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The Importance of Routines

For young children, consistent routines help them to manage their day and prepare for what is going to happen next. Knowing ‘how we do things around here’ creates safety and security for everyone and is a key learning outcome within the Belonging Mana whenua strand of the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki.

Routines reduce anxiety for children and help them to learn to take responsibility for themselves and others. Knowing what to do in preparation for and during a particular activity strengthens a child’s self-concept as a competent, capable community member. When they are able to help others learn a routine, they become an ‘expert’ who can support the learning of others.

Consistent routines also support children to consider the needs and safety of others. Educators can promote responsibility for others within a free play environment through routines for regular experiences, such as transitioning between activities, fetching and returning resources, and small-group or community times such as music groups and playgroups.

For infants and toddlers, caregiving routines help to provide a reassuring rhythm to their day and support their attachment and confidence as they learn to trust that their needs will be met.

Small ratios in a home-based setting enables children’s individual routines from home to be supported. This can help tamariki to settle into care in a home-away-from-home environment as their individual needs are met, whilst at the same time providing them with opportunities to play and learn alongside others in a small group with a familiar Educator.

Information from Ministry of Education resource: He Māpuna te Tamaiti