Children’s Daily Routines During Kindergarten Transition

• Published in: Early childhood education journal Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 69 - 74
• Main Authors: Wildenger, Leah K., McIntyre, Laura Lee, Fiese, Barbara H., Eckert, Tanya L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.08.2008; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Child development; Early Childhood Education; Education; Family Environment; Family Influence; Family Life; Kindergarten; Kindergarten students; Learning and Instruction; Preschool Education; School Readiness; Sociology; Sociology of Education; Student Adjustment; Transitional Programs; Transitions; Urban Schools; Young Children; School readiness; Daily routines; Kindergarten transition
• ISSN: 1082-3301; 1573-1707
• DOI: 10.1007/s10643-008-0255-2

Routines are an important feature of family life and functioning in families with young children. Common daily routines such as dinnertime, bedtime, and waking activities are powerful organizers of family behavior and may be instrumental to children and families during times of transition, such as elementary school entry. Daily routines were examined in 132 families with children entering kindergarten. Although the majority of families reported regular daily routines for their children, parents anticipated that their child’s daily routines would substantially shift upon kindergarten entry, including changes in children’s sleep habits. Significant changes in child and family routines have been implicated in adjustment difficulties during kindergarten transition. Results of this investigation are discussed in terms of aligning family daily routines with kindergarten expectations. Furthermore, educational professionals in early childhood education and elementary school can partner with families to promote seamless kindergarten transitions for all children.