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Ideas for visual schedule for 6 year old
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My 6dd isn’t reading yet. So I am looking for a simple way to show her what the “line up” is for today. I love how CM spreads the feast so I want to be able to let her choose what she wants to work on next (keeping in mind that we change which part of the brain we are using with each subject). Can anyone share their simple ideas that have worked? I have thought of a simple laminated strip with velcro dots. Each subject would have it’s own picture. For example, bible would be a cross, reading instruction would be “ABC”, Hymn study would be music notes, etc. She could take the picture off once she has completed that subject. I would just change the pictures each day.
Also, please feel free to say if you have tried this and it just slowed things down even more and was a hassle that was soon forgotten about. I am not trying to create more work for myself. I was just trying to alleviate the question of her asking how much more we had left. We already have a routine that my dd knows well and I have just been announcing verbally what is next. I thought it might be nice to give her a nice “picture” of her morning and to allow her to choose what she wants to do next.
I hope that makes sense. Any and all comments welcome. 🙂
Mollie
Mollie, I think a list with pictures could work well. I wouldn’t let a 6 yo choose the order. Charlotte recommended varying the part of the brain used and the principle that a change is as good as a break. I plan the order until my kids are well set in the idea of varying. My dd13 fully chooses her order. Ds10 has a little say. Dd7 has none.
I meant to add that the idea of a list or schedule that she can see is important. I think it’s beneficial to all of us, young and old, to see the day’s tasks before us. I use the CM organizer, but any method is fine. It’s great that she is wanting to see her day laid out before her. Also, the reason I don’t let my kids choose the order is that when small they don’t get the benefit of varying the part of the brain being used and will take the 2-4 books for the day and simply sit and read.
Christie, thank you again. I am wanting to use the CM organizer, but this is really my first full year of formal school and I am going to lay out 12 weeks at a time on paper for now. I have confidence in that just because I am a “paper person”. When I have a little more experience, I want to do the CMO. We will have 12 weeks of school behind us when I get to see Sonya in Houma, LA for a conference in October. I can’t wait to go and will re-evaluate my methods after going to the conference. 🙂
I like to see the whole day (or week) laid out before me also. I just need a “track” to return to if we deviate some which is fine with me. 🙂
I understand what you are saying about choosing for them. Maybe they would only pick the easy and fun things? Can’t say I blame them. LOL
Another thought for you is that if you had a sheet of paper w/ the symbols, then you could cross it off after doing them for that day. Instead of going through all the velcro stuff. What you’re thinking is similar to workboxes for the visual component.
One idea, which could work for teaching older dc to vary as well but w/out the pictures.
Have the pictures (words for older dc) in 2 or 3 different columns. Let them pick something from one column, then the next column, and then the 3rd or go back to the 1rst. I’m thinking this might be good for us, too. (Thank you.)
So, there would be bookwork/reading, music and arts, and ?? I’m still new and transitioning to CM so this would be a help for us.
Maybe?
What are potential groupings and what subjects would go into each?
Kerby, I, too, was tossing around the idea of columns/groupings, but I don’t think I have a factual basis to group them right now. I need to give that one more thought. What I am trying to say is that I am not educated about the actual part of the brain that each subject uses. I do think Christie has a point about choosing for them though at a young age just to keep it simple.
Thank you for the paper idea as that could work too. 🙂 I appreciate your time.
To save paper, slip the schedule into a page protector, then mark off with a dry eraser marker as the day/week goes by. Then, reuse for the next week.
Kerby, that’s a good idea for older kids transitioning to CM! By the time I give my kids the option to choose, it’s ingrained, but I think that I may let ds10 try that next year and see how it goes. He loves independence, but will still lump similar things together if given that freedom.
I would also second the page protector and dry erase idea. Clip it on a clipboard and require it to stay.
We made a simple pocket chart for our youngest by taping strips of poster board about 4 inches apart down a tall piece of poster board. Then we took digital pictures of the various activities she likes to do during the day, printed them about 2″ x 2″ size, and glued them onto cut up 3×5 cards. We keep the cards in a plastic bag and she can select the cards and order her schedule in the morning, then remove each card as it is done.
With her, the schedule has just one “school work” card because this is her whole day’s outline. But I wanted to mention it in case the poster board concept would work well in your situation.
When my children first began with regular daily chores, I wrote a simple command and drew a picture to correspond onto an index card and taped them to their wall. My 6 year old still likes his up to help him remember! You could do the same with your subjects, but don’t tape them to the wall (unless you want to). You could get a wide ribbon or perhaps a fabric type belt that has a loop at one end and hang it on a nail or thumbtack. Then use a clothes pin to attach the card for each subject in the order you want to do them that day. You could even take them down as you do so your child sees what is left. You could also string some line horozontally and attach the cards in a horozontal row. Just an idea. OR if you have “chip clips” with magnets on the back, you could do the same on your refrigerator and eliminate the need for wall space to hang your ribbon or belt. Just some fun ideas!
Ugh, I did the velcro thing and it was soooo much work and ended up being short term. It’s very challenging finding the right visual schedule for the non-readers. I like the ribbon idea for chores!
I love all these ideas! Thank you. I am all about simplicity so these are great and easy to follow ideas.
I didn’t even think about laying out the whole day for her to see. That is a great idea, too!!! How rewarding it would be for her to see “play time” on her chart as well as her chores and school work. I am more of a block schedule kind of person anyway. I don’t care what time it is (within reason, of course) as long as our work is done. I roll with the punches. 🙂
I appreciate everyone. Thank you.
Mollie
I used this system for years.
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