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?

