A Look at Learning: Calendar, Time & Routine Awareness
At Starling English School, we believe that time and routine awareness is a critical and often overlooked part of early childhood education. When children understand the rhythm of their day, they gain a sense of control and belonging in their learning environment. They know what to expect, which helps them feel safe enough to take risks, grow socially and academically, and navigate their day with confidence. Clear routines also help children learn responsibility, independence, and preparedness, skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Why is Calendar, Time and Routine Awareness Important?
As adults, we know how uncomfortable it can feel when we do not know what time it is or what is coming next in our schedules. It can be disorienting and stressful. Children feel this just as strongly, if not more so, because they have fewer tools to make sense of the world around them. Without awareness of the structure of their day, frustration, uncertainty, and negative behaviors often begin to appear.
When children understand their daily routine, they feel grounded. They know what is happening now, what has already happened, and what will happen next. This sense of security allows them to relax, explore, and engage deeply with their environment and activities. It frees up their thinking and allows curiosity to flourish.
They begin to quietly wonder about everyday events in life.
Why do we wake up early in the morning?
Why is bedtime important?
Why do meals happen around the same time each day?
Even when children do not yet have the language to express these questions, their minds are working hard to make sense of their world. A consistent routine helps them do this with confidence. One of the greatest gifts you can give to a young child is the gift of predictable structure.
How Starling Implements Routine Awareness
At Starling English School, the daily structure of the school day remains as consistent as possible. As the weeks progress, students begin to understand the order of the day and can anticipate what is coming next. Visual supports are posted in classrooms and hallways so that children can check on their own what is happening at any point in the day.
Calendars are displayed in accessible and visually engaging ways. Throughout the week, the children review meaningful concepts including days of the week, seasons, weather, and months of the year. This repetition helps them develop awareness of time in a concrete, child friendly way.
When changes or special events occur, teachers prepare the children ahead of time to support a sense of stability and avoid confusion.
How You Can Build Routine Awareness at Home
Parents can support time and routine awareness through simple and enjoyable activities at home. Visual cue cards and checklists can be very effective tools for daily routines such as bedtime, getting ready in the morning, tidying up toys, bath time, or transitions between activities. Many children enjoy physically checking off each activity as it is completed.
Over time, as children learn these steps, they often begin reminding adults of the next part of the routine. This builds independence and self regulation in a completely natural way.
Parents can also use calendars at home to count down to exciting events such as birthdays, holidays, playdates, or weekends with grandparents. Discussing days of the week, weather, changes in seasons, and the passing of the month helps children observe how the world changes over time and invites conversations about patterns and time concepts in daily life.
Building Confidence and Safety Through Routine
Establishing predictable routines at home and at school gives young children a foundation of security. When children feel safe and in control of their environment, they are more willing to explore, ask questions, and try new challenges. Routine awareness builds a sense of belonging, self trust, and responsibility. These are powerful early skills that support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.
Want to Learn More?
Discover how Starling English School fosters confidence and curiosity by teaching children to understand the rhythm and structure of their day.
Contact us to schedule a visit or learn more about our early childhood programs in Rome’s Balduina neighborhood.
