Kids need variety. Kids need routine. How do we incorporate both?
First, let’s talk routine. I’m sure you’ve discovered that routine for littles is important.
Bedtime routine, brushing teeth, picking up toys, chores — all of these are part of their routine. They know what to expect and are mentally prepared for what comes next. This is reassuring to their self-regulating system.
In Little JAM Sessions, we start with free play during check-in. Then we JAM! Jesus. Art. Music. Our Jesus Session is typically on the floor or maybe chairs. We do our Bible lesson. Next is the Art Sessions. We move to tables and do our craft. Then we have our Music Session and that’s in chairs, but really, most of the time, we stand. Then we have free time while littles are being picked up. This is our routine.
But there’s room for variety within those set sessions. Just like you want to have littles eat veggies every day, but it doesn’t HAVE to be the same kind. You want them to try a variety.
Within our routine, we provide variety. Maybe we use flannelgraph or puppets during the Bible story. Or have littles help act it out. Maybe we do clapping or other body percussion during our choir time. Sometimes we concentrate on melody, sometimes on lyrics. During craft time, we definitely have variety: variety of colors, textures, and mediums.
Having a visual schedule is helpful for littles who can’t yet read. Trueway Kids has a free download HERE you can customize.
How have you managed to balance variety and routine, as a parent, as a teacher? Do you have any tips to share?
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