 |
| Image credit: Sigurd Decroos |
A few months ago, a friend got me hooked up with being a substitute aide at a preschool. (Best. Job. Ever.) Before I started, I thought that since the kids were so young (3-5 yrs. old) the classes would be loosely structured, and the kids would mostly just play the whole time. There was a lot of playing, but the schedule was surprisingly adamant (surprising to me, at least). Every teacher ordered their agendas differently, but they all had the same basic elements (opening circle, snack time, play time, recess, etc.), and each teacher did the same order every day.
My friend told me that the specific schedule was very important, but I didn't believe her until right after spring break. The first few days back were crazy because the kids had gotten used to their at-home or on-vacation schedule and they needed time to get adjusted back to the school schedule. After those few days, I definitely understand how vital routine is to suppress total chaos.
