Routine… it provides structure, consistency, and predictability. We see routines woven throughout our day. They guide us, remind us to accomplish tasks, help us build habits, and maybe even carve out a little “me time.”

Routines set the tone for how we begin and end each day. Think about how grounding it feels to start your morning with coffee, a workout, or a few quiet minutes… or the flip side, winding down with a bubble bath, a good book, or a moment of reflection. We thrive when our days have touch points that give us rhythm and consistency.

Children benefit from routine just as much…if not more… than adults. Predictable patterns create a sense of safety and stability. When children know what’s coming next, transitions are smoother, more learning happens, and they begin to independently flow through the day while learning to understand, manage and regulate their emotions.

Visual reminders of routines are especially powerful. A picture schedule with photos of the children completing each part of the day, plus a fun marker to show “what’s happening now,” makes the routine easier to follow and reinforces consistency. It takes some effort to create but the benefits far outweigh the work! That’s why I’ve created several free picture schedule versions you can download on my Teachers Pay Teachers account:
👉 Transforming Teaching Materials

Of course, the real key is teaching the routine. Follow the schedule, and when things change, discuss it with children. Move the marker together, give them warnings about transitions, and make it fun! A clip, button, or light-up indicator adds excitement without needing to be fancy or expensive. When you put in the effort, the children follow your lead and routines become the rhythm that helps everyone thrive.