Child Care and Preschool
A Balanced Day
Following a schedule in preschool helps smooth transitions and even build independence. By Diane Trister Dodge and Toni S. Bickart
Organizing the day for preschoolers requires not only careful use of space but also thoughtful planning and a schedule . The schedule forms the basic structure for each day (putting away coats, telling stories, singing songs, eating snacks, etc.) and supports educational goals. In addition, a daily schedule helps children feel secure and independent and allows them to move from one activity to another easily and confidently. When the schedule suits the developmental and individual needs of the children, it makes the day go more smoothly and enjoyably for everyone.
A good schedule for young children offers a balance between the following types of activities:
- Active and quiet times
- Large group activities, small group activities, and time to play alone or with others
- Indoor and outdoor play times
- Time for children to select their own activities and time for teacher-directed ones
The Importance of Consistency — and Flexibility
Consistency is an important characteristic of the daily schedule. A similar schedule every day lets children know what will happen next. Young children feel secure when they can predict the sequence of events and have some control over their day. They love to remind the teacher that "snack time comes next" or to tell a visitor that "we go outside now."
In a high-quality preschool, teachers help children anticipate the schedule . As a result, each part of the day — arrival, circle time, transitions, work time, meal times, rest time, and departure —becomes a secure routine for children. Many classrooms use a picture schedule. You may see it drawn on one strip of paper so children can "read" it from left to right.
A schedule, however, need not be inflexible. When there is something special for the children to do, good teachers adjust the daily routine . For example, a snow flurry can interrupt class plans as go outside with pieces of black paper to catch snowflakes and observe their characteristics. Similarly, if an activity is especially successful or engrossing, there's no reason to stop it just because the schedule calls for doing something else.
