Want a Calmer Classroom? Teach Routines, Not More Rules

Most preschool classrooms need routines, not more rules.

When children aren’t doing what we expect, it’s tempting to add another rule:

Don’t run.

Don’t interrupt.

Don’t dump the toys.

Don’t leave that there.

But rules and routines have different jobs.

Rules establish the big boundaries of your classroom. Routines teach children what to actually do within those boundaries.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at why routines can make your preschool classroom calmer, more predictable, and more independent.

When a behavior keeps happening, ask if there is a rule that hasn’t been taught yet.

Topics Discussed:

• The difference between classroom rules and routines
• Why telling children what NOT to do isn’t always enough
• Why a routine needs to be taught and practiced
• How visuals can help preschoolers as they become more independent

Related Resources:

• Visual Procedure Cards
• The First Six Weeks Playbook
• Center Expectation Visuals *NEW!

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Classroom Management Isn’t About Finding the Perfect System—It’s About Having the Right Framework
• The Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com