All children (with the exception of the kindergartners) are required to lie down on nap mats between 1:20pm and 2:40pm. The children that are going to be in the kindergarten group the following year (Pre-K) are usually awoken from their mats at 2:00pm and will work with the asst. teacher during what is referred to as the 2:00pm work time. The purpose of this work time is to further prepare the child, so that they will be ready for the Kindergarten program the following year.
The children that nap are allowed, and encouraged, to bring from home some comforts. These include, and are limited to: one blanket, one small pillow, and one small stuffed animal friend, or doll. All of these items must fit inside a sealable bag such as a back pack, or a child size rolling suitcase. The child will be responsible for the packing, and unpacking, of this container so be certain that your child can do this without assistance. Please try it at home. Remember, Montessori is about independence. Experience has shown that smaller blankets, camp style pillows and gym bags work best.
Nappers are encouraged to use the toilet prior to going to their mats. Once on their mats, they are tucked in (if they wish), and then must stay on their mats until either the 2:00 work time or the end of naptime.
The nap time rules are simple. Lay quietly on your mat. No talking or fooling around with the children around you. We understand that not all children may sleep, but they do need to be able to lie quietly without disturbing those around them.
Nap stuff should be brought to the school on Mondays and taken home on Fridays for cleaning. It is best to pack nap items that are OK to leave at the school during the week, this prevents tears if it is forgotten to be brought back to school the next day.
FYI:
Our nap room was constructed with soundproofing in the walls and a solid door to further reduce noise. Window light is also greatly reduced and the children enjoy the sounds of light classical music during nap time. The teacher’s aide runs naptime, and any naptime concerns should be addressed to her.