A classroom routine for Children ages 12/18 months… Hope this helps during this time…

Social distancing is really happening…Schools are being shut down Daycares and Academys I believe maybe be next too. As a former teacher for a 12/18 month old class I want to help and offer some tips and advice for parents and caregivers with littles during this time. Routines in a childs life is so important. When they have day to day routines this creates structure in their lives also, routines give infants and toddlers a sense of security and stability. Having a routine helps make everything easier for the child as well as for the parent. It almost becomes predictable as to what is expected. In my class our routine consist of 15 min increments, from the beginning of our day to the end. (Minus nap time 12-2pm, lunch /diaper changing/potty training). This age their attention spam is short. From 12-2 pm”This” is ”You”time mama/papa caregiver!! Take advantage!! When your baby hits one that’s when the morning nap should break and your child can go down to one nap a day. This is a win! win! your child will sleep better through the night and so will you! Listed below is a schedule to the best of my knowledge that was wonderful for children ages 12/18months…

• 6:30 Good morning! Welcome ! Table tops… puzzle, stacking blocks etc..
• 7:00 breakfast/free choice center (library, kitchen play etc…
• 8:00 Diaper changing/wash hands
• 8:30 Circle time (colors, shapes,numbers,alphabet and songs, signing)
• 8:45 music and movement
• 9:00 Arts and crafts
• 9:30 wash hands(am) snack/drink
• 9:45 diaper changing/ hand washing
• 10 outside time
• 10:30 wash up transition to music
• 10:45 music time over/ wash up
• 11:00 lunch
• 11:30 diaper changing
• 11:45 story time
• 12:00 Lights out/quiet time/ nap time
• 2:00 lights on/diaper changing/hand washing
• 2:15 free choice centers (cars, legos, dress up play)
• 2:30 wash hands(afternoon) snack
• 3:00 outside time
• 3:30 wash up
• 3:45 afternoon art
• 4:00 diaper changing/hand washing
• 4:30 circle time review
• 4:45 music and movement
• 5:00 story time
• 5:15 wash hands(late pm)snack/drink
• 5:30 diaper changing/hand washing
• 5:45 free choice centers/cleanup time
• 6:00 table top
• 6:30 dismissal

I hope this helps guide you mama/papa or caregiver to create the best routine for you and your child during this time… stay safe and healthy!