Importance of Routines with Young Children
When I started my teaching career, I knew the importance of routines with young children, and transitioning is the most important thing you can have in the classroom. I believe that children of all ages thrive on a daily routine in the classroom. It allows children to transition more easily between activities, like snack time, lunch, indoor activities, outdoor play, and naptime.
Routines Help Children Feel Safe
Help children feel safe with routines, to be confident and it helps to build healthy habits. Routines help the child develop social life skills and social development. I can’t stress enough the importance of routines with young children. Encourage independence with routines and it helps with the child’s emotional cognitive development, security, and stability.
When a child has a routine in class it makes transitioning from one task to another easy. The child knows what is happening now and what is coming next.
Routines that are important to the classroom include:
- Arrival in the mornings
- Dismissal time
- Transitions between activities
- Going from one activity to another
- Washing hands
- Lunch and snack time
- Naptime
- Outside play
Additionally, as a Lead Teacher for 2–3-year-olds routine is also important for the teacher. Routine helps the teacher/caregiver to feel organized, reducing stress and letting the classroom flow smoothly. To have a good routine and a good transitioning in class it is very important for the teacher to plan for the week. It is also best for the teacher to get enough sleep and have good nutrition and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Routine is not just important in the classroom but also important at the home. Routines at home reduce the parent’s stress, help the parents to feel organized, and by finding time to enjoy activities with their children.
Daily routines that are important at home:
- Getting ready in the morning for the day/ school
- Family time and outdoor time
- Bath time, dinner time, and bedtime
In conclusion, all these have a positive impact on a child’s life. Encouraging routines at a young age is important for the future life of a child.
This blog was created by Bernadine Otto who is a current Child Development Associate (CDA) student with CDAClass.org.
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