A predictable classroom schedule helps children know what to expect during their day, reduces mayhem in the class, and gives kids the structure they need to adjust in kindergarten. Here are a few simple rules childcare teachers can use to create a sensible preschool class schedule that’s appropriate for young children.

Small and Large Group Activities

Some examples of large group activities include circle time, music and movement, and storytime. Since Preschooler’s have short attention spans, they’re not able to sit in one spot for too long. Setting aside 15 to 20 minute blocks of time twice a day is ideal for large group activities.

Small group activities give teachers the opportunity to work with two to three children at a time to focus on a specific set of skills or activities. Small group activities can be scheduled in 10 to 15 minute blocks of time. In large classrooms, time may not allow you to work with four or five groups of preschoolers each day. If this is the case, rotate the groups throughout the week.

Individual Play Time

Individual play is a big part of self discovery for kids, as it allows them to be creative, and it lets them experiment with the things that interest them. Individual playtime can be broken up into two 30 to 45 minute blocks of time throughout the day.

Transition and Cleanup Times

Transition times are often overlooked when preschool teachers prepare their schedules. But when dealing with large groups of kids, it’s important to keep them occupied as they prepare to move from one activity to the next, otherwise, mayhem will ensue. Coloring sheets, books, finger plays, and songs are perfect activities for transition times because they are simple, and require little to no cleanup.

Cleaning up is one of those valuable life skills all kids need to learn. Therefore, preschoolers should always be responsible for cleaning up their own playthings. Before clean up time arrives, give the children a five-minute heads-up so they’ll be mentally prepared to stop what they’re doing to clean up their toys.

Outdoor Play

Outdoor play develops kids’ large muscles, relieves stress, and gives them the chance to engage in some heart healthy exercise. The preschool class schedule should allow kids at least 45 minutes of outdoor play every day. Teachers can plan indoor games and activities for those times when the weather is not conducive for outdoor play.

Meals and Snacks

Preschoolers need at least 30 minutes to eat lunch and 15 minutes to enjoy a snack. Never rush kids when they’re eating, if they need more time, give it to them.

Naptime

Most preschoolers who attend daycare are early risers. And they spend large portions of their days inside of the classroom learning and growing. Part of helping them rejuvenate is giving them the chance to rest for at least two hours each day. Never force children to go to sleep, but encourage them to rest quietly during naptimes.

Using a schedule helps kids feel secure, and reduces chaos in the preschool classroom. However, when working with young kids, one never knows what to expect, so allow plenty of flexibility in the preschool classroom schedule.