How to Use Parent Drop Off in Sophie’s Classroom

Some children (and parents) have difficulty separating at drop-off. Creating a visual routine book for drop-off provides support for both parents and children. A routine is a pattern for how to conduct a certain activity. The more consistent and clearly represented these routines are, the more safely, smoothly and cooperatively your classroom will run. Young children’s brains encode information in pictures, so it is essential that all your routines be depicted visually.

Take pictures of the parent/guardian and child at each step of the drop off routine. Use these pictures to create a “My drop-off” book. For example:

Page 1: Mom is going to drive me to school (picture of child in car seat).

Page 2: Mom is going to walk/carry me to my classroom (picture of Mom and child entering classroom).

Page 3: Mom is going to sign me in and put my things away (picture of Mom doing these things).

Page 4: My teacher is going to great my mom (picture of teacher greeting Mom).

Page 5: My teacher is going to greet me. (Picture of teacher greeting child.)

Page 6: I am going to do an I Love You Ritual with Mom. (picture of child and Mom doing a ritual).

Page 7: I am going to say goodbye to Mom (picture of child and Mom waving goodbye).

Page 8: My teacher is going to keep me safe at school (picture of teacher holding child).

Print two copies of the book, one for home and one for school. Ask the family to read the book to the child each morning. Create and read “Going Home” books during the school day to help prepare children for the pick-up routine.

The Creating the School Family book devotes an entire chapter to creating routines, posting them visually and supporting them with related activities. The NEW Conscious Discipline Expanded and Updated book also explores routines in-depth.