Introduction to Schedules and Routines Write in ECE Journals: " Describe in detail your own daily routines/schedule. List the benefits that these routines have for you."

Schedules and Routines Main Idea Many activities and small events occur throughout the day in an early childhood program. We are going to learn how a thorough plan, including daily schedules, routines, and transitions, help make both the child and early educator’s day go smoothly.

Key Concepts Explain the importance of a daily schedule as a tool at a child care center and how one is developed. Discuss how a balanced schedule creates a secure, stable environment for children and staff. Describe how predictable routines and transitions contribute to a calm, dependable classroom atmosphere, and identify staff responsibilities in daily routines. Content Vocabulary Schedule – self-directed – routine – transition Transition techniques – chore board – job jar – choice time

Schedule Considerations Schedule – is a plan for how time will be used. Some patterns may be similar each schedule is planned according to the program’s characteristics. Program type – The main goals of a program determine how a schedule is arranged. Length of a program Children’s ages Size of the program and class grouping The facility

Balancing a Schedule A schedule plans events in the order they will occur and indicates how long each event will last. A predictable daily schedule creates a secure, stable environment for children and staff. A predictable schedule helps guide children’s behavior and allows children to anticipate a change from one activity to another. When teachers provide a consistent daily schedule, children become more self-directed. Self –directed means the children learn to cooperate in class activities in an independent fashion with less physical or verbal direction needed from the teacher.

Pacing the Day Early educators plan schedules so children’s days can be interesting and engaging. Be careful not to overstimulate or overwhelm children. The pace of the daily schedule should be active enough to keep children’s attention, but not so rushed that children become frustrated or cannot enjoy the activities. Tracking time helps make sure the pace of the day is appropriate. Daily schedules require a delicate balance of activities.

Developmental Areas for a Schedule Active and Quiet Play Opportunities for Individual Attention Large and Small Group Activities Indoor and Outdoor Play Active Play – Building with blocks and playing dress-up Quiet Play- Board games, puzzles, and reading books Respectful relationships are formed through individual attention Contributes to children’s emotional and social growth Large group-Morning meetings, music time and story Small group-Art, science and centers A daily schedule that balances indoor and outdoor allows children to develop large and small muscle control

Daily Routines Schedules give structure and order needed for daily classroom activities. Clear, predictable routines put the schedule into action. Routine-Regular, expected procedure that is followed to accomplish something. When routines are consistent, children learn what to expect in a daily schedule and when to expect it. Children rely on early educators to fulfill their needs and to make each day run smoothly so they can focus on their development. Teachers have responsibilities and routines they must follow throughout each day.

Staff Responsibilities in Daily Routines Arrival – Teachers should greet children and parents warmly when they arrive. Health Check – As children enter the classroom, take an informal health check – Pay attention to the appearance of the child. Daily Kick-Off – Teachers and children gather in a group to discuss the upcoming day’s activities. Playtime – Provide children with a choice of developmentally appropriate activities. Mealtimes – Make sure each child’s nutritional needs are fulfilled each day. Nap times – Arrange cots, blankets, and help children ease into sleep. Departure-Share with families about the child’s day. Next day – Prepare the center/classroom for the following day.

Handling Transitions Transition – is a short activity or procedure used to guide children smoothly from one activity, routine, or event to another. Transition activities provide children with something to focus on so they make it to one place to another without becoming distracted. Smooth transitions prevent crowding and keep the classroom atmosphere relaxed but organized. One MAJOR, or very important, transition occurs when children first arrive to school. Transition times take place throughout the day, particularly when children move between learning activities and daily routines. A transition takes place as children leave a large group to play in small group activities.

Transition Techniques Examples Sing a simple tune Jingle chimes to gather the group Flicker the lights on and off Play a recording Ask the children to move like an animal Use puppets, fingerplays, or props to focus children’s interests Add surprise to capture curiosity Play thinking games Give advanced warning Transition Techniques – Signals or short activities that prompt children to move from one place or routine to another. Often include sounds and visuals cues that alert children to what is coming next. Help guide children’s behaviors without repeating detailed directions. When choosing a technique be sure to evaluate various transition techniques for their appropriateness in helping children adjust to the early childhood setting.

Help Clean Up Chore Board-features pictures of different cleanup activities. Children use the board to select a classroom chore to perform Job Jar- A container filled with pieces of paper that show pictures of activities – serves the same purpose as a chore board. Choice Time – is a transition technique that lets children decide which activity they would like to participate in next

Review Key Concepts Explain what a schedule is and why it is an important tool at a child care center. How does a balanced daily schedule create a secure, stable environment for children and staff? How predictable routines and transitions contribute to a calm, dependable classroom atmosphere. How do transitions help move children smoothly between activities or learning spaces? Activity Take a few minutes to plan and demonstrate an original transition technique with a partner.