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How to Schedule Your DayHaving a schedule to follow when I was a nanny to 8 children ages 3 to 12 was my biggest sanity saver! I keep a folder in the kitchen that includes my weekly/daily schedule. I keep it right next to the coffee pot to ensure I see it first thing. I have found that having a common daily rhythm keeps children calmer, and more secure. For instance they know that after lunch we clean up, have some time to get some energy out, and then we rest in our rooms. Of course these are guidelines! Somedays we totally ignore the schedule and do something spontaneous. I have included an example of the schedule I use below, I also offer a free blank copy if you would like to use it. Like anything it takes time to get into the habit of using a schedule, but it is worth it! My day runs smooth and my stress levels usually stay low. Invest in a white board that you can place in the kitchen. With permanent marker make an outline like the one below. Fill it in with an erasable marker.
Date:
Theme: 7:00-8:00: 8:00-9:00: 9:00-10:00: 10:00-10:30: 10:30-11:00: 11:00-12:00: 12:00-1:00: - REST TIME- 2:00-3:00: 3:00-4:00: 4:00-5:00: NOTES: Day trip name/location:
Lunch:
Snacks:
Project:
Indoor:
Outdoor:
Supplies needed:
Here is what it looks like filled in this example was for our
berry themed week.
Date: 7/14 (cooking day)
Theme: BERRY WEEK 7:00- 8:00 wake up, play 8:00-9:00 breakfast/clean up/ brush teeth/hair/get dressed/make beds
9:00-10:00 walk to pick your own berry farm (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
10:00-10:30 free play until
10:30-11:00 read books: Blueberries for Sal & Jamberry
11:00-12:00 bake blueberry muffins, make freezer jam
12:00-1:00 Lunch/clean-up/outside activity
-REST TIME-
2:00-3:00 snack/chores/arts & crafts
3:00-4:00 go swimming at friend’s house
4:00-5:00 review our day(circle time)/quiet reading or helping while I make dinner
NOTES:
Day trip name/location : U-pick berry farm ,swimming pool
Breakfast: oatmeal (you pick the topping)
Lunch: tuna pitas, cantaloupe, carrots & celery with dip
Dinner: grilled chicken, tossed salad, pasta salad
Snacks: muffins with freezer jam after rest time
Project: working on long term projects (memory books, weaving etc)
Indoor: centers
Outdoor: badminton, volleyball, or outdoor toys
Supplies needed: books, canning jars, pectin, baking supplies for muffins Toddler ScheduleSince I have a toddler at home, I have become obsessed with finding good toddler activities to get us through the day. It is so important to be talking to your toddler as you navigate through your daily routine. A good routine is key for a happy toddler. If you notice I try to get outside as much as I can with my toddler because when he gets enough fresh air and exercise he has more restful sleep at night. Here is my sample routine that I use for my toddler: 7:00 wakes 7:15 drinks some milk and plays with toys while I prepare breakfast 7:30 breakfast & clean up, have your toddler help you clean up 8:00 brush teeth and hair, wash face, get dressed 8:15 PLAY TIME! If the weather permits we go outside, this is time for movement if we are inside we will dance, or make obstacle courses, jump, run etc. We also take a walk in the morning. This is also the time we would do an outing or a play date. 10:00 snack time (usually fruit cheese & crackers) 10:30 scheduled activitiy or craft and books blocks, puzzles, indoor play, toys, songs 12:00 lunchtime 12:30 clean up followed by outside play for 30 minutes 1:00 naptime (this is also known as mommy time!) 3:00 Snack (usually vegetables and dip) 3:30 More outside time, a walk, or indoor play 4:30 Indoor play while I start dinner 5:30 Dinner 6:00 more fun playtime 6:30 bath 7:00 stories, bedtime snack 8:00 Bedtime
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