[links to download different versions at the bottom of this post]
For the past 3 Summers we've used this chart [or a variation of it] to maintain some order up in this chaotic shoe Mon-Fri. Remember that nursery rhyme-- old woman, shoe, kids everywhere, doesn't know what to do, and she sends them to bed? That's me. I'm okay with it. And, y'all, I love that some versions of that say that she "kissed them all fondly and sent them to bed," and other versions say she "whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed." I mean, could there be a better 2 versions of that? No. There could not. I died laughing when I realized that. I digress...
THIS CHART. It creates peace and productivity. It prints as an 8x10 ish size so it will fit in an 8x10 photo frame. My kids just check their boxes with a dry erase marker each day on the glass, and we wipe it clean and start over the next day.
Since we've done this for 3yrs now they're in a good groove, and honestly, sometimes they've checked off several things before I even emerge from my room in the mornings. Hallelujah. The instant they mark their last box, they all ask me if they can stare at a screen, and I ain't even mad about it.
They each have a 30min time limit on technology (tablet, Wii, LeapPad, etc.) but after they've all completed the list, TV is a free-for-all. I grew up glued to Nickelodeon in the dead heat of Summer at Gigi's house, and I think I turned out okay [keep your opinions to yourself here, haha], so I'm up for letting them veg if they've accomplished other things beforehand. There are days where they descend into cranky, braindead lumps, and I reserve the right to revoke all access to TV at that point.
And guys, my people soak up scripture in the Summer because of this chart. It's shocking how it only takes a week or two for verses to sink in. These little hearts will have truth to fall back on and ring in their hearts when life gets hard for years to come. Invaluable!
A note on the workbook/xtra-math line--
My peeps practice math facts and handwriting over the Summers. They each get a handwriting workbook at their level [thank you Amazon Prime] some cursive, some print, etc. Xtra Math is my most favorite digital flashcard system. Hit up xtramath.com and create accounts for your kiddos. No games or gimmicks, just math facts, and it records not only your kids' accuracy, but their speed and strength in each set of facts. It flashes the ones they need to work on more than the ones they've mastered. It grows with them and their skills and sends you emailed reports of their progress. IT IS BASICALLY A FREE TUTOR AND I LOVE IT.
Want to give it a shot? Click here for a free printable of whichever versions fits your family best! I hope you find it as helpful as we do!
- SCREENTIME CHECKLIST [1 KID]
- SCREENTIME CHECKLIST [2 KIDS]
- SCREENTIME CHECKLIST [3 KIDS]
- SCREENTIME CHECKLIST [4 KIDS]
- SCREENTIME CHECKLIST [5 KIDS]