Easy Steps To Make An Amazing Home Schedule For Your Toddler
Let's get started together !! Just a few steps.
1. Fill In The Essentials Needs
Write down all the things needed for your child's well-being and survival. Things such as meal times and sleeping times. These will form the framework for the daily schedule.
These times should have realistic starting and ending lengths.
Only add things needed for your child’s survival in this part.
Examples of the essentials
8:00 am- 8:35 am: morning wake-up time.
9:00 am-9:50 am: breakfast time.
11:30 am-12:20 pm: lunchtime.
12:50 pm -2:50 pm: afternoon nap.
3:18 pm-3:50 pm: small snack.
5:30 pm-6:35 pm: dinner time.
7:30 pm -8:10 pm: bedtime sleep routine starts/bath time/quiet activities.
8:25 pm-8:30 pm: in bed.
2. Fill In The Sub-Themes
The sub-themes consist of things done daily, but they can have flexible time slots. These times can be switched and broken up throughout the day.
Examples of sub-themes
Reading time.
Bath time.
Outdoor play.
3. Fill In The Daily Activities
The time for playing should be about 60 minutes or more.
Toy and activity reminders
There should be enough time for your child to explore, manipulate, and test their toys.
The toys provided should all encourage deeper thinking, promote independence, and spark curiosity.
Your child’s skills, abilities, and mental level should match the skills needed to understand the toys.
Toys should be open-ended and cognitively stimulating.
The home should have child-level tables, baskets, and shelves for your child to choose their toys.
Reminders when playing with your child
Be engaged when playing with your child.
Your child should lead play sessions.
Do activities that allow your child to show their creativity and imagination.
Be a play partner, not a boss.
Ask open-ended questions to spark new connections within the play.
Use a calm, friendly voice and positive body language.
4. Present The Finished Schedule
Use pictorial images
Use pictures that show the actions of each step.
All pictures should be coloured.
Use no more than five pictures.
Use familiar words
Use age-appropriate words, such as bath time and bedtime.
Talk slowly and use the words your child uses every day.
Use simple, straightforward words near each picture.
Think about your body language
Use an excited voice when presenting the schedule.
Talk slowly and pause to hear your child’s feedback and thoughts.
Get down to your child’s level and point to each step as you talk about it.
Personalize it to fit your child
Find creative ways to personalize the schedule to your child's individual needs.
Add activities that interest your child.
Think about your child’s daily energy level and temperament.
Leave some room for small changes.
Convey to your child how the schedule can help them.
Get your child involved by asking them about their likes and dislikes.
Think about your child’s feelings
Praise your child for their suggestions.
Actively listen to your child’s thoughts.
Add some of your child’s suggestions so they can see their input.
Have patience and flexibility.
Be consistent, add a few choices, and keep communication open with your child.