Now that I’m the parent of an elementary school student, I’m always on the lookout for ways to help my five-year-old with her own Togetherness — otherwise known as executive functioning. My brilliant friend, Analisa B., recently described the challenge she faced, “The 1st grade homework is to read every night for 15 minutes and then write the title and author of the book(s) you read on a paper. It’s supposed to get them used to working independently and bringing their work in.”
And then, inevitably, someone forgets his folder. Yup, been there.
Analisa said, “I can’t be in charge of those things or I’ll go nuts, nor do I think me being in charge is the point. It was a good lesson, but we need a better system or I’m going to feel like a bad parent and he’ll be a disorganized mess. Piano practice, chess, homework, math challenges, soccer….it’s a lot to keep up with!”
Enter Analisa’s pictorial checklist, arranged by kid and by day. I picture this hanging on the door and everyone doing a self-check on the way out in the morning.
Heck, for the number of times I have locked myself out of the house, I could use my own checklist to remind me to take my wallet and keys! But back to the kids. . . I have my daughter’s library book due date written in our family Google calendar, but really, she can keep track of this herself. I see a checklist in our future.
Oh, and if you like Analisa’s funky icons, please check out her brother Edward’s website. It is amazing!
PS Part 1 – Look what my five-year-old created last Friday night.
I think she was meeting with herself about her weekend plans!
PS Part 2 – Now that I’m out of The Together Leader weeds, I’m contemplating some Together Student action. Perhaps written for both teachers and parents. Full of templates. Interesting? Needed?
PS Part 3 – Keeping track of your kid’s school calendar & holding a family meeting
