We’ve found our kids crave structure and we have a lot less meltdowns when they know what to expect. They are also more obedient and cooperative when asked to clean-up toys, help with dinner, get ready for bed, etc. because they know it’s part of the routine. I’m not saying things always go smoothly, just that having structure helps us rein-in the tantrums and power struggles. Most days.
To help us stay on track and help the kids understand what comes next, I created this fun visual chart.
1. Print 4×6 routine cards at the photo lab. Laminate for durability.
2. Cut laminated cards apart (scissors or paper cutter).
3. Attach to whiteboard, fridge, etc. I chose a whiteboard so I could write times next to each event. (I recommend putting magnets, Velcro, or sticky tack to the back so you can be flexible and move events around.)
My kids are loving the new chart! They love running to the board to see what comes next. I think it’s especially good for my very independent four-year-old because it helps him feel in-charge of himself instead of waiting for me to nag ask him to get dressed, brush teeth, etc.
It also seems to help with them delaying self-gratification. Like when my two-year-old asks to watch a movie after breakfast I can say, ” I don’t know, let’s look at the chart and see if it’s time for a movie.” When she sees the chart says it’s time for chores and movie time is later she’s less likely to throw a tantrum. It’s not that she can’t watch a movie, just that it’s not time for it right now. (And I love that I’m no longer the bad guy when I say “no, it’s not time for. . .” It’s fun to blame things on the chart! hahaha)
If you are interested in making a visual routine chart just like this, home and school printable cards can be found in my shop.
Nina Smith says
I love these darling routine cards! I just made a pocket chart for my kids, and all I need are the visuals, and yours are the cutest I’ve seen! However, they will not fit my pocket chart. They are slightly too big. Is there a way you could possibly turn them into 2×3, or something like that? I’d love to know! Thank you! I’d also like a few customs and am willing to pay extra for anything.
Thanks.
Nina
Tracy Nelson says
Hi! I really like the daily chart you have…but I can’t locate your etsy shop 🙁 How would I go about getting the templates? Thanks
pameladonnis says
If you’re still interested, the cards are now available here:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Routine-Cards
Mandy |Small Fine Print| says
these are really cute! You are very talented with the digital art. Did you go to school for it? Self taught? How do you create these? (obviously don’t tell me your secret, I’m just curious if its a program or you do it by hand)
Mandy
smallfineprint.com
pameladonnis says
I’m very much self-taught. Most of my elements are handmade, then scanned with a good-quality scanner at a high resolution, and tweaked in Photoshop. So the answer is both :). Thanks for the compliment!
Nicole Martin says
I also would love to purchase these cards! How can I get them?
pameladonnis says
These cards are now available here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Routine-Cards
if you’re still interested.
Breanna says
I love these cards, but when I went to your easy shop, I discovered it was closed. Is there another way to get these routine cards? I LOVE them and I am desperate for picture routines for my 4 kiddos ages 5 and under.
The Saved Quarter says
Great way to do this! I’ve been looking for a picture routine star chart for my kindergartener who isn’t reading yet. I’ll see if these can be scaled down to chart size. So cute!
just sarah says
so glad to see you back and posting. I love these, mostly because I had to go back to work over the summer. I now work at a daycare but we have a curriculum and schedule, rather than just let them play all day. I love the idea of this because we do have the kids that ask what do we do next? every 5 mins. LOL.
Would you consider making additional ones to include more school work related items? circle time, free play, story time, etc?
AllieZirkle says
These are just adorable!! I wish I was a SAHM to use these!!
julie gropp says
what a great idea! so glad you are designing again! we miss you in the forum.
Jessica says
Leave it to you to come up with such a great idea! I do that I will be gettin’ me some of these. 🙂
Jessica says
What a great idea! I hate hearing “what are we going to do today” first thing every morning… seems like this would help take care of that! Thanks for sharing Pamela!! 🙂