1. Children are playing and writing with materials or other children. They are not aimlessly wandering or forced to sit quietly for long periods of time.

2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day, such as block building, pretend play, picture books, paints, and other art materials, and table toys such as legos, pegboards, and puzzles. Children are not all doing the same thing.

3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups,and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend time only with the entire group.

4. The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and dictated stories.

5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.

6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Filling out worksheets should not be their primary activity.

7. Children have the opportunity to play outside every day that weather permits. This play is never sacrificed for more instructional time.

8. Teachers read books to children throughout the day, not just at group story time.

9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Because children differ in experience and background, they do not learn the same way or at the same pace.

10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel safe sending their child to kindergarten. Children are happy: they are not crying or regularly sick.