This is how I run my program. I am child-led. We have discussion time 3-5 mornings a week.
The kids tell me what things they want to do, learn about and participate in.
Based on their interests, we plan our day (together). As far as planning and having the necessary supplies handy....well you just have certain things on hand at all times and after a while there are very few activities/projects the kids can come up that you aren't prepared for.
Our daily schedule varies each year depending on the current group I have and what works best for them. The only non-negotiable activities/times are meals/snacks and rest time...everything else is up to them.
I feel my kids are much happier, play deeper and learn just as much, if not more than classrooms that use consistent schedules and monotonous routines day in and day out.
