I struggle with keeping my family on a schedule. This is unfortunate, since I have recognized that my children thrive when they know what to expect next. My son [who is 5] appears more relaxed, generally happier and functions with more efficiency when he has a clear understanding of what he is expected to do ahead of time. He likes to look at the clock and see that it is 1:38...and prepare himself for whatever activity begins at 2:00. We realized early on that he needs time to prepare himself for change. I assume part of this can be attributed to his age, however I recognize that much of it is his own personality. [Maybe it is a familiar trait...? :) ] A schedule is not just helpful for the kids; anyone can benefit from clear expectations and timed guidelines.
My husband's schedule has changed, which of course affects our family's routines. One of my challenges these last few weeks has been to set a schedule that will work for my family. I'm not terribly rigid - at least not as dogmatic as my 5-year-old about start and stop times for each activity; however, the structure our schedule provides is truly beneficial for all of us.
Along with writing out and posting a schedule [which includes wake up time, mealtimes, school time, playtime, family activities and a bedtime routine], I wanted to find a fun way to encourage my children's participation.
I designed an activity chart for each of my older children. My daughter chose a butterfly theme and my son asked for a
firefighter theme. I'm happy to share these resources with you. Today I will post the butterfly chart pages and I will post the
fire truck pages later in the week.
[update: the fire engine chart is now available.]
Part of the fun of this project is involving the kids as much as possible. Children [and adults too] tend to take more of an interest and ownership when they are involved in the process. Whether you're introducing a new food, welcoming a new family member, or learning a new schedule, try to find ways to include them. My kids may not like to eat zucchini...but when they planted, watered, harvested and cleaned their own zucchini, it became exciting and they had fun eating it - even though it's not their favorite vegetable.
My kids love coloring. I asked my kids to color in the pictures on a few pages and to help me think of activities we could list for them to accomplish. [I already had my own list in mind, but allowing them to talk about it with me and agree on our list was engaging for them, gave them an opportunity to analyze and negotiate their activities and enabled them to take ownership of our selection.] For older children [or if you're not a hopeless perfectionist like I tend to be] you could let them cut out their shapes too...and write out their objectives.
The objective we agreed on were: "get dressed", "make my bed", "exercise", "Bible time", "school time", "pick up toys", "help Mom & Dad" and "be kind and obey".
Use the chart for whatever projects you would like to. I've left them blank for you to add your own chores, daily activities, or school subjects - whatever you want.
To download the charts, simply click on each page and then right click the image. Select "Save Picture As..." and determine a destination and name for each file. Then save the file to your computer.
Print each page on cardstock paper. I chose two tones of a single color [orange] for the butterfly and the butterfly background pages and then I printed the remaining pages on white cardstock, with the exception of the calendar [or chart page, depending on your preference], which I printed on plain white paper. My daughter colored in her large butterfly and the flowers. She would have colored in the tiny butterfly "awards" except that I happen to have a handy little
Martha Stewart butterfly paper punch and decided to punch out pink butterflies rather than cut out the squares.
Once the pages are printed, I suggest letting your children color first, then cutting out the shapes.
In the banner on the first page, write in your child's name, or a title for your chart [or have your child write it]. And cut out the tiny butterflies along the bold lines, leaving you with 50 1-inch squares. Cut out the large butterfly along the outer edge of the shape.
Cut out the medium sized bold butterflies along the outer edge of each shape. Attach
magnetic tape to the BACK of each bold butterfly.
Cut out the medium sized faded butterflies along the outer edge of each shape and write out your objectives on the FRONT of your butterflies; one objective one each. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each faded butterfly - being careful to align the magnets so that the polar attraction of all magnets line up with your bold butterflies' magnets, with both butterflies placed face up - bold on top of the faded.
Have your child color each flower. Then cut along the outer edge of each shape. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each flower; as you do this, consider how you would like your butterflies to be positioned and align your magnets accordingly, with your bold butterflies face up on top of your flowers [also face-up].
Determine what type of grid you would like to use for your chart. I have provided several options;
a calendar [you can download different styles and other months from my
Printable Calendars page], or a blank calendar, or a plain blank grid. You could trim these if you'd like to, or simply use them as they are.
I used
double-stick tape to adhere my chart pieces to the inner door of our "school armoire". You could use a magnetic board, poster board, wall, inner closet door...or even place your chart on the fridge - use your imagination! Here is a rather poor picture of how I have mine set up, but you could certainly place yours differently. My placement was not very well thought through. [I just got excited and started taping.]
Tape or glue all your faded butterflies and flowers face up to your chosen surface. Leave the bold butterflies unattached, but place one on top of each flower.
As your child accomplishes each task [or at the end of the day - whatever routine you choose] let her remove a bold butterfly from a flower and place it on the task she has successfully completed. At the end of the day or week [depending on your chart] if she has achieved whatever goal you set [ie, completing all objectives or completing a specific number of objectives etc.] award her with a tiny butterfly square to be placed on the appropriate box on her grid.
In advance you should determine if you would like to give your child a goal to work toward. My husband and I decided that for every 30 butterflies [or firefighter seals for the
fire engine chart] our children earn, they will be give a set amount of money to spend and be taken out for a special day with Mom or Dad. You can set your own award system for your family; maybe the kids earn collective "points" to get to plan a family activity, like a game night, pizza party, movie night etc. Rewards make it fun for the kids and give them something to work towards...it keeps them engaged which encourages their interest and consequently their participation. Plus, if you throw in a chore or two, their involvement in the program could end up being a load off of your shoulders too! :)
I hope you enjoy these activity charts and find them helpful in your own family, school or daycare! If you think of a fun & creative way to use them, would you let me know about it? I'd love to hear your ideas. You can leave a comment on this post or email me at
homeeducationjournal@hotmail.com. Thanks so much!
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