A day in Kindergarten

Opening hours may vary, but most kindergartens are open from 7:30 to 16:30. Most children attends Kindergarten for up to eight hours a day. It is also common to have one day a week set to be excursion day. That can either be a short trip to a neightbouring play ground or a full day trip to a local library etc, the activity will vary from week to week. If your child wears diapers, make sure to bring the preferred type. The staff will change diapers throughout the day to make sure your child is dry and clean.

Morning

• Kindergarten opens. The parent follow their child indoors, help them take off outerwear and put on inside shoes.
• Breakfast, the child can eat breakfast during a set time. It varies if breakfast is provided or need to be brought from home.
• Play time: play has a central place and is an arena for childrens development, learning language and social skills.

Gathering

Most kindergartens have a time during the day where they gather everyone. Children and adults are doing something together - singing, reading or recreating a story.

Sleeping

Children that sleep during the day usually sleeps outside in their stroller. Staff will make sure they fall asleep, watch them and register how long they sleep for. If you are not familiar with, or comfortable with your child sleeping outside you can speak with the Kindergarten for information and options.

Lunch

The Kindergarten usually provide lunch, some offer bread, milk and fruit, while other kindergartens have both bread and hot food.

Indoor and outdoor playtime

After lunch it is usually time for a planned activity. It is common to promote learning, and give the children an opportunity for participation. The staff uses a variety of working methods to adapt the activity to the individual children.

• The kindergarten will inspire to participate in different types of play both outside and inside. The staff will help all children to experience joy, excitement and a sense of belonging through play - alone and with others.
• Play is the arena for children's development and learning, and for social and linguistic interaction. The staff participates and guides, on the childrens own terms.

Clothing for outdoor activities

Children in Norwegian kindergartens spend a lot of time outdoors. It may come as a surprise for many that very young children playing outside during the snowy winters. However the staff make sure that the kids are properly dressed and that they are not cold, and if they are cold they will go back inside.

• The kindergarten staff will be able to tell you what you need for the different seasons. This poster shows how to dress your child in the winter. (Choose language on top)
• A lot of the equipment you need can be bought second hand. For example all-in-one suits (parkdress), winter boots, rainwear (regntøy).

Fruit and packed lunch

Kids usually bring their own packed food and eat it cold. The children should be motivated to eat healthy food as it can contribute to good health. Common things to bring is open faced sandwiches, fruit and vegetables, left over dinner the day before, or wraps. There are often rules about not bringing any sweets or sugary toppings like jam. Talk to the staff if you have any questions about what to pack. It is common for the kindergartens to offer fruit or vegetables to this meal.

End of the day

The children are often playing and having fun, and it is common that they are not ready to go home, even though it has been a long day in Kindergarten. The staff will inform you about the day, and say good bye to the child.