STRUCTURING FOR SAFETY

Ever walked out of a classroom and felt that this was utter chaos and I have no Idea how to fix it?

Chaos often comes because of:

• Lack of discipline and boundaries.
• Lack of preparation on the teachers part.
• Lack of basic structure.

For today we are going to look at the latter!

The chaos most often than not is just a lack of structure, especially for preschooler!

PRESCHOOLERS NEED STRUCTURE TO FEEL SAFE:

• The same environment - classroom.
• The same teacher!
• The same routine!

The best thing you can do for your Preschool phase teachers is to help them structure a workable routine. Print it out and put it up for all to see.  Preschoolers feel unsafe if there are not enough boundaries and routine! These two make up a structure of a Sunday service.

THE STRUCTURE:

• The Environment:
• The entrance to the classroom is always the same.
• The teacher greeting them at the entrance is always the same.
• The toys and play area set-up is always the same.
• Have a corner for books.
• A corner for girls toys
• A corner for boys toys
• A corner for dress-up etc.
• Have music playing in the background.
• An example Routine:
• 07:45 Free play.
• 08:05 Small group welcome - Ask them about their week. If you don't give them enough time to vent they will interrupt your class as soon as a word triggers a memory.
• 08:20 Welcome - new comers and everybody, birthdays etc.
• 08:25 Worship - sing two high energy songs
• 08:35Theme introduction through game or chant.
• 08:45Refreshments and restroom break.
• 09:00 Worship - one high energy, one worship song.
• 09:10 Word - Bible Story must be engaging with movement and sound and other senses.
• 09:20 Game or confirmation activity
• 09:30 Free play