What are some of the routine activities in at an in-home childcare?
Even simple routines have extraordinary benefits for children. They learn skills such as self-help skills, independence, sequencing and how to act appropriately in a group by taking part in routines.
Meal, sleep and rest times, nappy changing and toileting, managing personal hygiene and self-care activities; transitioning from one part of the day to another are all routines that children experience when under the care of one of our in-home educators. They often occur at the same time every day and are carried out in the same way.
The beauty of home-based childcare is that these routines are woven closely around the routines your child has at home. With very few children to teacher ratio (a maximum of four children under the care of one educator), following your child’s individual routine is a lot easier.
Why routines matter?
Routines offer powerful opportunities for connection, engagement and development. They also support children to learn new skills in safe and familiar settings. While often mischaracterised as “mundane”, the recurring nature of routines builds a child’s self-confidence. This recurrence of activity develops and embeds knowledge, skills, and behaviours across the learning outcomes. Here are some reasons why routines matter and why our home-based education programme pays importance to them:
- Extends thinking and problem-solving skills
- Develops language skills and build vocabulary
- Builds close and respectful relationships
- Builds wellbeing and a sense of belonging
- Thinking through cause and effect
- Learning sequencing processes and higher order thinking skills
- Increases independence and autonomy
- Builds connectedness and a strong sense of identity
Common routines that are followed by our home-based educators
- Hygiene and toileting routines, including hand washing, nappy change etc.
- Drop-off and pick-up routines, including hanging bags in a particular spot and taking out lunch boxes and putting them back into the bag
- Nap time routines
- Meal time routines
- Mat time with storytelling and other discussions based on learning
- Outdoor excursions such as a walk to the park or visiting a local shop
- Indoor activity times such as a collaborative project, board games or even baking
How our educators help children get used to routines?
- Following the child’s cues rather than forcing your own routines on them
- Preparation is key. Letting a child finish one activity before moving on to the next
- Discussing the routine with the child and explaining what will happen
- Using pictures to help them understand routines and their sequence. Older children are encouraged to discuss what happens next
- Making routines smooth and calm. Also making them fun!
Are keen to understand how routines work in our homebased childcare environment? Call us on 0508 466 324 to connect with one of our team members or home-based educators today.
