Introduction: Why the Daily Routine Matters to Parents
Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. You want a place where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. But beyond the programs and curriculum, one of the most important things to understand is what a typical day looks like at the school.
At Beibei Amigos Trilingual Preschool in Phoenix, Arizona, the daily routine is thoughtfully designed around the Montessori method—a philosophy that promotes independence, hands-on learning, and respect for each child’s unique pace. What makes Beibei Amigos even more special is its trilingual approach, immersing children in English, Spanish, and Mandarin through real-life experiences and joyful interactions.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a typical school day at Beibei Amigos, from arrival to pick-up. You’ll learn how our preschoolers explore language, develop practical life skills, and thrive in a nurturing, multicultural setting. If you’re a parent curious about how this type of program flows, this behind-the-scenes look is for you.
Morning Arrival and Classroom Readiness
Warm Greetings in Three Languages
Each school day at Beibei Amigos begins with warm smiles and multilingual hellos. Teachers welcome children in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, helping them ease into the day while developing early exposure to the sounds and rhythm of multiple languages.
Sign-In Rituals and Emotional Check-Ins
Children are encouraged to sign in using name cards, symbols, or tracing boards. This small act supports fine motor skills and name recognition. Teachers also check in emotionally with each child, creating a safe and comforting start to the day.
Self-Directed Entry Into Learning
Instead of being herded into a rigid structure, children transition at their own pace into the classroom. They may choose a quiet reading nook, observe a puzzle in progress, or start watering a plant. This freedom within structure is central to Montessori learning.
A Calm, Prepared Environment
Montessori classrooms are intentionally quiet and organized. Every item has a place, and children quickly learn that the environment itself is a teacher. This calm atmosphere helps students feel secure and ready to explore.
Circle Time and Language Exposure
Trilingual Songs and Greetings
Once all children have arrived, it’s time for circle time—a special part of the day where the group comes together. Songs and greetings are often sung in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Repetition and rhythm make language learning fun and natural.
Calendar, Weather, and Themes of the Day
Children discuss the day of the week, the weather, and the current cultural or seasonal theme—whether it’s the Lunar New Year, Hispanic Heritage Month, or a science unit on animals. These themes often align with language exposure and global awareness.
Mindfulness and Social Time
Teachers also introduce short mindfulness activities, such as breathing exercises or guided visualizations. These moments help children develop emotional regulation, empathy, and focus.
Language Rotation Throughout the Week
Each day has a language focus, allowing for deep, immersive learning in Spanish and Mandarin. This rotating structure ensures that children are exposed to each language regularly while reinforcing vocabulary in context.
Montessori Work Cycle – Independent Learning in Action
2–3 Hours of Uninterrupted Exploration
One of the most unique parts of a Montessori day is the work cycle—a long, uninterrupted period (usually 2 to 3 hours) where children choose their own learning activities. This time builds concentration, independence, and problem-solving skills.
Hands-On Learning Stations
Students have access to rotating learning stations, including:
- Math: counting beads, number rods, pattern boards
- Language: phonics puzzles, letter tracing, picture cards
- Sensorial: color tablets, sound cylinders, texture boards
- Practical Life: pouring, sweeping, buttoning, and food prep
Each material is carefully designed to develop specific skills and is introduced when the child is developmentally ready.
Student Choice and Movement
Children move freely between activities at their own pace. This self-direction fosters curiosity and self-motivation. Teachers gently guide and observe, stepping in when needed for lessons or support.
Individualized Guidance
Rather than leading the entire class at once, teachers give one-on-one lessons based on each child’s progress. This means your child isn’t rushed or held back—they grow at their natural pace.
Language Integration in the Classroom
Bilingual and Trilingual Learning Materials
Language exposure doesn’t stop at circle time. All learning materials—from books to labels on classroom objects—are provided in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. This constant exposure helps children absorb vocabulary effortlessly.
Story Time in Multiple Languages
Throughout the week, teachers read stories aloud in different languages. Sometimes the same book is read in English one day and in Mandarin the next, offering repeated vocabulary in different linguistic contexts.
Cultural Exploration
Language is tied to culture. At Beibei Amigos, students learn about Chinese calligraphy, Latin American music, international holidays, and more. These experiences build both language skills and cultural appreciation.
Playful, Contextual Language Use
Language learning isn’t forced—it happens in context. A child might count bananas in Spanish during snack time or hear “thank you” in Mandarin while cleaning up. It’s seamless, natural, and joyful.
Snack Time and Practical Life Skills
Children Prepare Their Own Snacks
One of the key elements of the Montessori method is teaching children real-world skills. At snack time, they use child-safe utensils to cut fruit, pour water, or prepare small sandwiches.
Grace and Courtesy
Before eating, children practice grace and courtesy—saying “please” and “thank you” in all three languages, taking turns, and sharing the space respectfully.
Cleaning and Care for the Environment
After snack, children clean up their area by washing dishes, wiping tables, and returning materials. This daily routine builds responsibility, order, and pride in caring for their space.
Practicing Independence
Every moment—snack prep, clean-up, serving others—is an opportunity for your child to grow in confidence and self-reliance.
Outdoor Exploration and Motor Development
Free Play and Nature Time
Children head outdoors each day for free play, where they run, jump, and climb. Outdoor time is essential for developing gross motor skills and releasing energy in healthy ways.
Sensory and Nature-Based Activities
In addition to playground fun, Beibei Amigos includes nature-based learning, such as watering plants, digging in the garden, or exploring rocks and insects.
Language During Play
Teachers and peers continue to speak in English, Spanish, and Mandarin outdoors. For example, a game of catch might include counting in Mandarin or Spanish vocabulary for colors and animals.
Extending Learning Beyond Walls
Whether it’s finding shapes in clouds or creating art with leaves, outdoor time reinforces lessons from inside the classroom in a fresh, unstructured way.
Midday Wind Down and Nap Time
Quiet Activities Before Rest
After outdoor play and lunch, it’s time to settle down. Children may read books, listen to calm music, or draw quietly—easing the transition to rest time.
Optional Nap and Resting Zones
Children who need sleep can nap on cozy mats, while older students who are no longer napping engage in quiet, restful activities. Respecting the child’s need is the Montessori way.
Language-Infused Lullabies and Stories
Teachers may sing lullabies or tell stories in Spanish or Mandarin to create a calming, language-rich environment during rest time.
Emotional Regulation Through Routine
This consistent midday rhythm supports emotional well-being, helping children feel grounded and calm.
Afternoon Enrichment and Closing Circle
Creative Arts and Music
The afternoon is for enrichment—whether it’s painting, dancing, sculpting, or playing musical instruments. These activities support self-expression and imagination, essential to early childhood development.
Final Language Review
Teachers revisit the language themes of the day during closing circle. Children might sing a song in Mandarin or reflect on the Spanish words they used while cooking or playing.
Reflections on the Day
Children are encouraged to share their favorite activities, proud moments, or something new they learned. This builds communication skills and self-awareness.
Preparing to Go Home
Finally, children pack up, clean their spaces, and receive feedback from teachers—often shared directly with parents through notes or an app. Parents are part of the learning loop every day.
Conclusion: A Day That Nurtures Mind, Body, and Spirit
At Beibei Amigos Trilingual Montessori Preschool, every part of the day is purposeful. Whether it’s slicing an apple, counting in Mandarin, solving a puzzle, or sharing a book, your child is learning in a way that’s joyful, intentional, and empowering.
Our program blends Montessori independence, multilingual fluency, and global awareness into a daily rhythm that supports the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. If you’re seeking a preschool that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and cultural understanding, Beibei Amigos is a place where your child can truly thrive.