 Last week in EQ we talked a little about the ways in which we can emotionally help our children cope during this extremely difficult time. One of the most important ways we can do that is by creating a “new normal” together using routines and play: “The brain thrives on predictable patterns. Our daily and weekly patterns have been turned upside down without warning. Creating a new normal begins with a new daily routine. Families with older children can work together to co-create your new daily schedule (co-creating gives children a way to exert some control over the situation), while parents of younger children will create the schedule for them. Plan it, draw it, label it, post it somewhere obvious and refer to it often so children know what to expect.” – from the creator of the feeling buddies At Watering Whole preschool we have a daily visual routine that the children like to check to see what activities are happening that day. Sometimes if a child is missing home we will take the child to look at the visual routine to see what activity is next and also when they will be going home again. This gives them reassurance and creates a sense of predictability and safety.  Let’s make a visual routine together this week as part of our life skills and EQ work. You have the option of drawing up some images yourselves or you could use the printables from this week’s resources provided to print out, colour in, cut out and stick up your own routine. Download WWHP Visual Routine here.  Special thanks goes to Kjersti Smith from https://www.kjerstismith.com/ who has illustrated this visual schedule especially for the Watering Whole! An example of a routine could be: Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast stretch/exercise/play Exploration/Learning Time Snack Free play Lunch Quiet time/nap time/reading time (read books together) Project Time/guided play (art work/baking/puzzles/printables/science and nature etc) Family Time (Dance party, sports, concert/show, etc) Dinner Time Bath Time and Brush Teeth Story Time Bed Time Did you know Visual schedules will decrease anxiety, reduce conflict and power struggles, help build executive functions like prioritisations, flexibility and time management. |