Back to school routine ideas are so important to execute successfully. I want to talk about an essential aspect of early childhood education: back-to-school routines.
I’ve seen how crucial it is to introduce these routines to young children in a fun and engaging way.
That’s why I run this blog, to help you teach and inspire young learners through exciting printables, crafts, and games.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of school routines during back to school, why kids sometimes struggle with them, and most importantly, how to help them follow these routines seamlessly. I’ll also introduce a fun little companion social story book on school routines.
This post includes affiliate links.
To make it even more exciting, I’ll be sharing examples from related books in the field.
How to Introduce School Routines to Kids
Introducing school routines to kids is like embarking on a new adventure together.
As they step into the school environment, it’s essential to establish a sense of predictability and structure for them.
Start by creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere where children feel comfortable and eager to learn.
One fantastic way to introduce school routines is through the use of social stories.
These are short narratives that describe a particular situation, skill, or concept in a format that kids can easily understand.
Social stories often use simple language and vivid illustrations to engage children effectively.
A wonderful book that can help you get started with this is “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. It beautifully illustrates the concept of separation anxiety and starting school.
I am always looking for social skills activities. I also love this resource here for anti-bullying lessons for kids at the start of the school year.
A List of Common School Routines
Before diving into the fun printables and activities, let’s familiarize ourselves with some common school routines.
These are the building blocks of a child’s day at school, and once they become second nature, they provide a sense of security and stability. Some typical school routines include:
Morning Greetings: Welcoming each other with a smile and a cheerful “Good morning!”
Attendance: Marking attendance to keep track of everyone present.
Circle Time: Coming together for stories, songs, and discussions.
Snack Time: Enjoying a nutritious snack to refuel and socialize with peers.
Outdoor Play: Engaging in physical activities and fresh air to stay active.
Learning Centers: Exploring different activity stations with hands-on materials.
Clean-Up Time: Tidying up after activities to maintain an organized space.
Lunchtime: Sharing a meal with friends and practicing good table manners.
Nap Time: Taking a rest to recharge and prepare for the rest of the day.
Story Time: Listening to stories that spark imagination and creativity.
If your kids are older between the ages of 8-12 and you’re probably wondering if giving them a mobile phone would be useful. You can see this guide here on the advantages of mobile phones for children’s well being.
Although mobile phones generally get a bad rep for being disruptive.
Why Kids Struggle Following Routines in the Beginning
It’s not uncommon for children to face challenges when following routines initially. There are several reasons why this might happen:
Novelty: Starting school is a new experience for most children, and they may feel overwhelmed by the new environment and expectations.
Separation Anxiety: Leaving the familiarity of home and being away from parents or caregivers can trigger anxiety and resistance.
Transition Difficulties: Moving from one activity to another can be challenging for some children, especially if they are deeply engrossed in what they are doing.
Attention Span: Young children may have a limited attention span, making it hard for them to focus on specific tasks for an extended period.
Expressing Emotions: Some children might struggle to express their emotions effectively, leading to frustration or outbursts.
As educators and caregivers, it’s crucial to understand that these struggles are entirely normal and part of the learning process.
Patience, understanding, and creative approaches are key to helping children overcome these hurdles.
How to Help Kids Follow a Routine
Now that we know the common challenges children may face, let’s explore some practical strategies to help them follow a routine with enthusiasm:
Consistency: Maintain a consistent schedule to provide a sense of stability and predictability for the children.
Visual Cues: Use visual aids such as pictures, charts, or posters to represent the daily routines. This helps children understand the sequence of activities.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and encourage children when they follow the routine successfully. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in motivating them.
Transition Warnings: Give advance warnings before transitioning to a new activity. This helps children prepare mentally for the change.
Engaging Activities: Plan activities that spark children’s interests and curiosity.
Engaged children are more likely to follow routines willingly.
Social Learning: Encourage peer learning and cooperation. When children see their friends following routines, they are more likely to follow suit.
Emotional Support: Be empathetic and provide emotional support to children who might be struggling. A little comfort can go a long way in easing their anxieties.
By employing these strategies, you can help children embrace routines as an integral part of their school experience.
Reading a Social Story about School Routines
Now, let’s dive into the magic of social stories and their impact on young minds. One excellent example is the book “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg.
In this heartwarming tale, the protagonist, Sarah, is anxious about her first day of school.
The twist at the end reveals that Sarah is not a student but a new teacher.
This story is a great conversation starter about the emotions children might experience on their first day of school and how adults can also feel nervous about new beginnings.
Printable Social Story: Back to School Routines
To make the introduction of school routines even more exciting, I’ve created a printable social story booklet for you to use.
This interactive booklet features colorful illustrations and simple language, making it perfect for young children. You can read it together, discuss each routine, and even role-play to reinforce their understanding.
Additionally, I’ve prepared companion activities to complement the social story.
These activities include games, puzzles, and craft ideas that will not only make learning fun but also help solidify the concepts introduced in the story.
Finally, to keep the routines in focus throughout the day, I’ve designed a poster set that you can display in the classroom or at home.
These vibrant posters will serve as visual reminders, making it easier for children to follow the routines independently.
Back to school picture book favorites
As we gear up for the back-to-school season, what better way to get our kindergarteners excited and prepared than with a wonderful collection of back-to-school picture books?
These books not only entertain and engage young minds but also impart valuable lessons about starting school, making friends, embracing new experiences, and building confidence.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn: A timeless classic that addresses separation anxiety and the comfort of a parent’s love. Chester Raccoon learns a special secret from his mother to carry with him on his first day of school.
“Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes: Meet Wemberly, a little mouse who worries about everything, especially the first day of school. Join her on her journey to conquer her fears and make new friends.
“Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney: Follow little Llama as he experiences separation anxiety on his first day of school and learns to enjoy his time away from Mama.
“Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin: Join Pete the Cat as he explores his new school and embraces all the fun it has to offer. A groovy introduction to the school environment.
“If You Take a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff: This delightful book takes young readers on a playful journey of what happens when a curious mouse attends school. Hilarious and imaginative!
“The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems: In this humorous book, Pigeon has a whole list of reasons why he can’t go to school, but with gentle persuasion, he discovers that school can be a lot of fun.
“The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing: A delightful rhyming story that captures the excitement and anticipation of the night before starting kindergarten.
These back-to-school picture books are sure to create a sense of wonder and excitement in your kindergarteners as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Whether it’s addressing first-day jitters, making friends, or embracing new experiences, these stories will leave a lasting impression and make the transition to kindergarten a delightful one. Happy reading!
Remember, teaching children about routines is not just about instilling discipline; it’s about empowering them with essential life skills and setting them up for success in the future.
So, let’s make learning fun and exciting, one routine at a time!
Happy teaching!
