Curriculum Planning

Competencies
#4 Examine care giving routines as curriculum

Following a consistent routine day after day gives children the sense of security they need to make
choices and take risks, which opens the door to exciting learning opportunities. A regular, daily schedule
teaches children a needed sense of security, especially children from low-income and minority homes.
No matter what type of schedule the early childhood program follows, there are certain routines that
should occur daily. Children are more secure in a place that has a consistent schedule; they can begin to
anticipate the regularity of what comes next and count on it. Routines are the framework of programs
for young children. A routine is a constant; each day certain events are repeated, providing continuity
and a sense of order. Routines are reassuring to children, and they take pride in mastering them.
Research has shown time and again that the most important form of security for young children is a
consistent, warm, responsive, long-term relationship with a caregiver. Learning is continuous. Young
children learn in continuous ways, relating new learning to past experiences and accomplishments.
Children learn best when a project, idea, or activity veers off into new and different directions,
emerging into new and exciting learning.
Because they are repetitive, schedules and routines help children learn classroom activities. Children
are able to predict what will happen next and this helps them feel secure and prepared. Classrooms
with consistent schedules and routines facilitate childrens understanding of the learning environment
expectations. Children who are familiar with classroom schedules and routines are more likely to be
engaged, attentive, and learn new knowledge.