Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Summer Schedules and Flexible Routines

I have started this week getting more settled into our summer routine. My biggest problem is building in the flexibility I need for things like playdates, Peter's crazy schedule, and broken arms. My idea? I used an old dry erase calendar on its side. I printed and laminated our normal scheduled items, laminated them and added a magnet to the back. Then I numbered every square with two hours. Now if I need to rearrange things it is easy to move around. It is also to add things (like swim lessons) to our routine. And if something isn't working? Move it till it does! Plus, I can add things with my dry erase markers that I don't want to print off. Instant routines with built in flexibility.


Also, I am using my rotating chore charts (they have worked ever since I started them a few years ago). I have added a chart to keep track of the kids computer using C1 is computer 1st, L1 is laptop first, and C2/L2 is the 2nd shift of computer time. (Joseph gets his time during school time or why the other kids are watching TV)


Lastly, I have started the kids on the library's reading program, but it isn't nearly as in depth as I'd like so we are going to be doing a home challenge as well. Here is our first week of summer library books:


So far it has gone alright. Today Peter decided to go shopping with me (because he is starting South Beach diet) and so I moved shopping to later (he worked till 4AM last night) and moved chores up. In fact, it is time to leave about now so my post is done!
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8 comments:

  1. Wow, you are so organized. I'm impressed. I just use a big calendar on my fridge, but it's not nearly as pretty as yours!

    Good luck to Peter on SBD. I love the South Beach Living refrigerated wraps - Yum!

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  2. Two hour shifts. Wow are you a gold personality. I know you work best on a schedule and that looks like a great one. You are very cleaver and complish much.

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  3. Holy cow. I guess that is how you have to do it to get things done though. I always really enjoy having a schedule and having things organized. I must be a gold personality too.

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  4. I wish I had time to read that much! I'm so jealous

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  5. Wow. I love the organization idea!

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  6. Will you organize my life, please?

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  7. I have used the same rotating job charts. They work GREAT! My kids know which way to turn it every morning, then they know which jobs are theirs that day and can get them done without being asked (that happens every day by the way)I WISH! Anyway, I think next year we will do your white board idea. It is nice to have a guinie pig to work out all the kinks!

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  8. That is awesome. The real question is, When you have to run out the door do you come home and change the schedule so it says what you did or do you leave it to say the wrong thing??

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