Preschool Classroom Guides

Find practical explanations of classroom routines, free-choice centers, small groups, assessments, and name writing. These guides draw on Jess’s public preschool teaching experience and explain how to adapt the ideas to your own setting.

Start With the Overview

Our Classroom Approach

See how routines, play, group lessons, and individual support fit together across the preschool day. Start here if you want the overall picture before exploring a specific topic.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Understand the reasoning behind the approach, including the role of character, relationships, child choice, intentional teaching, and independence.

Plan Your Classroom and Day

Preschool Day Schedule

Walk through the daily routine Jess used in her public half-day preschool classroom, from arrival and Question of the Day to centers and closing activities.

Preschool Classroom Setup

Explore ways to define learning areas, organize accessible materials, refresh activities, and help children take responsibility for the classroom.

Teach and Support Learning

Free-Choice Centers

Learn how the name tag system works, what children do when a center is full, and how expectations support choice without required center rotations.

Small Groups in Preschool

See how short groups and individual teaching fit into center time, how learning goals guide grouping, and why the plan needs room for everyday classroom demands.

Preschool Assessments

Learn how Jess organizes assessment information, selects priority goals, tracks progress, and uses the results to plan instruction.

Name Writing in Preschool

Explore a gradual approach to name writing, including first-letter practice, direct support with formation, and moving forward at the child’s level.

Find Classroom Resources

Looking for materials to use with these ideas? Browse our digital downloads and free preschool resources for teaching tools and classroom activities.