How To Establish Good EYFS Routines And Rules

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We hear about the importance of EYFS routines all the time but it becomes a mantra that just rolls off our toungues but what does it look like and what does it actually mean? We may have professionals dictate: ROUTINE IS ESSENTIAL IN EYFS! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EYFS CLASS RULES! I think we have forgotten that this isn’t a simple task that rolls off of our tounges but a duty to adhear to. It isnt about flashy signs, beautiful boards or even worse – raised voices. It is an intrisic matter. It is about the inner being of a child and their relationship withthe world.

EYFS Routines

EYFS Routines can be implemented from the first day of EYFS. If you ensure your transtion process has been completed properly. The key is knowing how to make a child feel safe and secure

Here are some tips:

Before transition day

• Visit or speak to the child’s former setting (If possible) about strategies, techniques and behaviours they may be aware of.
• Find out the child’s/childrens interest and routines.
• Find out their settling in plan and what works for them best.
• Speak to the parents about their character, likes, dislikes and any concerns the parents may have.
• Have an idea of where you certain EYFS routines take place, for example: Washing their hands, lining up for play, transition from one activity to the next and so on… (This is essential to stop chaos in the environment, especially on your first day!)

Transition day

• Ensure a visual timetable to enable children to keep track of time. – It helps for children understand thart they will go home.
• Ensure you show children where the essentials are, such as; where the toilets are; where to hang their coats and where to play. (Just as we ourselves need to know this in a new environment, children do too.)
• Be gentle with the children in their new environment and modell expected behaviour.
• Remember, the parents are transitioning too. Support and reassure their anxieties, they will be your most powerful tools throughout the year.

After Transition day

• Reflect on the rules and routines – Do they work well for your cohort?
• Do EAL/SEN children need visual aids on the board or as a lanyard?
• Do the area’s work well for the children?
• Have you place the line for going outside in the right place or are there too many children?
• Are there any skills you need to develop over the next few weeks such as listening and attention games?
• Does you TA need to keep an eye on a few children?

Remember, you may establish routines but its ultimatley the children who shapes them to what they will be.

EYFS class rules

The word ”rules” does not help much in the building of intrinsically good behaviour. It took one setting to changes this word to ”Values” for me to find exactly what I was looking for. A simple word can completely changed the mindset. Rules are ment to be followed, whereas values are intrisict. They are engrained in your heart, they have purpose and meaning that runs beyond the classroom or in front of the teacher. The rules: ”Respect others” does not simply become something done when a teacher is looking. Respect now becomes a part of you and who you are. Respect is now an attribute to be valued.

When establishing EYFS values we forget that these are not just rules but skills for life. Many of us fall under the pressure of having children obey due to the ”expectations” and ”standards” of the SLT. However,this does not foster kind, good hearted and nuturing adults.

You are in charge of shaping this marvellous future adult. Your words will impact and mold who they will be for years to come. Strive to ensure that the EYFS Rules (Values) must become internal.

How?

To put it simply some behaviours should be expected as the norm. What do you say when you show appreciation? You say ”thank you”, you smile, you nod in approval.

You must understand that EYFS golden rules (values) are different from the normal values.

Here is an example; When you begin giving points for sitting still and listening, it becomes the norm that this action is an ”Extra Special” ability that deserves praise. However, this is expected behaviour, an acknowledgment is more than enough, no matter how big or small. If you really want to use effective praise say why this is key to learning and how it has impacted those around them.

Take now that ”rewards” go to GOLDEN Rules. This way all the other expectations are standard EYFS behaviours management.

A class with Embedded Values

EYFS Golden Rules

Golden rules shape the ethos and nature of the classroom environment. They are the BANE of your classroom expectations. I tend to reward this behaviour, however, every EYFS classroom is different. When making Golden rules raise your expectations.

Here are some suggestiond for golden rules:

• Being thoughtful
• Not giving up
• Extrodinary Effort
• Solving Problems
• Helping Others

I love these golden rules as children begin to understand that this is a part of the life and excellent attributes to possess. These golden values support the growth mindset! When children know this they begin to embed immaculate behaviour without you asking them you have reached your goal. You can only do this by fostering values and teaching them to have a growth mindset.

Books on Growth Mindset:

Golden Rules Activity

There are thousands of rules and activities available on pinterest for children. However, this activity is for you! When enforcing your rules and routines, I want you to take a step back and ask yourself this:

”Why is this important?”

In the hustle and bustle and impatience of this world can overwhelm us but we must remember that the children are not the casue of this. Just as we are they have been thrust into the world with no answers so have they. It is our duty to guide them upon the path we ourselves know little about but as those around us have guided because they have been here a little longer so can we.

Lets do this journey together. Lets change the world, one little person at a time. Don’t beleive in yourself? Click here.

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