The difference between routines and rituals
CHAPTER 1
The difference between routines and rituals
Routines and rituals have both similar and dissimilar qualities. For example, routines and rituals are predictable, familiar experiences that let children know what is going to happen next, providing a sense of security and comfort. Routines and rituals are necessary for building a child’s sense of trust and belonging so they feel confident to explore and play. So what are the differences between the humble routine and the sacred ritual? This chapter will unpack the essential dissimilarities between the two, inspiring our readers to think more deeply about making the everyday extraordinary with infants, toddlers and young children.
11
Towards a definition Rituals have been an integral part of human life in every civilisation and across every historical era. There are various types of rituals that are important to religious or cultural life and there are many characteristics that rituals have in common. Rituals involve a sequence of actions using our body, our love, care and creativity, and are often connected to a particular time, place or certain objects. In our world which is developing at a rapid pace, attention to detail is becoming something of the past, as we rush from one experience to another. Children are often expected to fill their day with busyness and extra-curricular activities, allowing less quality time with loved ones, or the chance to connect with nature. Educational outcomes have become the focus, rather than the wholesome richness of an experience. Rituals are a powerful way of using gestures, actions, and our behaviour to bring positive energy and intention to our daily rhythms. In early childhood a focus on rituals will set the tone for the peace, love, pace, care, and beauty evident in the home or centre environment. These elements will create a healthy climate of joy for adults and children alike.
12
Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk
What is the difference between a routine and a ritual? We asked a group of teachers to think of words and thoughts associated with routines and rituals, here is what they came up with:
Routines
Rituals
Predictable Secure Necessary Familiar Sense of belonging Rosters Restrictive timeframes “Have to get done” Checklists Structured Auto pilot
Predictable Secure Necessary Familiar Sense of belonging Inviting Sacred Symbolic Creative Care Full attention
Purposeful Awareness Intention Beautiful Thoughtful Community Collaborative
Both routines and rituals provide emotional stability for infants, toddlers and young children as they use the pattern or predictability of the routine to establish security and safety. This sense of belonging allows the child to feel confident enough to explore and play. However there are some fundamental differences between the two that are worthy of reflection. 13
The humble routine Typical routines for children include (but are not exclusive to) mealtimes, sleep times and nappy changes. What can happen within the rush of routines is the child becomes “an object” and the intention of the interaction is to get it done as quickly as possible. For example, changing a child’s nappy is an intimate time providing attachment and relationship building opportunities. If the adult views this experience as a job that needs ticking off a checklist, we are in danger of missing valuable moments to nurture the child’s wellbeing. There are many aspects of routines that are rigid and place too much emphasis on the time it takes, sending us into a state of operating on autopilot. There is no doubt that within the context of early childhood environments there is much to be done, such as teachers lunch breaks, non-contact times, un-interrupted play times, tired children, meal times, nappy changes, projects, conversations with parents, and a multitude of things that happen in a busy day of learning. The need for routines is obvious; however with a little more thought, effort, love, care, and creativity, we can turn these routines into loving rituals.
14
The sacred ritual Rituals celebrate all the important aspects of routines and the principles of attachment, while leaving behind the need to rush, tick checklists, or become distracted from the purpose of our interaction with the child. Rituals are a careful set of actions which honour the importance of these daily interactions. Rituals seek to revitalise and redefine the relevance of learning experiences for infants, toddlers and young children. In whichever context daily rituals are carried out - whether in an early childhood environment or within the home - the priority is bringing integrity, proficiency, and awareness to our practice. We are mindful of our tone of voice, choice of language, working in partnership and the way we physically support the child. When we do this, the architecture of our learning programmes set a cultural expectation which protects the emotional, spiritual, and physical development of the child. Rituals require our full attention, gentle care, and confidence that our intentions will bring a rich and rewarding experience for all involved.
Kimberley Crisp
15
You are engaged in a ritual when: •
You are fully present
•
You are prepared with everything you may need
•
Attention to detail is lovingly and creatively celebrated
•
Children are engaged and ready to contribute
•
Children are active and equal participants
•
The experience is pleasurable and delightful
•
Your environment is beautiful and lovingly tended to
•
Communication is reciprocal.
Chapter summary In this chapter we defined routines and rituals. We have outlined how rituals can turn the ‘everyday’ into truly meaningful, peaceful, and engaging interactions. Children benefit from the familiarity and security that routines provide, but nobody benefits if these routines become hurried or mundane. When we are mindful and able to offer our full attention, we will inject our daily interactions with love, care, and creativity. This is the essence of meaningful rituals.
16
Routine
Ritual
Everyday
Extraordinary
Need to
Want to
Have to
Irresistible invitation
Time schedule
Relaxed
Rushed
Peaceful
Autopilot
Intentional
Plastic
Natural
Thoughtless
Thoughtful
Impersonal
Personalised
Checklists
Love, care, creativity, beauty
Stressful
Calm and attuned
17
The difference between routines and rituals
Routines and rituals have both similar and dissimilar qualities. For example, routines and rituals are predictable, familiar experiences that let children know what is going to happen next, providing a sense of security and comfort. Routines and rituals are necessary for building a child’s sense of trust and belonging so they feel confident to explore and play. So what are the differences between the humble routine and the sacred ritual? This chapter will unpack the essential dissimilarities between the two, inspiring our readers to think more deeply about making the everyday extraordinary with infants, toddlers and young children.
11
Towards a definition Rituals have been an integral part of human life in every civilisation and across every historical era. There are various types of rituals that are important to religious or cultural life and there are many characteristics that rituals have in common. Rituals involve a sequence of actions using our body, our love, care and creativity, and are often connected to a particular time, place or certain objects. In our world which is developing at a rapid pace, attention to detail is becoming something of the past, as we rush from one experience to another. Children are often expected to fill their day with busyness and extra-curricular activities, allowing less quality time with loved ones, or the chance to connect with nature. Educational outcomes have become the focus, rather than the wholesome richness of an experience. Rituals are a powerful way of using gestures, actions, and our behaviour to bring positive energy and intention to our daily rhythms. In early childhood a focus on rituals will set the tone for the peace, love, pace, care, and beauty evident in the home or centre environment. These elements will create a healthy climate of joy for adults and children alike.
12
Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk
What is the difference between a routine and a ritual? We asked a group of teachers to think of words and thoughts associated with routines and rituals, here is what they came up with:
Routines
Rituals
Predictable Secure Necessary Familiar Sense of belonging Rosters Restrictive timeframes “Have to get done” Checklists Structured Auto pilot
Predictable Secure Necessary Familiar Sense of belonging Inviting Sacred Symbolic Creative Care Full attention
Purposeful Awareness Intention Beautiful Thoughtful Community Collaborative
Both routines and rituals provide emotional stability for infants, toddlers and young children as they use the pattern or predictability of the routine to establish security and safety. This sense of belonging allows the child to feel confident enough to explore and play. However there are some fundamental differences between the two that are worthy of reflection. 13
The humble routine Typical routines for children include (but are not exclusive to) mealtimes, sleep times and nappy changes. What can happen within the rush of routines is the child becomes “an object” and the intention of the interaction is to get it done as quickly as possible. For example, changing a child’s nappy is an intimate time providing attachment and relationship building opportunities. If the adult views this experience as a job that needs ticking off a checklist, we are in danger of missing valuable moments to nurture the child’s wellbeing. There are many aspects of routines that are rigid and place too much emphasis on the time it takes, sending us into a state of operating on autopilot. There is no doubt that within the context of early childhood environments there is much to be done, such as teachers lunch breaks, non-contact times, un-interrupted play times, tired children, meal times, nappy changes, projects, conversations with parents, and a multitude of things that happen in a busy day of learning. The need for routines is obvious; however with a little more thought, effort, love, care, and creativity, we can turn these routines into loving rituals.
14
The sacred ritual Rituals celebrate all the important aspects of routines and the principles of attachment, while leaving behind the need to rush, tick checklists, or become distracted from the purpose of our interaction with the child. Rituals are a careful set of actions which honour the importance of these daily interactions. Rituals seek to revitalise and redefine the relevance of learning experiences for infants, toddlers and young children. In whichever context daily rituals are carried out - whether in an early childhood environment or within the home - the priority is bringing integrity, proficiency, and awareness to our practice. We are mindful of our tone of voice, choice of language, working in partnership and the way we physically support the child. When we do this, the architecture of our learning programmes set a cultural expectation which protects the emotional, spiritual, and physical development of the child. Rituals require our full attention, gentle care, and confidence that our intentions will bring a rich and rewarding experience for all involved.
Kimberley Crisp
15
You are engaged in a ritual when: •
You are fully present
•
You are prepared with everything you may need
•
Attention to detail is lovingly and creatively celebrated
•
Children are engaged and ready to contribute
•
Children are active and equal participants
•
The experience is pleasurable and delightful
•
Your environment is beautiful and lovingly tended to
•
Communication is reciprocal.
Chapter summary In this chapter we defined routines and rituals. We have outlined how rituals can turn the ‘everyday’ into truly meaningful, peaceful, and engaging interactions. Children benefit from the familiarity and security that routines provide, but nobody benefits if these routines become hurried or mundane. When we are mindful and able to offer our full attention, we will inject our daily interactions with love, care, and creativity. This is the essence of meaningful rituals.
16
Routine
Ritual
Everyday
Extraordinary
Need to
Want to
Have to
Irresistible invitation
Time schedule
Relaxed
Rushed
Peaceful
Autopilot
Intentional
Plastic
Natural
Thoughtless
Thoughtful
Impersonal
Personalised
Checklists
Love, care, creativity, beauty
Stressful
Calm and attuned
17
