Making the Most of Time in Nursery
Making the Most of Time in Nursery
Items in this lesson
Making the Most of Time in Nursery
What do you already know about using time well in nursery?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will understand why time management is important in nursery settings, recognise different ways of structuring time for young children, and practise planning nursery routines. Extension: Apply these skills to design an advanced schedule.
Why Is Time Important for Young Children?
Time helps children feel safe, develop routines, and learn about order. Using time well supports healthy development and learning.
Typical Nursery Schedule
A day in nursery often includes: Welcome & Register, Playtime, Snack, Storytime, Outdoor Activities, Lunch, Nap, and Home Time.
Key Terms
Activities done regularly in a set order, like snack or storytime.
Routine
Moving from one activity to another, such as going from play to lunch.
Transition
Why Routines Matter
Benefits of Timed Activities
Children learn what happens next, feel calmer, and build trust with adults. Predictable routines help with independence and behaviour.
Example Activity: Circle Time
Circle time at 10:00am brings everyone together. It helps children listen, join in, and prepare for the next activity.
Introducing Time: Digital Tools
Children can use digital clocks, visual timers, or interactive apps to practise recognising times and understanding routines.
Interactive Activity: Match the Routine
Open your worksheet or online activity. Can you match the correct images to the right time in the nursery day? Work in pairs!
Quick Quiz
On your device, answer: What is a transition? Why are routines important? Discuss with a partner before submitting.
Using Technology in Nursery Time
Advanced Level
Plan a digital schedule using PowerPoint or Google Slides. Add images and times for each activity.
Basic Level
Use visual timers and simple scheduling apps to help children see what comes next.
Worksheet: Plan Your Own Day
Fill in the worksheet with your own nursery times and activities. Try to include welcome, play, snack, and storytime. Extension: Add explanations for each choice.
Extension: Design a Weekly Plan
Plenary: What Have You Learned?
Share with the class: What is the most important thing about using time well in nursery? Why does it help children?
Exit Ticket
Write one way you will use time better with children in the nursery (or submit online). Hand it in before you leave!
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
