How to create a routine
Break it into small steps
Each routine should have a beginning, middle, and end. Do the same steps in the same order every time.
Use the same words and actions
Pick a word or action for each step. Say or do the same thing every time you get to that step.
Pause and wait
When your child knows the routine, stop at a step and wait. They might say the next word, do the action, or show you they want more. Be happy and excited when they try the next step and continue on in the routine.
Example routines
Routine | Words | Phrases | Actions |
Time to eat | Eat, drink, want, more, cup, juice, spoon, all done | I want milk | Drinking motion, fingers to mouth (eat), rub tummy (mmm) |
Bath time | Wash, pour, splash, pop, water, bubbles, duck, body parts, in, out, on, off, wet, dry | Soap time | Wash hair/body motion, splashing action |
Time to get dressed | On, off, shoe, zip, button, shirt, hat, pants, pull, push | Shirt on | Pat bottom for diaper change, pat head for hat, arms up |
Play with cars | Car, zoom, beep beep, uh oh, wee-oo, choo choo, crash, go | Ready, set, go | Honk a horn, push a car fast or slow, up or down a ramp |
