5.8: Temporal Environment – The Daily Schedule
One feature of a well-organized classroom is the use of a schedule and established routines. Schedules and established routines are important because they influence a child’s social and emotional development. While referred to as the daily schedule, it is important to recognize that the flow, or the predictable order of the day, should be the focus (rather than abiding by rigid timelines for the different parts of the day). While there may be parts of the day that at are at fixed times (for example meals or using a shared outdoor space), teachers should use flexibility to make the schedule meet the needs of the children. If an activity seems to be coming to a natural conclusion earlier, consider transitioning to the next part of the day. If children are really engaged in an activity, consider giving them additional time to wrap up their exploration. Flexibility also comes in handy when there are changes that affect the schedule that are beyond your control, such as bad weather preventing outdoor play.[1]
Why Have a Daily Schedule?
Schedules are important because they
- Help children know what to expect:
- Schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the classroom environment—which may be very different than in other settings.
- Knowing expectations may lower behavior problems.
- Enhance feelings of security:
- Predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable.
- Those children who have difficulty with change especially need to feel secure.
- Children who do not yet speak and understand English well also benefit from predictable and consistent classroom schedules and routines.
- Influence a child’s cognitive and social development:
- When periods of play are longer, children engage in more complex social and cognitive play.
- Increase child engagement rates:
- Child engagement is defined as the amount of time a child spends interacting with his or her environment (adults, peers, or materials) in a developmentally and contextually appropriate manner, at different levels of competence.
- Schedules that give children choices, balanced activities, planned activities, and individual activities result in a higher level of engagement.
Several factors influence child engagement.
- Attention span of children:
- Plan activities to maximize children’s engagement:
- Use other adults to assist.
- Use novel materials.
- Limit duration to ensure children stay engaged throughout the activity.
- Plan activities to maximize children’s engagement:
- Alertness level:
- Plan activities that require more child attention and listening skills during times when children are more alert.
- Plan calming activities after active activities.
- Note if some children may be tired or sick.
- Adult availability:
- For a more active part of your day, you may want to have more adults to support the children’s learning and the management of the classroom.
- Time f