Why the hum-drum of January is good for us
The post-Christmas January blues are well documented, and many of us can struggle with the cold and dark continuing without the cheer of festivities and family gatherings. However, the Lent Term in many ways is a welcome return to structure and routine. There are fewer events in the Prep calendar, and obviously no nativity rehearsals and extended Christmas lunches disrupting the day-to-day timings.
Routine often gets an unfair reputation, as it can be associated with monotony or a lack of creativity. In reality, a well-designed routine provides clarity and security, benefits that are especially important for children. Just as adults feel more at ease when their days have structure, children thrive when they can anticipate what comes next. Predictable routines help them make sense of their environment and build confidence in navigating daily life. We ask a great deal of the children at the Prep, we go for 100% commitment to every lesson – it is why they are so tired when we hand them back to their parents! It is the perfect term for our youngest children in Foundation to begin their PYP unit of inquiry on “How we organise ourselves”, for which their central idea is People play different roles in the communities to which they belong. They will be learning about the rules and responsibilities of the different communities they are part of and key roles in our society, such as doctors, fire services and so forth. I see the dress up box coming out!
One of the most significant advantages of routine is the way it reduces mental strain, and this is particularly true for children. When daily activities such as meals, playtime, and bedtime follow a familiar pattern, children are not overwhelmed by constant change. This predictability allows them to focus their energy on learning, exploring, and developing new skills, rather than worrying about uncertainty or transitions. Playtime allows for the burst of energy to be released, for social bonds to be developed and hilarious games to be invented. And then we breathe and return to our learning. Our Year 2 pupils can tie this exercise and rest structure we have in the school day into the central idea for their unit of inquiry: The choices people make affect their health and wellbeing, which is tied into also their Science and PSHE topics for the half-term. Last academic year we installed a number of thermoplastic games onto the playgrounds, including marking out the daily mile to encourage regular and sustained movement.
Routine also plays a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Consistent schedules create a sense of stability and safety, which helps children regulate their emotions and behaviour. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety, limit power struggles, and encourage cooperation, as children feel more secure and understood within a structured environment. Importantly, routine does not limit creativity or independence in children; instead, it nurtures both. When the basics of the day are reliable, children feel safe enough to be curious, imaginative, and adventurous. It frees up that brain space needed for diving into new topics and making connections.
Wishing you a lovely weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
