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Original thread https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64488
So we have just finished week 2 of my new schedule. I decided not to to a "free for all" outside time after lunch because i didn't want them all wound up and not be able to settle down. So instead we have moved lunch to 11:30 and moved a calm activity to after lunch. What we do depends on the day. So far we have gone for walks, done chalk drawings in the driveway and the next day "painted" our chalk drawings with water, done cooking projects where we make something for our afternoon snack, read stories, done simple art projects, etc. Whatever we do is typically a group activity.
So far it seems to be helping although I'm still not sure if is the new schedule or the fact that it actually hasn't rained in more than a week for the first time this summer and we have been able to get outside every day. In the last 10 days I would say 1 of my older ones has slept probably 8 of those. 1 of them has slept probably 5 or 6 of them but when he doesn't sleep he is actually still and quiet for a change. And 1 has only slept maybe twice but she is the almost 5 y/o and is a later drop off (like 9-9:30) so I'm sure she is sleeping in but at least she usually lays quietly. The younger 2 always slept before and continue to sleep well now although their parents have noticed it is easier to get them to bed at a decent time.
So overall, a much better situation for the group I have now and I am glad I made the switch and we will see if it continues when we can't get out as often.
So we have just finished week 2 of my new schedule. I decided not to to a "free for all" outside time after lunch because i didn't want them all wound up and not be able to settle down. So instead we have moved lunch to 11:30 and moved a calm activity to after lunch. What we do depends on the day. So far we have gone for walks, done chalk drawings in the driveway and the next day "painted" our chalk drawings with water, done cooking projects where we make something for our afternoon snack, read stories, done simple art projects, etc. Whatever we do is typically a group activity.
So far it seems to be helping although I'm still not sure if is the new schedule or the fact that it actually hasn't rained in more than a week for the first time this summer and we have been able to get outside every day. In the last 10 days I would say 1 of my older ones has slept probably 8 of those. 1 of them has slept probably 5 or 6 of them but when he doesn't sleep he is actually still and quiet for a change. And 1 has only slept maybe twice but she is the almost 5 y/o and is a later drop off (like 9-9:30) so I'm sure she is sleeping in but at least she usually lays quietly. The younger 2 always slept before and continue to sleep well now although their parents have noticed it is easier to get them to bed at a decent time.
So overall, a much better situation for the group I have now and I am glad I made the switch and we will see if it continues when we can't get out as often.