the day ahead. This shared time helps children feel grounded, seen, and part of a meaningful learning community. It’s a gentle anchor that brings our values to life and sets the tone for joyful exploration.

Core Exploration Time
Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning unfolds through small groups, centers, and guided invitations. Depending on the day and cohort, this time might include:

Instruction is responsive, rooted in developmental needs and student interests. Whether a child is learning letter sounds or researching how bridges are built, their learning experience is purposeful and engaging.

Outdoor Exploration, Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning
This time supports not only physical development, but also emotional regulation, relationship-building, and self-awareness. The natural world offers space to move, breathe, problem-solve, and practice social skills in an authentic, meaningful way.

Reflection and Closing
We end the day with intention by revisiting discoveries, sharing learning, and celebrating contributions. Reflection may take the form of journaling, storytelling, class discussions, or art. Every child leaves feeling proud of their growth and ready for what comes next.

Please Note:

Both morning and afternoon cohorts follow a similar, flexible daily rhythm, designed to nurture curiosity, connection, and whole-child growth through playful exploration, meaningful social time, and hands-on learning. While this sample schedule provides a helpful overview, the flow may naturally shift throughout the year to best support each child’s growth and curiosity.