What a toddler schedule looks like and why it should matter to you.
Faith Lutheran Church Childcare Development Center in Austin, Texas.
Toddlers thrive with a regular routine. A routine can be a lot of things for different people, but at Faith Lutheran Child Development Center it's how we structure the day. A schedule with a predictable routine provides ample opportunities for children's development.
Why does my toddler need to follow a routine?
Following a routine for a child gives them security, consistency, and self-confidence. Knowing what's coming next helps with tantrums too because things aren't wildly out of control and they know what to expect.
Here is a sample schedule for our two year old toddlers at Faith Lutheran Childcare Development Center.
7:30 am - Drop Off Time / Potty / Wash Hands
8:00 am - Open Play
8:45 am - Potty / Wash Hands
9:00 am - Morning Snack
9:30 am - Circle Time / Potty / Wash Hands
10:00 am - Outside Play
10:40 am - Inside / Potty Time / Wash Hands
11:00 am - Lunch
11:30 am - Cleanup / Potty / Wash Hands
12:00 pm - Nap
2:00 pm - Wake Up / Potty / Wash Hands
2:30 pm - Afternoon Snack
3:00 pm - Outside Play
4:00 pm - Center Play / Potty / Wash Hands
5:00-6:00 pm - Pick Up
Many things can feel out of control for a toddler's life. A routine provides a lot of security. Of course, things happen from time to time and the schedule will have to change. For example, at Faith Lutheran, when the weather changes and we cannot be outside we go to the gym to play. When these instances arise, be sure to explain. Life happens.
Transition Songs Can Help Toddler's Daily Routine
Transition songs are a great tool to use when moving from one activity to another. The University of West Virginia reports that using songs and music helps to distract from less enjoyable tasks and helps the day run smoother. You can also employ this tactic by using one song for every time the schedule has to change from what normally happens.
Routine's are great, but you need great transitions to support your routine. Here's a wonderful cleanup song that you can sing with your toddler every evening, when it's time to pick up the toys before bed.
Lyrics:
Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.
Clean up clean up everybody do your share.
Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.
Clean up clean up everybody do your share.
Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.
Clean up clean up everybody do your share