Why Routines for Kids are Important

 Predictability is something young children need in their lives. Uncertainty and change is naturally stressful for all human beings. Children are confronted with change daily. Although it is a growth opportunity, it can also be stressful for children. Changes are handled best in environments with familiar routines and if children know what is expected. A daily routine adapted to children’s interests and/or needs is very important because it allows them to feel safe. A sense of mastery in handling their lives is developed, allowing children to adapt to changes in their environments. Young children do not yet fully understand the concept of time, so they order their lives by events that happen, not by hours and minutes. One of the most important things that you can do to make your young child feel safe is to establish as much routine as possible. Children have a better understanding of their world when events happen in the same order every day, which is when they feel the most secure. Routines are emotional regulators that decrease conflict, stress, and anxiety. Children emotionally prepare for changes that are to come when routines are in place. A child with a set routine will progress through it, while also knowing what is expected of him/her when the task is complete. Through routines, children learn social skills (e.g., turn taking), self-control (e.g., waiting), and positive behavior. Routines help children understand concepts such as “before and after”. It is never too late to start a routine. When implementing routines it is important to keep in mind that adjustments may be needed. Know ahead of time that your child will have difficulty adjusting, and be prepared with how you will handle the resistance. Having consistency and limits is key. When you stick to a routine, you teach your child how to arrange his/her time in a manner that is efficient, productive, and cuts down on stress. The sense of order will allow your child to suppress an automatic sense of how to organize his/her own life as they grow up.

 Routines at School:

At Pasadena Christian Preschool we understand the importance of routines and are aware of the positive effects it can have on our student’s emotional development. Our teachers promote a consistent routine day after day, giving our students the sense of security they need to take risks and make choices, which opens the door to exciting learning opportunities. All classrooms have similar daily schedules with different weekly curriculum that target children’s interests. In addition, our teachers make announcements during morning meetings about what to expect throughout the day, which helps incorporate learning with an organized connection. Our students are able to experience a sense of satisfaction and control at being able to perform all of part of the tasks connected with the routine.

Author: Irina Zepeda, CSULA Child Development Intern

3 Educational Toys Toddlers Love

If you are a parent, you know how hard your toddlers are to please and how important it is that they are simultaneously learning while they are playing. However, with so many educational toys for toddlers on the market right now, which ones do you pick? If you Google ‘educational toys for toddlers’, there will be millions on millions of results and it can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help a parent out. I am sure your toddlers will love them!

POKE – A – DOT BOOK

In this book, there are little raised buttons on each page that toddlers can click and poke, all while learning the alphabet! It is an interactive book that challenges their memory and mind. Toddlers can learn alphabet and animals faster from of this book. This brand also has many more books to teach your toddlers about the ocean, counting and even colors!

MOUSE IN A BOX

This toy allows toddlers to take responsibility for the little mouse. They can feed the mouse every morning and night, they can play with it during the day, and they can even tuck it into bed. They can use their imagination and while learning about responsibility.

COLORING 

You cannot go wrong with plain paper or a coloring book and some crayons! Young children benefit from drawing on plain paper as they can explore using their own lines, designs, colors, and creativity while increasing dexterity, motor skills and pencil grip. Coloring books can be introduced at a later age, when children are ready for them. While we promote open-ended coloring, coloring books may have their place in helping with focus, hand-eye coordination, and patience. They may also spark ideas for how to draw their favorite characters, scenes or objects. However, keep in mind that some children may find coloring books frustrating since they have yet to develop the dexterity for staying in the lines. If your child is frustrated with coloring pages, do not stress him/her out…stick with plain paper and save the books for a few years down the line.

The crayons shown above are a great tool to teach toddlers their colors, allowing them to draw and scribble. Coloring is a great way for them to use their imagination while developing their fine motor and cognitive skills. These crayons are shaped like a triangle to help them develop a proper writing grip. As a perk, they will not roll away or off the table!

Author: Nhi Quach, CSULA intern