It's All Routine
Been an interesting two weeks for yours truly. Spent time with a person dear to my heart, and started in my new classroom of three and four year olds. Things are going ok, yet I wonder if Ireally am in what my friend Courtney once described as " 'alternative universe' ". You know, where things just feel different and everything goes wrong. Last week I tweak an old knee injury, lose my debit card at work this past weekend only to find it, and slip on ice in my driveway on Sunday. Yesterday, I head to UC because something in my knee popped, and today I was home resting and elevating my injury.
And today I was out of my routine. Although sitting home with ice on my knee was relaxing, I shudder to think of what my room looks like tomorrow and how today went without me there.
My new class is charming and cute, yet such stinkers, to be honest. They are funny, great listeners for the most part and have adjusted well to the transition. A challenging class, the behavior issues were evident, and still exist, for the most part they have decreased.
The reason for the issues? It's not that the children cannot listen, or that they are awful. It's the routine or lack thereof that caused the behaviors. In the early childhood years, routines are essential for children whether it's at home or school. Routines, when established at a young age, help children develop trust and a bond with their caregiver, and also minimize inappropriate or undesirable behaviors. Furthermore, routines also provide consistency for children and help with optimum learning and development.
Here are some ways to develop a routine for young children:
1. Maintain consistency. In my classroom, I keep the same routine. Everyday. Nothing changes, and the only time it does is due to inclement weather. For this reason, I do a movement game or activity to get the energy out. Other than that, nothing really changes from day to day. I have a timer that I set for meals/snacks and center time play, plus I announce a five minute warning for transitions. This means if your goal is to head out the door at a certain time each day or have a set dinner/play/bath/bedtime each day, stick to it, and announce transitions/changes ahead of time to prepare your child.
2. Use a timer/time limits. This is essential, especially with younger children and those with special needs. The timer sets limits for children, and gently reminds them it's time to end an activity, whether it's playtime, screen time or something else they enjoy. When setting time limits, make sure to let your child know when he has five more minutes left. This will make the transition easier, especially bedtime.
3. Be gentle and firm. Each child is different, and of course they will want " 'just five more minutes' ", " 'one more book' ", " 'another drink of water' ". They will make up everything just to get more of something, especially at bed time. (My cousins do this.) And sometimes bed time can be a hassle, to the point that you are exhausted yourself just doing the routine. That being said, create a special routine, consisting of a bath (if needed), brushing teeth, getting on "jams" (pajamas) followed by a story or two. I have a nap time routine with a child in my class that consists of him sitting in my lap, telling me what he learned about so far, what he did during the day and two big hugs. Works like a charm, and he goes to sleep. Some days make take longer than others, especially if we have another class napping with us.
4. Know what works with your child and their personality. Is your child active and energetic? Involved in extracurricular activities after school? Packed schedule? Special needs? Low key and laid back? The routine can reflect their temperament, and behavior. When I worked for my best friend's aunt fifteen years ago, I remember a child biting and demonstrating aggressive behavior in the afternoon. Nap time was short, mainly because they went to nap late and got up early. After a few days of observing this aggression and wiping tears from both him and other children who were hurt, I concluded he was tired. The classroom routine was changed and nap made longer-and the aggression stopped due to the child getting enough sleep. When creating a routine for your child, take into account who they are, their energy level and personality. Implement the routine and adjust if needed. It's ok if you adjust it a few times prior to being consistent. I've done that in my classrooms too. Sometimes adjustments are needed to help a routine flow smoothly.
Back to my routine tomorrow on crutches. Winter sucks.
And today I was out of my routine. Although sitting home with ice on my knee was relaxing, I shudder to think of what my room looks like tomorrow and how today went without me there.
My new class is charming and cute, yet such stinkers, to be honest. They are funny, great listeners for the most part and have adjusted well to the transition. A challenging class, the behavior issues were evident, and still exist, for the most part they have decreased.
The reason for the issues? It's not that the children cannot listen, or that they are awful. It's the routine or lack thereof that caused the behaviors. In the early childhood years, routines are essential for children whether it's at home or school. Routines, when established at a young age, help children develop trust and a bond with their caregiver, and also minimize inappropriate or undesirable behaviors. Furthermore, routines also provide consistency for children and help with optimum learning and development.
Here are some ways to develop a routine for young children:
1. Maintain consistency. In my classroom, I keep the same routine. Everyday. Nothing changes, and the only time it does is due to inclement weather. For this reason, I do a movement game or activity to get the energy out. Other than that, nothing really changes from day to day. I have a timer that I set for meals/snacks and center time play, plus I announce a five minute warning for transitions. This means if your goal is to head out the door at a certain time each day or have a set dinner/play/bath/bedtime each day, stick to it, and announce transitions/changes ahead of time to prepare your child.
2. Use a timer/time limits. This is essential, especially with younger children and those with special needs. The timer sets limits for children, and gently reminds them it's time to end an activity, whether it's playtime, screen time or something else they enjoy. When setting time limits, make sure to let your child know when he has five more minutes left. This will make the transition easier, especially bedtime.
3. Be gentle and firm. Each child is different, and of course they will want " 'just five more minutes' ", " 'one more book' ", " 'another drink of water' ". They will make up everything just to get more of something, especially at bed time. (My cousins do this.) And sometimes bed time can be a hassle, to the point that you are exhausted yourself just doing the routine. That being said, create a special routine, consisting of a bath (if needed), brushing teeth, getting on "jams" (pajamas) followed by a story or two. I have a nap time routine with a child in my class that consists of him sitting in my lap, telling me what he learned about so far, what he did during the day and two big hugs. Works like a charm, and he goes to sleep. Some days make take longer than others, especially if we have another class napping with us.
4. Know what works with your child and their personality. Is your child active and energetic? Involved in extracurricular activities after school? Packed schedule? Special needs? Low key and laid back? The routine can reflect their temperament, and behavior. When I worked for my best friend's aunt fifteen years ago, I remember a child biting and demonstrating aggressive behavior in the afternoon. Nap time was short, mainly because they went to nap late and got up early. After a few days of observing this aggression and wiping tears from both him and other children who were hurt, I concluded he was tired. The classroom routine was changed and nap made longer-and the aggression stopped due to the child getting enough sleep. When creating a routine for your child, take into account who they are, their energy level and personality. Implement the routine and adjust if needed. It's ok if you adjust it a few times prior to being consistent. I've done that in my classrooms too. Sometimes adjustments are needed to help a routine flow smoothly.
Back to my routine tomorrow on crutches. Winter sucks.
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