We sang songs during routines. Dad sent me this picture of Mom and me washing dishes. Coincidentally, we were exploring routines in our Infant/Toddler Methods class the week he sent this to me. I hadn’t seen this picture of us before. Can’t get over the joy on our faces. My parents made routines fun.

Washing dishes with Mama. This was a multipurpose sink. And also her workplace. She used our kitchen sink to shampoo clients before her and Dad renovated our garage into Tina’s Italian Coiffure.

Since she was a baby, we sing the Pat-a-Cake song when washing hands. My daughter and I sing during routines too. “Time to wash your patties,” is all I’d have to say and she goes to the sink singing this song:

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man.

Bake me a cake as fast as you can

Roll it, pat it, and mark it with a B

Put it in the oven for my Baby and me.

What are routine activities you do with children? What do you think they will remember about the routine(s)? How do the routines facilitate transitions for children? What is a ritual in your class? How are rituals different from routines? What do you consider with rituals and routines to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all children in your class? These are some ideas we are discussing. Wishing you well as you reflect on your practices and create an inclusive setting for all children.