Daily Schedule for the Win!

 It seems like such a little thing …. a visual schedule. 

Children are used to keeping to a schedule in school, and educators have long known that posting a daily schedule (and sticking to it, mostly) can help keep students on track and alleviate questions and disagreements. At home, especially if it’s the school holidays and the days are drifting by, a schedule can help with your daily routine, too. Maybe the little transitions are turning into longer transitions, with pushback, and some tempers may be starting to flare. The b-word (BORED) may be getting 

Something simple like posting a visual schedule can alleviate stress, help children make the most of their time, and ease transitions between activities. Just as in school, a posted schedule allows children to see what is coming up, how close snack or lunchtime is, and when their favorite activities are coming up. With siblings involved, it also allows for taking turns in a non-confrontational way. And, the best, the adult doesn’t have to keep tightening the reins or making decisions, and might enjoy their children more ;) 

 

Start with a large sheet of paper and a list of what NEEDS to happen that day. Get input from the kiddos about activities that they would LIKE to do as well. Determine chunks of time that work for the group and alternate between activities, writing out a schedule to post for all to agree upon. You can write it out yourself, add doodles or pictures, or choose something from the bounty that the internet offers. (The one shown is a free download from simplemomreview.com)

Using timers has worked for us too, to give children a way to monitor how much time they have left in a time period. Even the smaller children can visualize, by using an egg timer or countdown clock, both of which you can find online. 

Try this out and see if it works for you! 

Have fun!