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We thrive on structure around here.  With three little munchkins running around and a bunch of different schedules to keep, structure is what I CLING to for survival.  I hope there are some others out there like me?? Or am I the lone OCD Mom? When Oldest started TK last year (transitional kindergarten…its a California thing) it was QUITE the “transition” (pun-intended) for our little family.  Because I send him to a school out of our district, he can’t take the bus.  Which can make for some complicated maneuvering of nap times for Youngest!  And I still remember the first day he was gone at school Second was wandering around the house looking for him (under beds, in closets, in the garage) ALL day.

Anyway, I think we lasted a week before I realized we needed some very concrete and visual routine, both in the mornings and after school, to help Oldest structure his time and accomplish his tasks.  This year, now that he is in full day Kinder, we polished up the cards and changed them a bit (homework now!! bleh!).  I’m here to share them with you today- just in case i’m NOT the only OCD Mom out there.

I have 2 different versions you can download, a PDF in case you want to download them and print as is.  Or a powerpoint version that you can edit as desired.  Keep in mind that if you open the powerpoint version and do not have the fonts I used installed powerpoint will automatically replace the font with one that is installed on your computer.  If you want the same look I have created here just download & install the following free fonts in your fonts folder on your C drive (or just download and print the PDF file):

Army Stamp

Cafe & Brewery

Print cards on cardstock and laminate for best results.  I got this scotch laminator on amazon several years ago and LOVE IT.  I seriously use it all the time.  Parties, preschool, church, toy labels, kitchen labels on and on and on.  Then I use sticky tac (which I buy in bulk from Amazon because I use IT all the time as well… have you ever tried using it on the back of picture frames so they dong wiggle and get crooked on the wall??  Works like a charm) to hang them on the wall.

We hang his morning routine over his bed in his bedroom.  It has helped our mornings run so much smoother!  These along with our Ok to Wake alarm clock (I set it to turn green at 7am so they know they are allowed out of bed) and playing classical music while we get ready in the morning has really transformed that hour from pure chaos to a day at the spa!  Ok… maybe i’m exaggerating a tad??  But really, its been great.  

And the “after school routine” we hang over the hooks in the hallway where the backpacks go.  TV incentives are golden around here, so no TV until the routine is done.  Otherwise I’ve lost all my leverage!  Plus, I’ve noticed if we try to read or do homework after TV his brain is totally mush.  It takes at least twice as long as doing it BEFORE TV.  Tells ya how good that stuff is for our brain huh?

Now when he comes running in the door asking “can I watch Rescue Bots” I just point to the wall.  And really he rarely does that because he knows… I’ll just point to the wall 😉  Use the links below to download these free printable school routine cards!

[ddownload id=”199″ text=”School Routine Cards PDF”]

[ddownload id=”200″ button=”grey” text=”School Routine Cards Powerpoint”]

So tell me- how do you get homework done in your house??

And If you want some more fun free parenting printables check out my tooth fairy receipt  and my countdown bags, which make for a fun way to countdown to a big event (like the first day of school or family vacation!).  Follow me on pinterest to stay up to date with all my free printables & party ideas (or just to make me do the happy-dance!).

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