The HighScope daily routine is a carefully structured sequence of events that provides predictability and promotes active learning in early childhood education settings. Central to its philosophy is the "Plan-Do-Review" sequence, which empowers children to make choices, carry out their intentions, and reflect on their experiences. This routine ensures a balance between child-initiated activities and adult-guided experiences, fostering independence, problem-solving skills, and social development.
Core Components of the HighScope Daily Routine
The HighScope routine is built around key segments that occur consistently each day, providing a predictable rhythm for young learners. These segments include:
1. Planning Time
This crucial segment sets the stage for child-initiated learning. During this time, children articulate what they intend to do during the subsequent "work time."
- Duration: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Purpose: To encourage children to think intentionally about their learning, make choices, and develop language skills by verbalizing their plans.
- Activities:
- Children choose the learning area they want to visit (e.g., block area, art area, dramatic play).
- They identify materials they plan to use.
- They may decide whom they want to play with.
- Adults engage with children, asking open-ended questions to help them elaborate on their plans.
2. Work Time
This is the heart of child-initiated learning, where children actively engage with materials and peers, pursuing their plans.
- Duration: A minimum of 40 to 60 minutes.
- Purpose: To allow children ample time to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and interact with their environment and peers based on their initial plans. It supports sustained engagement and deeper understanding.
- Activities:
- Children carry out the plans they made during planning time.
- They may also shift to new activities that capture their interest as they discover new possibilities or encounter challenges.
- Adults observe, interact, and provide support, scaffolding children's learning without directing it.
3. Recall Time
Following work time, children engage in a period of reflection, helping them consolidate their learning experiences.
- Duration: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Purpose: To encourage children to remember and represent what they did, deepening their understanding and strengthening memory and language skills. It also fosters metacognition.
- Activities:
- Children share their experiences from work time with their peers and teachers.
- They might describe what they built, what they discovered, or who they played with.
- Representation can be verbal, through drawing, or by demonstrating with materials.
- Adults facilitate discussions, asking questions that encourage detailed recall and reflection.
Summary of the HighScope Daily Routine Components
The table below summarizes the core elements of the HighScope daily routine, highlighting its sequential and intentional nature.
| Component | Duration | Key Activities & Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Time | 10–15 minutes | Children plan what they want to do during work time (area, materials, friends). Fosters intentionality. |
| Work Time | 40–60 minutes (minimum) | Children carry out their plans or shift to new activities. Supports sustained, child-initiated exploration. |
| Recall Time | 10–15 minutes | Children reflect on and share what they did during work time. Encourages language and memory skills. |
In addition to these core "Plan-Do-Review" segments, a complete HighScope daily routine typically includes other important components such as:
- Small-Group Time: Focused, adult-initiated activities based on children's interests.
- Large-Group Time: Interactive shared experiences like stories, songs, and movement.
- Outside Time: Opportunities for gross motor development and exploration.
- Transition Times: Structured methods for moving between activities, promoting independence.
- Meal/Snack Time: Social and self-help skill development.
Why the HighScope Routine is Effective
The HighScope daily routine is highly effective because it:
- Promotes Active Learning: By empowering children to make choices and reflect, it fosters deeper engagement and ownership of their learning.
- Develops Key Skills: It systematically supports cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development.
- Provides Predictability: The consistent structure helps children feel secure and understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Fosters Independence and Responsibility: Children learn to plan, execute, and reflect on their actions, building self-reliance.
For more information on the HighScope curriculum and its daily routine, you can visit the official HighScope Educational Research Foundation.
