Creating a visual morning routine chart is an excellent way to help young children understand and follow their daily tasks. This activity not only makes mornings more organized but also adds a touch of creativity and fun.
Activity Goals
- Help children visually understand and follow their morning routine.
- They should begin to anticipate their routine, developing a sense of accomplishment and structure over time.
Materials Needed
- Large sheet of paper or poster board, ultimately any piece of paper can work
- Markers or crayons
- Stickers or small images representing routine tasks (see example chart below)
- Velcro strips, tape, stickers (optional)
Instructions
- Create the Chart:
- Divide the poster board into sections for each part of the morning routine (e.g., “Wake Up,” “Brush Teeth,” “Get Dressed,” “Eat Breakfast”).
- Draw or paste images that represent each task.
- See the example chart below.
- Decorate Together:
- Let your child help decorate the chart using markers, crayons, and stickers.
- Explain each task as you work together to place the images on the chart.
- Add Interactive Elements:
- Attach Velcro strips or tape to each task image and a matching spot on the chart.
- Each morning, have your child move the task image to the “completed” side once they’ve finished that part of the routine.
- Discuss the Routine:
- Use the chart every morning, encouraging your child to follow the routine and move the images as they complete each task.
- Praise them for their efforts and discuss how completing the routine makes them feel ready for the day.
Pro Tip
If you are using velcro you can reuse the same row. You can also make rows for each day of the week and create a running accomplishment list, while reviewing the days of the week at the same time. Using fun stickers or makers to mark tasks as done add another level of fun!
Brenda Makes Breakfast is a delightful story that teaches children the essential life skill of making your first meal of the day.
