The Benefits of Good Routines

Back to school

It was a joy to welcome the children back to school at the start of term, easing into the familiar rhythm of the routines at Parsons Green Prep. Routines play a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing; they help children make sense of their environment and build confidence in navigating daily life. Knowing what to expect when entering the school through social stories and consistent interactions with their teachers creates a sense of stability for a smooth start to each day. The timetables detail their lessons and daily activities such as breaks, clubs and lunchtime, which follow a familiar pattern. You can see a typical school day and school timetables here.

The basics of the day

This predictability allows them to focus their energy on learning, exploring and developing new skills. Playtime enables a burst of energy to be released, for social bonds to be developed and games to be invented. Importantly, routine does not limit creativity or independence in children; instead, it nurtures both. When the basics of the day are reliable, children feel safe enough to be curious, imaginative and adventurous.

Accelerated Reader

One of the initiatives that has been particularly successful this year has been the routine of reading through the use of Accelerated Reader, created by Renaissance. We are excited to share how the children have embraced the opportunity to tackle the quizzes and check their understanding of their favourite texts and the impact on their reading ages. With that in mind, we will be sharing Years 2-6’s Accelerated Reading reports by half-term by inviting parents and their child to an ‘Accelerated Reading and Learning Presentation for Parents’. Reading for just 10-20 minutes a day can make a remarkable difference to a child’s reading ability. Beyond being an enjoyable pastime for most, it also strengthens vocabulary, enhances comprehension and sparks creativity.

Dr Edmonds,

Head – Parsons Green Prep