Create a Summer Routine
By Jennifer in the Youth Services Office
Build healthy habits with bedtime routines! Routines help young children build connections, confidence and comfort throughout the day, but Summer and schedules don’t always go hand in hand! Whether traveling or enjoying some extra unstructured activities, bedtime routines can still be an excellent resource for keeping emotions, wellness and learning opportunities on track during Summer.
Visual schedules and flexible routines are great ways to incorporate consistency and literacy opportunities into your nighttime routines, even as the sun stays up late. These schedules offer a portable option for children to independently complete tasks at home or on vacation, no matter what time of day. Just pop your schedule in your bag as you head out for an overnight excursion and begin checking off those tasks when it’s time to start your bedtime routine.
Creating a visual schedule allows you to customize images, photos or text to fit your family’s needs throughout any part of the day. By combining simple text with images, early readers can identify words for activities they do each day as they check off completed tasks. Older children can help create a schedule by writing down chores or selecting additional activities for their daily routines.
Consistent routines have benefits for the whole family! Knowing the expectation to complete their regular bedtime routine can also help prepare children for getting adequate sleep and completing tasks the following day. By completing tasks in the sample pictured, you are even wrapping up the day with minutes and activities for the Summer Reading Program. What a great way to ensure some family fun for the summer!
Check out the Library’s Bedtime Booklists for babies & toddlers and preschoolers or ask your Librarian for suggestions to add to your bedtime story routine!
Questions or need more ideas? Email racingtoread@thelibrary.org
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