Creating a preschool morning routine is a great way to instill confidence at a young age. It can give your preschooler a sense of accomplishment at the beginning of their day. It lets them be responsible for themselves in a way that is also helpful to parents.
A morning routine can eliminate a battle and create a new habit for your preschooler.
Each morning it was the same pattern: My 4 year old would wake up and be ready to play. That is great; who wouldn’t want their preschooler to wake up cheerfully? The problem was she didn’t want to STOP playing.
I was repeatedly telling her to get ready for the day. “It’s time to get ready. Go make your bed and get dressed.” She would reply with “Ok, Mommy” and then proceed to continue with her playtime.
I tried giving her one instruction at a time. On her way to go make her bed she would get distracted and start playing again. This just led to a lengthy morning “routine” and mommy wasn’t getting ready for the day in a timely manner, either.
This momma was tired of repeating herself.
As a Mom I have my own morning routine that helps me start my day successfully. Why not create the same for my preschooler? Enter the Preschool Morning Routine!
Keep It Simple
Preschoolers are easily distracted – as I’ve learned. So I knew this morning routine had to be simple.
I wanted my preschooler to complete some basic tasks before breakfast time. Make her bed, get dressed, brush her hair, eat breakfast, and brush her teeth.
I personally think it’s silly to brush your teeth before breakfast so that’s why I put that task last for my preschooler.
Make Bed– This task will require some instruction and guidance in the beginning. For my preschooler making her bed consists of pulling up her comforter and then placing two pillows onto it. A simple and easy task for her to complete.
Get Dressed– Pick out your preschooler’s outfit the evening before and place it on the bed or dresser for the morning. I let my preschooler pick out her own clothes each morning. She is a very colorful 4 year old 😛
Brush Hair– Brushing hair may require some assistance from the parents, but most preschoolers can brush the front of their hair independently.
Eat Breakfast– In our home the kids’ dishes are placed in a lower kitchen cabinet. This allows my preschooler to select her own bowl, plate and cup. I help with making her breakfast or pouring cereal and juice. After she’s done eating I have her place the dirty dishes in the sink or on the kitchen counter.
Brush Teeth– Have your preschooler brush their own teeth first and then assist them. I find that letting my preschooler brush first can eliminate a toothbrush battle.
Use Pictures
Most preschoolers are not reading yet. To implement the morning routine and make it interactive I created a picture chart.
The picture chart includes two columns: The “To-Do” column and the “Done” column.
By adding circular Velcro to the task cards this chart is a quick setup each evening before bed. You can even have your preschooler set up the chart before bed.
The chart has a picture for each morning task that needs to be completed. As my preschooler completes her task she moves the circle over to the DONE column.
This chart gives her great satisfaction seeing her accomplishment each morning. It is helping her to remember what tasks need to be completed for her morning routine.
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To assemble the My Morning Routine chart you will need:
- My Morning Routine chart printable
- Printer paper or white card stock
- Laminator or page protector sleeve
- 1 3/4 inch circle punch or scissors
- Velcro circles 5/8 inch
Directions:
- Laminate both the My Morning Routine chart and task cards.
- Punch or cut out task cards.
- Apply Velcro to the task cards and the Morning Routine chart.
- Place chart in a visible location for your preschooler to see and use!
Play A Song or Set A Timer
To add an element of fun to the preschool morning routine play an upbeat song. Getting ready with music certainly makes me get ready for the day more cheerfully and quickly.
Make a playlist your preschooler loves with 3-5 songs and have them try to be done with their morning routine before the songs are done playing.
Turn it into a race by setting a timer. Ask your preschooler to get through their morning routine before the timer goes off!
Offer Praise
The biggest way you can encourage your preschooler to complete their morning routine is by offering praise.
“You made your bed so neatly, it looks great!”
“Look how shiny and clean your teeth are!”
Even if they didn’t get through their morning routine all the way put the focus on what they did accomplish. This will give them confidence and motivation to try again!
This preschool morning routine helps eliminate the morning battle and provides guidance for my preschooler.
I am no longer repeating what needs to be done each morning. My preschooler can go to her My Morning Routine chart and see exactly what needs to be done.
It’s a simple and easy morning routine that any preschooler can follow. Are you ready to give your preschooler the tool for a successful morning? Print your copy of My Morning Routine and enjoy a smoother morning with your preschooler!
