In childcare it is very important to have a good routine that you will follow every day, this is to help the staff to know what’s next and it also helps to support the children, enabling them to feel safe in that they know what’s next and where they are within the day. Unfortunately two year olds can’t tell the time like us, so having snack time after song box gives them the sense of timing. In the morning we greet our little Burrowers as their parents/carers drop them off. We will talk to the parent/carer and ask how they have been, if they had breakfast and sometimes we discuss the child’s bowel movements! (Our role isn’t just playing!)
After this the children have 45 minutes to self select and direct their own free play, in this time the staff will do a toilet/potty run, cut snack and change any nappies that need to be done. They will also be observing children to notice any interests our developmental steps unfolding, alongside facilitating play where necessary.
Once we have all played a little we tell all the Burrowers that it’s time to tidy up. Recently we have been leaving it to the children to tidy and they have been doing such a great job, you may see that your child will come home with a sticker sometimes. We’re not being lazy, but tidying up gives the child a great sense of ownership over their learning environment and increases their sense of belonging.
It’s then time to hold hands and sing good morning, followed by song box! The children love the concept of song box and I find that they will all sing amazingly so they can choose which song follows next. If you’re not aware what song box is don’t be afraid to ask as our team are always willing to show parents any activities their child does in the day.
Shortly after song box we have snack, the children go to wash hands in groups of three and sit down to enjoy their snack at the table. They will have 2/3 bits of fruit followed by a carbohydrate so they have lots of energy for the day! We also drink lots of milk in the Burrow easily getting through 4 pints a day, this is to keep our bones and teeth healthy.
“It’s time to play” we will tell the children, and in no time the children jump up and run straight for the garden. The Burrowers will then have an hour to free play inside and outside, sometimes we look around the farm or visit the paddock!
Soon enough 11.30 comes round and it’s time to change nappies and change any wet/dirty clothes the children have. After this we will all sit down for a story whilst lunch is being served on the tables, at the moment our favourite book is ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’. Then it’s time to sit at the table and eat our lunch after our tiring morning’s playing!
The routine of the day is based on what we feel suit the children the best and at the moment (touch wood) it’s coming together nicely. The afternoon routine is exactly the same although we manage to get an extra hour to play, yippee!
Lauren