So my daughter Jaleeah and I did a thing….
I was starting to sound like a broken record every day and it seemed like she conveniently kept forgetting her routine. So, since I have been working on myself to stop yelling so much, (yes, I’m a yeller, don’t judge me), something had to give.
Quarantine came and shook our lives, school, dance class, vocal class, church is all happening at home, no days off. Many times I find myself in a state of confusion and I ask my husband if these children are really ours, (or can we give them back)? Okay it’s a joke… I think.
As Pre-Kindergarten teacher, I rely on methods, routines and pedagogics, but I have to admit that as parent, my degrees and my trainings go out the window, so I had to sit back, breathe and come up with a plan.
My daughter and I sat down and we created a personalized Chores Chart just for her! I had her help me cut and glue pieces, and we talked about what each section means. Basically throughout the day, as she completes each activity, she closes the tab. Cute right?
It gives her a sense of accomplishment, she feels like she is in control and I throw in cool prizes like non-toxic nail polish for a job well done.
She is five, if school is still a factor in September she will be in Kindergarten, so as much as I make sure she enjoys her summer, she still needs a routine. The “all day screen time” is not working for us, but without a plan, it is the easiest consolation prize.
So to make your own you’ll need:
- A manila folder
- Cute decorative tapes
- Markers
- Adhesive magnets
- Glue
- Scissors
- A couple printouts
Instructions
I cut half of one side of the manila folder to create the tabs, then I cut the half into thirteen tabs. On each tab I write the task that needs to be completed and since sis is still learning how to read, on the inside of the tab, I glued pictures (with her likeness) of the actual task. I printed out a label designed on Canva with her name and her picture and I glued it on the uncovered half. And where the tabs end, I added little pieces of adhesive magnets so she can close the tabs when the task is done. The decorative tapes are to make it pretty, so add as many or as little as you like. Et voila!
It is a fun and easy project, and you can change the tasks to whatever works for you and your little ones but is it a creative way to give the kiddos power while you are still in control.
I hope that gives you an extra 30 minutes to listen to a podcast while you slow sip your tea.
Yes, put her little butt to work!
Wow that looks amazing!! Such a great way to keep a child interested.