Executive functioning is set of processes that allow us to manage ourselves to achieve a goal. This includes the ability to pay attention, organize activities and stay focused to complete tasks. Whether to finish homework or to complete a chore, these skills prepare children to flourish down the road. Outside the structure of the school day, children may need extra encouragement or structure to work on these skills. Taking the time to sit with your child and create a calendar like this one allows children to start building independence, look ahead and develop a sense of responsibility for the future.
Materials
- Paper
- Markers, colored pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Self-adhesive magnets
Directions
1. Cut out a long strip of paper. This will be the background of the calendar.
2. Cut out five to seven rectangles to fit on the strip of paper. To focus on the school week alone, use five rectangles. To plan out the entire week, use seven rectangles.
3. Help your child glue the rectangles on the strip. If he can, ask him to write the days of the week under each one. Does he have a favorite day?
4. Ask your child what activities he does. Have your child draw pictures of these weekly activities or, for a little extra writing practice, write down what they are. This can include sports practices, music practice, reading, chores, or whatever fits your family’s needs. If your child does anactivity multiple times a week, have him create multiple drawings.
5. Cut out the pictures or writing and place a self adhesive magnet onto the back of each cutout. Hang the calendar somewhere your child will see it frequently, like the fridge.
6. Choose a day to sit down with your child to plan out the week (for example, on a five-day calendar, Sunday may be a good choice). What does he plan to do on Monday? How about Wednesday? Is your child looking forward to anything this week? Which activities take a long time? On those days, maybe plan for fewer tasks. If your child has siblings, they can also use the calendar to mark who is responsible for chores each day.
7. During the week, your child can use the calendar as a visual checklist! Once he finishes a task, he can remove the activity from the day — until planning comes around next week!
Jennifer Cooper is the blogger behind Classic-Play.com, an online resource for creative families. Her favorite pastimes include: dancing around her living room, watching the Pink Panther with her kids and daydreaming. She lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband, photographer Dave Cooper, and two children.