I find I have most success at getting children engaged when there are minimal 'transitions' and larger blocks of 'free play' to be honest and outside is definitely a MUST for me because it tires them out and aids in 'quiet time' being successful

IME the challenge with children is that depending on their learning style it takes some of them A LOT time to get truly 'invested' in play ... they have to watch others for a bit to get comfortable and weigh their options on what to 'do' from the choices in the room and then start doing it and if we have their day broken up into little blocks of time - they just stop bothering to get invested in play because they are frustrated as they just get 'started' and than someone is singing the tidy up song

I also find that more and more toys do not ENGAGE children but rather entertain them superficially and therefore they get bored very easily ... having a selection of materials and equipment that is more open ended and engages the imagination and creativeness children innately have works wonders!

My routine goes something like:

7:30 – 9:00 Exploring in the Play Room / Creative & Sensory Explorations

9:00 – 9:30 Hand washing / Snack Time / Washroom Reminders

9:30 – 10:30 Backyard Adventures **

10:30 – 11:45 Exploring Play Room or remain outside if weather is appropriate

11:45 – 12:30 Lunch followed by wind down for nap story time

12:30 – 2:30 Rest time / Quiet Time / livingroom quiet activities or Treehouse

2:30 – 2:45 Wake up Songs & Activities

2:45 – 3:45 Hand washing / Snack / Washroom Reminders

3:45 – 4:30 Backyard Adventures until home time **

** during inclement weather we often take a field trip into the community in the morning and in the afternoon we engage in indoor gross motor games.