Daily Routine Builds Trust
Date :
Thursday, November 19 2009
Source:
Autourina Mains
Daily routine and consistency gives children a sense of security, predictability (knowing what is coming next), and builds trust between the child and the adult. As an adult you like to know what your day consist of and the same is true for children. Not knowing what the day may have in store can be a stressor to the child. If there are too many unknowns in the child’s daily life, it may manifest in behavioral outburst; crying, and becoming irritable. Establishing a daily routine and schedule is crucial in helping the child have order and feel organized. A preschool program without a daily routine and schedule can be chaotic. However, working with children, one has to be flexible and able to go with the flow. Though a teacher may have planned a great activity or written a lesson plan, if the children are not ready for it on that particular day, the adult should be prepared to go with the children’s interest and be flexible enough to change. A typical preschool routine may be:
8:00 -- Arrival
8:00-8:30 -- Free play
8:30-9:00 -- Breakfast
9:00-9:15 -- Circle time
9:15-9:30 -- Planning/Journaling
9:30-10:30 -- Free play of child’s choice
10:30-10:40 -- Clean up
10:40-11:00 -- Small group activity
11:00-11:45 -- Outside play
11:45-12:00 -- Story time
12:00-12:30 -- Lunch
12:30-2:30 -- Story/Nap time
2:30-3:00 -- Snack
3:00-4:00 -- Outside play
4:00-4:30 -- Libray/free play
4:30-5:30 -- Free play/ child being picked up
This is just a sample of what a daily preschool routine may be but it does not mean that sometimes the routine is changed, modified or deviated from. However having a set routine is helpful for the child, care giver and the parents. Parents should establish a routine at home as well. It is important for the child to know what to expect when he gets home from child care/preschool. It can be relaxing to the child and help him transition from child care/preschool to home environment. Perhaps the most important routine to establish at home is bedtime and wake time. Bedtime and wake time routines help the child prepare mentally and physically to end the day and to start the day. Sometimes I have a little one come in crying and unhappy. Mom or dad will tell me “We had a bad morning…..we got up late.” That is hard on the parents as well as the child. The caregiver has to be understanding and give the child some TLC to help him or her readjusts and get ready for the day. Follow these simple rules and help children feel secure and safe;
- Establish a daily routine
- Continue the routine throughout the day and into the home
- Keep it simple
- Offer a variety of experiences (Quiet time, free play, structured, etc.)
- Be ready to go with the flow and be flexible (If you get up late, then keep calm. The more you’re stressed, the more your child is going to be stressed).
Routine is a basic need for human beings.