GTP Villa Glückskind

Großtagespflege Villa Glückskind Why are routines important?

„Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller)

Have you ever thought of the question, why routines are important for our children? Routines give our little learners safety and security. It helps them to feel in control of their environment, to cope with transitions and know what comes next. Through stable routines children build a trusting relationship to their caregivers and know when their loved one returns to pick them up.

In Villa Glückskind, one of our main goals is that of helping to make the children feel safe and secure. We also want the children to feel at home and to have the opportunity to help with daily jobs, for example sharing out plates, handing out cutlery and helping to clear the table at breakfast and lunchtime. Routines offer the chance to build self-confidence, curiosity, social skills, self-control, communication skills, and more. But it not only happens at mealtimes and free play, but it also happens at our morning circle.

Here’s a short description how our morning circle is set up: In the middle of our circle, we have a round tablecloth with different symbols. The symbols have different m e anings and for each symbol we use one of our woodland puppets. (book = Owl Hed-

wig, counting = Mr. Fox, weather= Hedgehog Inge, who is there, today? = Squirrel Pfiffi, singing = Blue tit Meisi, special announcements = Badger Didi) The morning circle is a daily ritual which should be something special for the children to experience every day. Having the morning circle visualized, helps the children to follow different tasks and to build up self-confidence to participate.

One of those special moments as a Kindergarten teacher is when you see that another child feels prepared for their future. Text & Fotos: Luisa Kreter