Last modified on June 2, 2022
At daycare, just like at home, rituals and routines are essential for children. They help structure their day, even though they don't yet have a concept of time, but rather of the number of "naps." What are the benefits of these habits for a child's development and well-being within the group?
What is a ritual?
A ritual is defined as a repeated action in time and space that structures a child's daily routine. This predictable and organized moment, arranged by caregivers, allows the child to anticipate important times such as morning arrival, meals, naps, and snacks, and thus to orient themselves in time and space. Sometimes, it can be initiated by the child themselves, such as saying goodbye to a parent from the window each morning. However, to be considered a ritual, the event must truly be consistent over time, structure the child's daily life, and help them understand what is happening around them.
The ritual or the need for repetition
Children dislike unpredictability, which can cause them stress. Rituals fulfill a child's need for structure and familiarity through repetition, which is important for their developing brain. Since children cannot yet grasp the concept of time, rituals allow them to identify different times of day: for example, saying "Good morning," singing rhymes before meals, or reading before naptime. By referring to these ritualized actions, children better understand what's coming and gradually identify "before" and "after." This allows them to anticipate and structure their day while developing their ability to plan. Rituals reassure them emotionally by providing a framework for future activities and prevent potential sources of stress.
The child, an active participant in the organization
Beyond the real need for the child's development, rituals are essential for organizing life within group care settings, particularly within different groups. Often following moments of transition such as the morning separation, The welcoming and greeting ritual, for example, is a powerful reassuring element that facilitates separation from parents and thereby strengthens a sense of belonging to the nursery group. For example, you can welcome the children in your section by gathering them around a display board. They then look for their photos to place on it. the attendance chart : you can then “take attendance” while allowing the children to learn the names of all their classmates.
Another key moment is the change of section; the ritual then takes on its full meaning in the face of the many changes the children experience. In addition to structuring the child's day, it helps them define their new environment and go about their activities calmly. Furthermore, these rituals mark the different times of day and allow the group to move more smoothly towards different activities. For example, feeding the babies in the same order will help Lucas understand that when Anna and Camille have finished their meals, it will be his turn. The one who cries won't be served first. Moreover, it's important to preserve each child's individual rhythm at daycare: rituals can be an excellent aid in this regard. So, if a child constantly wants to be held, they can be given a large toy that is just for them, which will serve as a reminder that they cannot be picked up at that time. Thus, in addition to structuring the day, the ritual allows both the group and the professionals who supervise it to evolve serenely.
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