Educational Daycare Activities in LaSalle | Centre Éducatif La Pierre

Our activities

zero improvisation, pure fun ✦

Planning is essential because it avoids the insecurity of complete improvisation with the children and prevents idle moments, which often lead to the group becoming disorganized. Planning must remain flexible and outline the program for the day, the week or the month, following themes often tied to the seasons, holidays and events. A plan B must always be ready in case the educator loses the children’s attention and interest.

Theme: occupations 🧑‍⚕️👷

Activity planning must touch on the child’s overall development by balancing energy levels (active activity–quiet activity). There are several resources our daycare intends to subscribe to in order to support our educators in their planning process.

📋 Sample educational activity grid · 👶 18 months – 5 years

🧒

Free activity

Chosen by the child according to their own interests — a moment of autonomy and spontaneous exploration.

e.g.: block corner, colouring, looking at a book

🎯

Guided activity

Requires instructions or directions to follow in order to reach a specific goal.

e.g.: making a mask

👥

Small-group activity

Children gather in small numbers for a shared, common activity.

e.g.: audiobook story, sandbox

🏟️

Large-group activity

Brings the whole group together for collective, participatory learning.

e.g.: learning a nursery rhyme, friendship circle

⏳

Waiting activity

Used mainly while waiting for a turn — keeps the child engaged and focused.

e.g.: patience game, riddle

🔁

Routine activity

A regular activity that gives structure and reassurance to the child’s day.

e.g.: hygiene care, meals, snacks, nap, arrival, departure

🌉

Transition activity

Bridges two activities to keep the rhythm of the day going.

e.g.: song, gesture, riddle

🎉

Theme day

A special day tied to a theme or a celebration — fosters socialization, fun, and family and community involvement.

e.g.: Halloween, Valentine’s Day, pyjama day