THE POWER OF ROUTINES: CREATING PREDICTABILITY WITHOUT RIGIDITY
In early childhood, routines are far more than a schedule on the wall. They are a powerful tool that supports children’s emotional well-being, sense of security, and ability to engage fully in their days. When thoughtfully designed, routines help children make sense of their day and the world around them.
Predictable routines aren’t about rigid control or doing things the same way “because that’s how we’ve always done it.” They exist because young children thrive on knowing what comes next.
Why Predictability Matters
For young children, the world can feel big and unpredictable. Predictable routines provide a steady rhythm to the day, helping children feel grounded and safe. When children know what to expect, their brains can focus less on uncertainty and more on exploration, connection, and play (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014).
This sense of predictability supports:
Emotional regulation - children feel calmer when transitions are expected
Independence - knowing the flow of the day helps children take ownership of routines
Trust and belonging - consistency builds confidence in the adults and environment
Predictability sends a clear message of “You are safe here. Your needs are understood.”
Consistent vs. Rigid: Finding the Balance
Consistency does not mean inflexibility. While routines provide structure, rigidness can unintentionally create stress, for both children and educators.
A consistent routine offers familiar patterns while allowing for responsiveness. For example, adjusting the pace when children need more time, following children’s interests when engagement is high, and responding to emotional or sensory needs as they arise.
A rigid routine, on the other hand, prioritizes the schedule over the child. When routines become non-negotiable, children may experience frustration, anxiety, or disconnection, especially during moments of transition or dysregulation.
The goal is not perfection, but responsiveness within structure.
Supporting Smooth Transitions
Transitions are often the most challenging parts of the day for young children. Moving from one activity, space, event, etc. to another requires emotional, cognitive, and sometimes sensory shifts.
Predictable routines help ease transitions by:
Preparing children for what’s coming next
Offering visual or verbal cues
Maintaining consistent transition practices (songs, countdowns, etc.)
The College of Early Childhood Educators emphasizes that positive, responsive interactions are essential to supporting children’s well-being. Transitions offer repeated opportunities for educators to model this through acknowledging emotions, needs, and through co-regulation (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2017). When children know what to expect, and feel supported, transitions become opportunities for learning rather than moments of stress (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014).
Routines That Grow With Children
Effective routines evolve alongside the children who experience them. As children grow, gain independence, and develop new skills, routines can shift to reflect those changes, offering more choice, flexibility, and shared responsibility.
At their best, routines support children not just to follow the day, but to understand it.
In all, predictable routines are not about control, they are about care. When routines are consistent, flexible, and rooted in relationships, they create a foundation where children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014).
References
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2014). How does learning happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the early years. Toronto, ON.
College of Early Childhood Educators. (2017). Practice guideline: Supporting positive interactions with children. https://www.college-ece.ca
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