Toddler/Preschool Class Timings

[MumAlex1]

I am starting a new toddler class in my area and was hoping for some feedback on timings. The class would be for children aged 2.5-4.

For the afternoon slots I was thinking, 1.15-1.45 and then 2.00-2.30.

I know they won't suit everyone but overall do you think that is suitable? Taking into account nap times and possible school pick up of older children?

What time are any afternoon classes you attend?

Thank you!

It would suit us, add we don't nap. Anyone with children who nap would find 1.15 difficult, is imagine

Timings are fine for none napping children. I’m not sure I would bother with a 30 min class. It would need to be something amazing for such a short time.

Timings would be fine for most that age but in my opinion 30 minutes is simply not worth it if it's not something specialised such as a Gymnastics or Dance class.

Thank you for the feedback!

It would be for a phonics class - I'm a teacher and anything longer than 30 minutes wouldn't really be recommended for that age range but it's good to hear that feedback.

Phonics for that age group. Why?

A phonics group for toddlers and preschool aged children? I honestly doubt there would be much interest. What sort of stuff would you even do that couldn't be done at home in the 30 minutes?

I would do 1.30-2.00 and 2.15- 2.45.

(My child did phonics at preschool)

There seems to be a "phonics with Robot Reg" franchise thing going on around our area, could be that? They seem to be doing ok.

There’s been a phonics class open near me and it’s doing well!

For preschoolers I would attend a phonics class if it was fun and interactive. Could you push the class to 45mins and allow some free time play to make it more worth while travelling?

I have a 3.5 year old and think a phonics class sounds brilliant.
As others have said, timings might be tricky for younger ones that still nap, but sound fine for ones that don't.
Out of interest, how much will you be charging?

Theres a phonics preschool class around here, she does loads of classes but 45 mins minimum. Just add some dancing or a story at the end or something. 30 mins feels a bit of a swizz just psychologically to me.

Afternoon classes never worked with my kids - 9:30am would be my preference. When I didn’t have school age kids I was always pissed off things didn’t start until 10, by which point we’d been up for 4+ hours. But now I appreciate people have to get their own kids to school etc, although I do think 10 is late and 9:30 is ideal.

My kids tend to nap 12-2 and the middle one sometimes 12-3+. Then school run!

In short: IME it’s widely known that 12-2 is prime naptime and then with travel time to get to you, neither of your proposed times would appeal to the masses (well, me and my friends) I’m sorry!

Thank you for the feedback!

Yes a few franchises close to my area and I know there is interest/demand.

Interesting to hear feedback about 45 minutes - I can definitely do that, it was more if parents would want it to be that long (good to know they do!) and also considering the cost of hiring a venue for certain lengths of time.

It would of course be a fun, interactive class filled with games, lots of movement etc!

I don't think phonics is essential at this age at all but I know lots of children who enjoy it and parents who want their children to know some phonics before they start school! 😊

Crikey just looked them up and they do classes from 3 months. Now obviously they won't be teaching them sounds just looking at stories and using props to tell stories etc but seems like they are saying they are phonics based classes just so they can bump up the price.

I genuinely can't see many toddlers being interested in phonics and think they have plenty of time for that stuff once they get to school age and I say that as a teacher but nevertheless I wish you well OP.

Sorry I should also add my plan is to offer 3 morning sessions! I just want to offer one afternoon as an alternative to those who can't do mornings!

Should have mentioned that at the start! 😂

I only have one non-napping child and those times would be ideal. You'll never suit everyone but those class times would work for school pick ups parents too. I wonder how many younger ones you'd get though as a lot would nap in the afternoons.
For 30 mins though...oof the class would have to be really good to bother to be honest. It really breaks the afternoon up in terms of what else you might want to go and do so it would have to be worth it. And, personally, by the time my child has stopped mucking about, been to the toilet and eaten a snack (which she seems to have to do everywhere we go!) there wouldn't be a great deal of time left.

Afternoon wouldn't appeal to me at all. I do a class 11-12pm and that's a bit annoying! My DD didn't nap from 2.5Y but I would have been stressed trying to get her to eat lunch and be ready and out the door for even 1.15.