Structure and structured time mean a set time for daily routines. Above all, children need consistency. They like things to be predictable. Thus, routines are important learning opportunities. Students learn self-care. Also, structured routines help students learn to interact with others.
Three things are important to follow for routines: consistency, predictability, and follow-through. Children need uniformity in everyday life. They like their day to be as they expect with no surprises. Children need parents and teachers to follow a daily routine. As children do not follow the routine or schedule, there must be consequences. With consistency the day goes smoothly. Children know what to expect.
Structure, schedules, and routines help children create order in their day. The day goes smoothly when everyone knows what to expect. Wake up times, snacks, and meals need to be consistent. Also, time for lessons, homework, and/or remote lessons need to be included in the everyday schedule.
Structure With Rules
There are several reasons for routines and structure.
• Children need to know their limits.
• Set boundaries help children to know when they over-step.
• Self-discipline derives from limits and boundaries.
• Children learn how to deal with frustration due to a routine. Also, they learn about delayed rewards.
All these reasons help children learn to deal with their world outside the home and the classroom. They build independence. Rules and routines provide a sense of security. Children fear the unknown. Children face changes daily as they grow. However, changes are stressful. Also, children are not able to control the changes that occur.
Nonetheless, children handle changes best as it occurs in their natural routine. The daily structure helps them to handle their lives. As too many unexpected changes happen, the sense of safety is taken away. Thus, children are unable to cope with the ups and downs of life.
Flexibility in Structure
Many times structure and routines must be broken. Therefore, schedules must be flexible. All children are different. Some need a variety in their schedule to keep them interested in the daily routines. However, too many broken schedules lead to stress in children. Thus, keep the scheduled activities as much as possible.
