[Sarah Moss]

When I look at making a schedule for the day I like to build off of any set anchor points like meals or required activities. Then building around those points, I plan activities that easily transition into the next one while considering the age range needs of the children I am working with.

[Ryley H]

To create a daily routine, I start with the constants: meals, outside times, and rest times. I also make sure to account for time transitioning. That framework allows me to see what remaining time I have to work in the other activities.

[Destiny Palencia]

Create a simple routine that also allows kids to have a say like in activities. Make sure that the routine flows throughout the say.

[Hailey]

some tips i might have on creating a routine is to make sure there are always engaging things and educational things in the routine

[Nguyen Vo]

The tips or advice on creating and maintaining a daily schedule for children that I recommended is instructed by James Clear, making it: Obvious, Attractive, Easy, and Satisfying.

[Gisela]

Start the day with a group activity which would include time for greetings, prayers, etc and waiting for other participants. Define the snack time, lunchtime and outdoor play could be scheduled before or after. Free play time could come before dismissal which could incorporate getting ready to go home. Then add self choice and group activities throughout the day.

[Katrina Simental]

Having a consistent schedule that anticipates hunger and sleep cycles is integral in a successful child care center.

[Katrina Conway]

In order to maintain a schedule for children, there should be Velcro pictures somewhere in the classroom that go in order of the schedule so the children know what comes next.

[Natylee]

I like to keep the “blocks” of the schedule the same, while each activity changes day to day. For example, 9-10 might always be child-directed play, but the activities I set up for them to choose from are different.

[Natalia Plamadeala-Mandel]

I would love for the first few days to have a classic schedule day routine, but observing children more and more I would adjust the schedule. For example: to read a storybook before sleep time or play background calm music for sleep

[Coleen]

Starting with non negotiable routines like snack, meals, clean up and rest time is one idea. Then build in standard activities like art or small group learning. it’s important to make all of these schedules visual, create audible cues that are used consistently to signal transition time, and involve the children in leading those activities.

[Hayley Miller]

Plan around the required items first like set meal times and nap times and outdoor times, after that fill in the gaps with circle time/small group activities and free play. Using big transitions like outside to inside or the end of a meal as signals for the more organized activities to help with transitions like as soon as we come inside we go straight to the carpet for circle time. Transitioning to outside is fun so that goes well after free play since kids don’t have to stop doing the fun things they love to do something low energy like circle time.

[Maira]

Involve children in routines, make sure that they are having fun, plan activities and stick to them so that the children can have balance and consistency.

[Mary]

Encourage students to take part in building an initial schedule, while maintaining consistent roadblocks such as lunch, outdoor time, etc. Keep this schedule on the wall as a visual reminder, with visual aids.

[kate]

I think in the beginning of the day it is helpful to be more flexible and have “open play” as some families might drop off children late and then they are not missing anything important. If you have an an aide it might be nice for them to be reading with some of the children and let them take turns picking the book. Always sticking to the same meal times is super beneficial for the children but moving some of your activities around to different days based on how the children are doing that day is always okay. Especially if its a nice day to be outside or you can even bring the activity outside because that fresh air really helps everyone! Last tip would be to have consistent transitions whether that be using a song to get everyone to help clean up or reading a book before they go off to have a meal.