As the holiday season approaches, it’s a good time to focus on keeping routines steady and predictable for children.
As energy rises, small adjustments—like slowing down transitions, using visual cues, or adding calm-down moments—can help keep your classroom grounded, said Dominique Webster-Outten, ELRC Region 5’s health and safety coach.
Early childhood educators should try to weave simple fall materials into centers to keep engagement high without overwhelming little learners. They should also remember to keep families in the loop about upcoming events or schedule changes. A little structure goes a long way in helping everyone enjoy the fun of the season while still feeling supported and calm.
Other Resources
To help keep the classroom orderly during the height of fall activities, the Pennsylvania Key has provided some tips for establishing and enforcing routines. These include:
Create visual reminders or a picture schedule for a typical day.
Plan structured activity periods - for example, right after a nap, play a game.
Break routines into steps - such as getting ready for bed (bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, storytime).
Prepare children for transitions from one activity to the next (for example, “In 10 minutes, we will…”)
Develop regular routines for daily activities, such as meals, story time, quiet time, etc.
Be flexible and creative; try not to be rigid and unable to adjust to unusual circumstances.
Routines, the Pennsylvania Key notes, help children to make sense of the world, feel secure and safe when many things in their environment are constantly changing, develop their ability to regulate emotions and behavior, learn skills and internalize habits, learn self-discipline, set their internal body clocks, develop confidence and self-esteem, have continuity and predictability, and have a sense of independence and autonomy when much of what happens is out of their control.
Trying Together’s Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series Part IX: Transitions and Routines includes resources on transitions, routines, and rituals; creating a family schedule; how to make routines more playful; common transitions and routines for children; books for children that discuss transitions; addressing challenging behaviors; and more.