Routines are important even where play is unstructured.
Routines are things we do in the same way every day or every week. Routines are expected. We know they are coming up so we don't get a shock when they do.
Routines help the children feel safe. Routines help the children to learn. Routines help the children to not feel confused. Routines help the children to help themselves. Routines help the children to behave.
Routines also help with transitions (which means moving from one activity to another). For example Angela has a Packing Up Song that she sings with the children when it is time to pack up. This is a routine.
Another routine is morning group time where the children talk about things that interest them which might lead to the educators setting up a spontaneous play experience. The children can also find out what is planned for the day or the week. Group time is also an opportunity for the educator to do some intentional teaching and teach the children something new. They might read a book to the children, ask them some questions or do a science experiment.
Lynda has a lot of routines in her music classes with the children that helps to manage their behaviour and also to signal the beginning and end of class. For example Lynda sings the hello song and Shalom song every lesson. The children know what is coming and feel comfortable with Lynda because of this. We learn "off" which helps Lynda to manage the children's behaviour. The children also know to always say "thank you" and "see you next time" to Lynda, which also helps them learn manners and to be polite.
Here are some more Routines at kinder that Kate came up with:
And here are some of Kate's own ROUTINES:
Routines can change but it is better when we keep routines consistent for the children. Children should also be allowed to help decide on their routines.
TASK
Can you think of any other common routines there are at kinder? Why do you think those routines are there?
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