I like a mixture too but I also like the freedom to let things slide on days the children have their own agenda and are learning their own way as in not a curriculum we have to get through. I do most of my teaching through games and what looks like play but it is planned play. We do stories and a short time with me that is compulsory - no wandering off during circletime because learning to do what someone else wants to do and not always being self centred is a big part of being a friend.