On last week's WFMW I posted about the Table Time portion of our schedule. Another important part of our preschooler's day is Room Time.While I'm reading History to the school-age children and the baby is down for a nap, the preschoolers select a toy to play with by themselves in a designated location for around 30 minutes. The location used to be their bedrooms, but since this year's preschoolers share a room, one girl will have have a different room assignment.
This usually takes more training to keep them in their room than I always think it should. Since they are used to having their choice of siblings to play with, "alone time" sometimes takes an adjustment. The key here is to start with 5 or 10 minutes and use the kitchen timer. Let them know that they are not to come out until they hear the timer. Gradually increase their time in the room. Train them to clean up completely before they come out.
It is just as important for mom to be disciplined when room time is over. Even if they are playing nicely, when room time is over, they need to clean up and move to the next activity. In our house Table Time comes next, so they are usually anxious to clean up and get to the next fun thing.
We keep our Room Time toys up high and they are only available for Room Time to keep things fresh. Here are some of the playthings to choose from:
- Books (both bedrooms have stocked shelves rto choose from)
- Magnet Letters and a metal cookie sheet
Posts
As always you rock! Love your post friend! :)
ReplyDeleteI am working on room time with my 2 1/2 year old daughter. She is just starting to transition from sleeping during quiet time to being awake and she does NOT want to stay in her room when she isn't tired for a nap. Could you talk about how you train your kids on room time?? I'd love some tips!! THANK YOU!!
ReplyDelete