Most adults follow some kind of daily routine that can help to guide their daily activities. Sticking to a daily schedule can help people get things done on time, take care of their needs, and have time for rest and fun.
Just like adults, young children benefit from living in predictable environments with reliable routines. A consistent routine can help children feel safe and ensure time for all their needs to be met.
It’s essential to keep a daily routine at home. It’s equally crucial for your child to have structure and routine in childcare or school. This article will explore the importance of routines in an early childhood education setting. You will learn how routines can help children develop essential skills and where to find high-quality programs.
If you are searching for a great early childhood education program, reach out to the team at Little Sunshine Preschool. Our educators are happy to answer your questions or schedule a tour of our learning center. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Understanding the Benefits of Routine for Young Children
A daily routine can benefit your child–and family–in many ways. Here are just a few of the ways a schedule can be beneficial.
Less anxiety
It is common for kids to feel some anxiety when transitioning from home to school. Knowing what to expect each day can lighten some of this anxiety. Following a consistent routine at school can help kids predict what will come next and feel more confident as they move through their day.
Smoother transitions
Kids who know what is coming next are more likely to transition smoothly from one activity to the next. For example, if children know that clean-up time always follows free play, they may transition from play to cleanup more easily.
Children learn the “flow” of the day by following a consistent daily routine. They typically adjust to the schedule and have an easier time transitioning when there are fewer uncertainties or surprises.
More independence
A daily routine can help children feel more secure at school. Children who feel confident and secure may feel safer to try new things. A routine can also help children develop stronger social skills, which may give them more confidence and independence when making friends.
More flexibility
It might sound backward, but sticking to a consistent routine can actually help children be more flexible. How?
Children who follow regular daily schedules at school and home may have an easier time adapting to changes. For instance, if the teachers need to change snack time to accommodate a guest speaker or activity, children may feel more comfortable since everything else in their day will be the same.
Improved sleep
Parents and educators understand the importance of good sleep for young children. A daily schedule allows time for regular daytime naps, meals, play, and other activities. A consistent daily routine can help ensure children get the rest they need during the day and at night.
Self-control
Following a daily routine can help young children develop self-control. Knowing what to expect can also help children develop more patience. For example, if a child knows that snack time comes after free play, they may be less likely to ask for snacks throughout the day.
Sticking to a schedule can help children learn the importance of others’ needs and develop critical social skills throughout their early years.
Creating a daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or challenging. Some parents choose to keep their children on the routine they follow at school over the weekend. This can help with consistency and make the transition between school and home easier.
Creating a Routine at Home or in the Classroom
It’s important to create a regular daily routine for your young child. Following a consistent routine can help your child feel safe and ensure there is enough time to do everything you need–and want–to do throughout the day.
Here is an example of the activities included in a typical early learning schedule.
- Arrival and settling in for the day
- Morning circle
- Free play/choice time
- Bathroom break and washing hands
- Snack
- Literacy
- Math
- Bathroom break and handwashing
- Lunch
- Rest time/nap
- Free play or choice time
- Outdoor play
- Prepare for dismissal
- Dismissal
Each learning program follows a unique schedule based on the children’s needs and their hours. All-day programs may have much different schedules than part-time programs.
When searching for a high-quality early learning program, ask about each program’s daily routine. Look for programs that stick to a daily schedule and value routine.
Find an Early Learning Program Now
At Little Sunshine Preschool, our educators know the benefits of a daily routine. Contact our intake team now to learn more about our incredible early learning programs or to schedule a visit. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
