When children come to Early Intervention Toddler Playgroups and other PCCD groups they learn about routines and schedules. They can expect a predictable daily schedule with activities that are fun and developmentally appropriate. They can expect consistent staff and peers to play and socialize with during the day. Learning how to predict what will happen next is very important for young children. Being able to predict helps children feel secure and in control of their world.
Not only are school routines important in toddler development, but bedtime routines also help children learn when it’s time to go to sleep. Families will have different routines based on their culture and the needs of their individual child. What’s most important is that the routine stays basically the same from day to day, and that it is comforting, loving, and relaxing for your child. Reading a story to your young child as part of his/her bedtime routine is a great idea. Some great bedtime stories for your toddler or young child are listed below.
- Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Going to Bed Book, by Sandra Boynton
- Goodnight Construction Site, by Sherri Dskey Rinker
- The Napping House, by Audrey Wood
- Goodnight Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann
- Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson
~By: Aimee Phleger, CEIS
Aimee is an educator and group coordinator in the PCCD Early intervention Program.
