Why attention to a good daily routine matters
A familiar daily routine in daycare gives children and childcare professionals a sense of security. Because children know what is going to happen, you create an (emotionally) safe environment. A familiar daily routine also creates calm, despite there being several children in a group. In addition, a good daily routine contains a diversity of elements that children need for their physical and mental health and development: care, opportunities to explore and be challenged, and personal attention. By making time for and paying attention to physical activity, nutrition and sleep, physiological and growth processes are properly regulated, which contributes to a healthy weight.
The Gezonde Kinderopvang website provides extensive information about daily routines. On the landing page, you can find information about topics including tips, guidelines, policy, knowledge and skills, and designing the environment.
Lifestyle themes of the daily routine cards
The daily routine cards are organized by lifestyle theme. There are currently fourteen themes: Fruit & vegetables, Kitchen, Lunch, Celebrations, Indoor physical activity, Outdoor physical activity, Green, The group and me, Sleep & rest, Media, You and me, Everything clean, Challenging & safe play, and Sun.
Tips
- Tip 1: print all the daily routine cards at once using the download button. Scan the QR code on the printed card and read the activities on your phone or tablet.
- Tip 2: laminate the cards and put them up. That way, the children can see what is on their schedule for that day.