Reflecting on Routines for a Calm Nature-based Classroom
This episode of the Mindful Turtle Podcast originally aired September 15, 2024. To receive podcast updates and other nature-based early childhood education news, subscribe to Samara Early Learning’s weekly newsletter written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore.
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This week’s episode focuses on the importance of establishing consistent routines in nature-based early childhood education. By creating predictable routines, stress levels are reduced for both teachers and children, fostering a sense of stability and belonging in the classroom.
Rachel invites listeners to reflect on classroom routines: From day-to-day do you have a predictable routine that everyone is familiar with? In other words, if I asked a teacher or child “what will we be doing after rest time?” will they all answer correctly?
Episode highlights:
Routines aren’t just about logistics. Routines establish the rhythm of the day and:
Reduce stress for children and staff by providing predictability
Convey program priorities and goals
Help create community and a sense of belonging
Can include rituals that reinforce community (e.g., songs before snack time)
Having a regular routine to the day is only half the battle. It’s vital to communicate the routines to staff, children, and their families. To help with this communication educators can:
Use visual schedules
Be explicit in discussing and referencing the routine throughout the day
Explain any changes to the routine clearly and frequently
Nature-based programs continually adapt to the outdoor environment, incorporating it into the learning process as much as possible. So, let’s say that one day free choice will happen outside, instead of inside. It’s crucial to communicate a change like this to children, even if the basic routine remains the same and only the location changes.
