In the first weeks of school, very young children are almost drowning in novelty. We can make these new experiences easier. We can do things to make the environment more predictable, structured, familiar, and, thereby, safe. It is the invisible yet powerful web of relationships in the classroom that creates an optimal learning environment. A sense of safety comes from consistent, attentive, nurturing, and sensitive attention to each child's needs.
Safety is created by predictability, and predictability is created by consistent behaviors.
And the consistency that leads to predictability does not come from rigidity in the timing of activities it comes from the consistency of interaction from the teacher. If a schedule is consistent, but the teacher is not, there is no predictability for the child. Predictability in time means less to a young child than predictability in people. Use your most powerful teaching tool, your personality. Your smile, your voice, and your touch make a child feel safe.