As much as children may not admit it, they prefer routines and structure. While they may seem perfectly content to go about their days willy-nilly, the framework of routines and schedules creates a pattern of predictability that eases anxiety and apprehension. While creating a routine or schedule for your classroom is actually shifting the control in favor of the teacher, children feel some control or ownership over their day when they know what will be happening and when. Along with the feeling of security, establishing routines can support positive behaviors as it ensures that children’s basic needs are met. This makes a daily routine or schedule very important.
Have you ever been in a classroom that seemed to be out of control? Or maybe everything was running smoothly until a last minute change in schedule caused confusion? This is evidence that schedules are vital to the operation of a classroom.
A Well-Planned Schedule Will:
- Prioritize the need for children to interact with their peers, teachers, and learning materials.
- Allow sufficient time for children to initiate and complete activities, and participate in creative movement and self-expression.
- Alternate active and less active learning moments rather than lengthy periods of sitting still.
- Respect the need for young children to rest or be active as it is appropriate and does not compromise quality learning time.
- Reflect integrated teaching rather than class time separated subject by subject.
- Provide ample time for children to learn through center-based instruction.
- Allow for smooth transitions between activities or classrooms, with the teacher capitalizing on these transitions as learning moments.
- Provide opportunities for children to share with the group and take pride in their accomplishments.
- Structure time for collaborative planning so that students develop ownership with classroom learning activities.
Optional Online Resources
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Student support 7 days a week, including most holidays!
Copyright 2019. Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Student support 7 days a week, including most holidays!
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