So Much to Keep Track of!

With various pick up and drop off options, and many people working very hard to make school possible (Grandma picking up one day, YMCA the next day, neigborhood carpool the third day, and play date on Thursday), sometimes things can seem a bit scary or uncertain for younger students.

Your child may have soccer practice on Tuesdays, which means that they need to skip their afternoon routine, which might be awful, unless they remember all day that they have soccer practice.

While consistency and predictability contribute to an overall sense of safety, it is not absolutely necessary in order for a child to feel safe.  Some change in routine, especially if it is communicated clearly (and several times, because it needs to be), can help children develop flexibility and adaptability, while still feeling in control and aware of the situation.

Here are some ideas to try that might work with your family and your child for remembering all sorts of things:

Note in planner:  
I, or a parent volunteer (who will communicate all notes to me), will check your child's planner each day.  Great spot for early pick up for dentist, etc.

There is also space for families to put stickers or draw pictures to help children remember what is going on that afternoon or evening.  Feel free to work with your child on looking ahead by putting in important things like Wednesday night church, Scouts, soccer, gymnanstics, play date, etc.  The planner is a place to develop a lifelong use of day planners and other organizers!

Bracelets:
We made some special bracelets when Elora and Isaiah's cousin started kindergarten.  Some days she would ride the day care bus, some days be picked up by Dad, and some days picked up by Mom.  She got three bracelets to help her remember where she should go after school.

Paper bracelets:

Might not last all day, but they might do the trick!  You can also order blank bracelets that are harder to tear off (like ride bracelets at Oaks Park).  These are one-time use items, so are not as Earth-friendly, but you have to use what works!

Repurpose those free rubber bracelets!

Turn that yellow Nike bracelet inside-out and write whether your child will be having school lunch or not.  

Fancy necklaces would work as well.

Lunchboxes:

We write recurring after-school changes to routine on our reusable produce bags.

This reminds Elora that she needs to have all her chores and homework done and she needs to be ready to GO by 3:30 on Fridays!

Notes or cards in lunch boxes (with pictures and/or easy words) are a good mid-day reminder to a child as well.

These are all to help your kindergartener be in control of what the plans are for the day.