Building a Routine
Developing and sticking to a routine is so important for adults and kids alike! If you make a routine chart and it doesn’t work, try something different! Check out our other posts on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas on routine and the importance of maintaining a routine, yes, even on weekends and over the summer!
Quick Strategies for Routines: Summer and Weekends at Home
Plan out your day! Use either the schedule or template provided on the next pages to build a routine at home.
Manage time! Use alarms, clocks, and timers to keep track of time and help establish time management skills.
Consistency! Being consistent is key for developing and managing a routine. Routine implementation doesn’t happen overnight, it will take time and that is okay!
Clear and concise instructions! Use first then language or visuals to encourage engagement in non-preferred activities like homework or brushing your teeth.
Adapt! There may need to be a shift in routine and that is okay! If the pre-establish routine is not working, do not be afraid to modify it to a schedule that works for your family.
Incorporate sensory strategies! Throughout the day, do your best to incorporate sensory tools and strategies from all 8 sensory systems to help support attention and engagement in day-to-day activities.
It never hurts to start incorporating routines and schedules with younger kids as well and tools like this Melissa and Doug magnetic calendar are a great way to start! One thing to keep in mind is that although routine and schedules are important, make sure that you allow for free play that encourages imagination, creativity, and self-initiation!
As Amazon Associates, we do earn from qualifying purchases, however, these are tools we frequently implement in our SENSE-ational Spaces and use personally.
