What is the Difference Between a Routine and an Activity?

Embedding activities within daily routines can offer infinite learning opportunities for early communicators. So what exactly is a routine and an activity and how can caregivers use them to maximize learning for their children?

A routine is an event that is predictable, happens every day, and has several steps. An activity is a scheme that can occur within a routine or stand alone. Examples of routines include caregiving routines like bath time and diaper changing. Examples of activities include peek-a-boo and I spy. Including an activity within a routine can look like playing peek-a-boo during a diaper change. By doing so, a caregiver creates multiple opportunities for the child to practice and learn object permanence skills. Object permanence is the understanding that something still exists, despite the inability to see it.

By embedding activities within a routine, a child can have access to infinite learning opportunities.

Published in collaboration with Natalia Alfaro, MS CCC-SLP.