Early Learner Series Session 3: Morning and Night Time Routines

Burlington Public

Schools Early Childhood

Information Series:

Session 3

Morning and Night Time Routines

www.beccinformationseries.blogspot.com



Why is it important to create routines?

● Allow everyone to understand what is expected

● Routines create an increased number of practice opportunities

● Gives a clear starting and ending point

How to establish routines?

● Make a list of everything that needs to be done during a given amount of time

● Prioritize the order in which you want things to be done

● Figure out how long the routine will take

● Make sure that there are aspects of the routine that involve skills that they have

already mastered

Teaching and Implementing Routines

● Never assume that kids (or adults!) know what is expected of them unless it’s been taught.

● Children will need to be taught not only what is expected of them, but how to flow through routines in the order you want them to

● Make sure everyone knows how to get help

● Build in supports as needed



How to teach the routine?

● Skills Training Model

○ Instruction - Tell what to do

○ Model - Show what to do

○ Practice - Give practice opportunities

○ Feedback - Give information on how it went



What supports can be used?

● Visuals

○ Schedule

○ First/Then

○ Check list

○ Reminders

● Small Reinforcement Systems

○ Adding in small incentives for various aspects of the routines

■ Can be individualized to each person’s level of

functioning

What to do when...

● The routine changes unexpectedly ● The routine changes expectedly



Being Prepared for Challenges

● Give yourself ample time (especially in the teaching phases)

● Set up clear expectations for everyone before starting the routine.

● Have all supports in place before you begin the routine

● Predict difficult moments when possible



Q &A

What are you challenging areas?

What questions do you have about routines in your home?