How to provide routine for Preschooler at Home - post

Sample Daily Routine for Preschoolers

Morning Routine:

• 7:00–7:30 AM: Wake up and Morning Hygiene
  • Help your child wake up, use the bathroom, wash hands, brush teeth, and get dressed.
  • Encourage some independence in these tasks (like brushing their teeth) while still providing support.
• 7:30–8:00 AM: Breakfast
  • Serve a #healthy breakfast together, and have some conversation during the meal to engage your child.
• 8:00–8:30 AM: Free Play/Independent Play
  • Allow your child to play with their favorite toys or engage in creative activities like building blocks, drawing, or #pretend-play. This helps them start the day independently.

Mid-Morning:

• 8:30–9:00 AM: Morning Learning Activity
  • Incorporate educational activities like reading #books, singing songs, practicing letters and numbers, or doing simple #crafts. Keep it fun and interactive.
• 9:00–9:30 AM: Physical Activity
  • Get some physical exercise through activities like dancing, jumping on a trampoline, running around outside, or playing with a ball. Preschoolers need active movement for their physical #development.

Late Morning:

• 9:30–10:00 AM: Snack Time
  • Offer a healthy snack like fruits, crackers with cheese, or yogurt. Use this time to chat about their morning and prepare them for the next activities.
• 10:00–11:00 AM: Learning or Themed Activity
  • Choose activities that align with what your child is interested in or developing skills for, such as #puzzles, art projects, #sensory-play (like playdough or water play), or science experiments. You can also focus on simple concepts like shapes, colors, or counting.

Lunch and Rest Time:

• 11:30 AM–12:00 PM: Lunch
  • Serve a balanced lunch and encourage your child to help with simple tasks like setting the table or serving themselves.
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Quiet Time or Nap
  • Preschoolers need rest in the afternoon. Some children may take a nap, while others might benefit from quiet time (looking at books or listening to calming music). Ensure the environment is calm and conducive to rest.

Afternoon Routine:

• 1:00–2:00 PM: Outdoor Play

  • After rest time, go outside for fresh air. Play at the park, go for a walk, ride tricycles, or #explore-nature. Outdoor activities support motor development and provide an opportunity for creativity.

• 2:00–3:00 PM: Structured Play (Learning Time)

  • Introduce educational games or activities that engage their minds. For example, you could try sorting objects by color or size, practicing letter recognition, or doing a simple puzzle.

• 3:00–3:30 PM: Snack

  • Offer another healthy snack to keep their energy up.

Late Afternoon:

• 3:30–4:30 PM: Creative Play
  • Encourage imagination through arts and crafts, pretend play (such as setting up a "store" or "kitchen"), or building with blocks. This fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
• 4:30–5:00 PM: Screen Time (Optional)
  • If you allow screen time, this is a good time for a short episode of an educational TV show or a video game that focuses on learning.
  • Keep it limited to 20-30 minutes to avoid overstimulation.

Evening Routine:

• 5:00–5:30 PM: Dinner

  • Eat dinner as a family, giving your child an opportunity to share their day and bond with you.

• 5:30–6:00 PM: Clean-Up and Chores

  • Involve your child in simple chores like cleaning up toys, putting clothes in the laundry basket, or wiping down surfaces. This teaches responsibility and helps develop good habits.

• 6:00–6:30 PM: Family Play or Relaxing Activity

  • Spend time together as a family with a calm, enjoyable activity like reading a story, playing a board game, or a short walk outside.

• 6:30–7:00 PM: Bath Time

  • Begin winding down the day with a calming bath routine. This is a good time to discuss the day's events or sing songs together.

• 7:00–7:30 PM: Bedtime Routine

  • After bath time, help your child get into pajamas and brush their teeth.
  • Choose a few calming activities, like reading a story or talking about what they look forward to tomorrow. This helps them relax and feel secure before bed.

• 7:30–8:00 PM: Bedtime

  • Stick to a consistent bedtime to ensure your child gets enough #sleep (usually around 10-1 #2-hours for preschoolers). You can say goodnight with a favorite phrase or cuddle.

Tips for Success:

• Flexibility is Key: While routines are important, allow some flexibility for unexpected events or changes.
• Adjust for Your Child’s Needs: Every child is different, so adjust the timing or type of activities to suit their preferences and energy levels.
• Keep Transitions Smooth: Give warnings before transitioning from one activity to another (e.g., “In 5 minutes, we’re going to start getting ready for lunch”). This helps reduce resistance.
• Involve Your Child: Let your child have input in activities or decisions (e.g., "What story would you like to read tonight?").

A structured, predictable routine helps preschoolers feel secure and encourages their development in various areas, from motor skills to social interactions. Learn more at ChildCareEd.com