[Eliot McIntosh]

I would recommend using the same base schedule daily and swapping activities in between meal/snack times so the kids have both consistency and the opportunity to try new things.

[angela packer]

Creating and maintaining a schedule with children is easy if you make it appealing and engaging for them. Make sure you do what they want to do as well as what you have to do.

[Marika Fagan]

Keep it simple, remember the fun, keep it child centered.

[Elizabeth]

Always involving the child in the routine and provide songs or clues that we are transitioning to a different activity.

[Khalimah]

I feel good tips for creating and maintaining a good schedule for children will be by, starting with breakfast all they all arrive, throughout the day providing snacks and activities, lunch time and free play.

[Jewell Rose]

After finishing the draft of the schedule stepping back and looking at it through the lens of, how long with the kids have to be “still” or how long until they are getting a stimulating activity such as getting out their wiggles or stimulating through free play. Making sure to keep carpet time or large group short and with stimulating activities in between.

[Anna]

Make sure you include necessary activities such as meal times, bathroom/diaper change times, and include the children in choosing what fun activities might get put in the schedule.

[Lashea Murphy]

I feel like it way easier to have things plannned for the children so that they are not getting lost in the activites and are actully learning as the schedule continues. But mainly using claenmdars, magenets, fun games and sticker to show the children. Also keeping the parents in the loop of whats going on monthly will help better prepare the children and their familys

[Lauren Ashley Marasigan]

Do you have any tips or advice on creating and maintaining a daily schedule for children?

I think having a routine but slightly changing the schedule day by day can keep things interesting and engaging for children while also teaching children continuity and routines. For example:

Monday:

7:30-8:30 – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 – Reading
9:00-9:30 – Math
9:30-10:00 – Art activity

Tuesday:

7:30-8:30 – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 – Reading
9:00-9:30 – Math
9:30-10:00 – Music (maybe playing the piano or learning to sing a new song)

[Jewels A]

Some Important Tips and Tricks towards creating and maintaining a well-established schedule for kids; is that There is balance in the activities being done within the schedule, such as active play, quiet time, group activities, and individual tasks which express diverse needs. The inclusion of visual aids such as pictures or charts makes the schedule more functional and appealing to younger children. Leave some transition time with songs or timers, and be flexible so the program flows according to the mood of children on any given day and for any unexpected events. Encourage responsibility in children while following the routine and regularly go over the schedule for changes that may be needed. This helps in including some downtime so they don’t overstimulate, and it helps to communicate the schedule with the families for consistency between home and school. Keep the schedule simple and developmentally appropriate, which will make it easier for everyone to adhere to.

[Jewels A]

It’s all about harmony between structure and flexibility. It helps children feel secure and they know what to expect from the day. Having predictable routines with regular times for meals, naps, and structured activities is important. At the same time, one’s daily schedule shouldn’t be so rigid that it prevents flexibility: including changes in the needs and moods of children, and making time for spontaneous play or breaks when needed. Picture schedules support children’s understanding of transitions. A balance of structured and unstructured time allows children to learn and create. Outdoor play, quiet time, and regular transitions maintain the smoothness of the day with either transition cues or songs. The schedule should be appropriate to the children’s age, and one should regularly reevaluate it to ensure it supports the children’s development and emotional well-being.

[Jada Pieterick]

Consider a schedule that fits the needs of the children and their needs. Whether it is behaviors (is there a need for more or less transitions?), arrival times (when should the lessons start? Should there be a soft landing?), etc. Considering these elements will help the students feel successful and supported while making the day run smoother as well.

[Heather Mansfield]

It’s important to be flexible and not insist everything happens exactly on time.

[Miranda]

To create an effective daily schedule, maintain consistency to help children feel secure and know what to expect. Balance active play, learning activities, rest, and meals to support their physical and emotional well-being. Be flexible and adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate children’s changing needs or moods. Incorporate smooth transitions between activities, giving children warnings before changes to help them adjust. Share the schedule with parents to ensure consistency between home and childcare settings, promoting a sense of stability for the child.

[Betsy Holder]

I have never created a official daily schedule, however I know that one of the most important things is to make sure it’s flexible. Unexpected events and circumstances are going to come up every day, and if you are too attached to the time of each activity you will likely have problems. Another important part of making a schedule is leaving extra time for transitions. Its ideal to have as few transitions as possible and when you do need them, leave lots of time. For example if your class has outside time scheduled, the teacher needs to estimate how long it will take for everyone to clean up what they were doing before, get coats on, get hats or gloves and get in line.