This is part two of a two-part series.
Kids changing schedules make it harder to plan so that
things can run smoothly. And what about planning for your time, whether you are
working remotely or not. We have come up with some simple solutions that will
help the kids and yourself as well.
In part one of this series we covered:
1. Developing homework areas
2. Creating homework caddies
3. Organizing the cables
4. Creating freezer sandwiches
Now on to creative ideas 5, 6, 7 and 8 that will make
back-to-school scheduling more manageable.
5. Prepare a simple lunch station
Fall will be a time of scheduling craziness. kids will have
different schedules and will be hungry at different times. So, I suggest
organizing a lower kitchen cabinet with simple snacks and easy to make lunches.
I scanned Amazon for storage organizer ideas. Bread in wire baskets.
Peanut butter and an assortment of jellies. Eating utensils sorted in cups.
Keep it simple. Base it on what your kids like.
6. Create a schedule for each child
Use Kid-Friendly Time Management
Tools. From apps to colorful magnetic
calendars, add kid-friendly time management tools to your lineup. The key is to
use visuals and techniques that relate to your kids. Only you will know what
works best with each of your child's learning styles.
Apps can appeal to kids who love
technology. Magnetic calendars for kids let your kids visually plan their days
with colorful magnets for everything from sports practices to holidays. You can
always get creative and make your own time management tools to work for your
family's unique schedule too.
I reviewed two articles about
teaching children, even young children, some basic time management skills. The
first is a blog by Amrita Minocha, who is a mom to a five-year old. She
suggests six simple activities that will make your kids more time management
savvy.
The second is from AOP, a website
dedicated to homeschooling parents. They offer a downloadable clock that can be
color coded.
Consider using a eraser board with
listed time-slots for each child’s activities. It becomes a visual reminder
of what is expected.
7. Use a bento box for easy lunches
For the child who has difficulty in
making choices, you can use the bento box so that all the choices are decided
before they are actually hungry and maybe cranky. Delish.com offers 15 bento
boxes to choose from. I am sure at least one of them will bring smiles.
Need some lunch suggestions to fill
the new bento box? Check out eatingwell.com. They offer articles and videos
with healthy and unique suggestions. Did you know that popcorn is healthier than
potato chips? They have a section with eight swaps with suggested better choices.
8. Use a binder as a to-go info center
For those kids who will have part
time in-person classes, the issue becomes handling information flow from home
to school. Use a binder as the portable information center. Include paper,
plastic sleeves and a three-ring supply pouch to hold the needed supplies
beside pencils and pens. Keep it separate from your home center supplies.
I did not look for any store web links since this is retail stores’ back-to-school season, and they are
trying to create the most sensational deals to encourage you to buy. I suggest
buying now. Because like the toilet paper debacle, some back-to-school products
may be in short supply.