Ms Mashaya's Classroom 2

Hello from Classroom 2!

I am so excited that we are finally getting back to some normalcy. As children slowly start to come back to school, I would like to make this transition as easy as possible for both parents and children by focusing on routines in the classroom and at home. Routines give infants and toddlers a sense of security and stability. Routines help infants and toddlers feel safe and secure in their environment. Young children gain an understanding of everyday events and procedures and learn what is expected of them as routines make their environment more predictable.

Infants and toddlers who have effective routines are often more engaged with their environment and the people around them. Young children learn to anticipate changes in routines, and they slowly become more independent as they learn what each routine entails. If routines are predictable, have appropriate transition cues, and have room for flexibility, routines will also help reduce challenging behaviors (tantrums, hitting, biting, etc.) in infants and toddlers. Everyday routines are full of learning opportunities for young children. For example, you can start teaching your child the importance of washing their hands before eating or the importance of brushing their teeth. You can also use these everyday routines as opportunities to talk with young children and help them develop their communication skills.

We will practice routines in the classroom by using a flexible schedule. Flexible routines consider your child’s natural rhythm, but are also set within a structured framework. Having a schedule is important, but it doesn’t have to be set in stone. It is not one size fits all. Responsive and reflective caregiving makes having a flexible routine possible. Responsive caregiving allows caregivers to understand the child and their individual needs. Kortney and I create a flexible routine that is specific to each child. This helps children feel safe and secure, less anxious and less stressed, and more in control both emotionally and behaviorally. This routine is flexible enough to allow the changes that naturally pop up. The ability to manage these slight changes is a lifelong skill for children!

We can’t wait to see everyone!

Thank you!

Ms. Shaya and Ms. Kortney