So, I try to make sure to give my kiddos plenty of things at their fingertips to encourage them. We made homemade sidewalk paint yesterday, today we are baking miniature fruit pizzas. We have something NEW to do/try for almost each day. Since I keep kiddos in my home (other people's kiddos for some extra cash), it means that we don't go running around, go swimming anywhere, ETC. That means that we find all the fun we need...here at home!
I decided I needed a little help keeping my kids encouraged. This is what I came up with. We are only 3 days in and it is working WONDERFULLY!
(Caleb wants to make sure you know that he DID earn 4 the first day, we forgot to check "read" after he read at bedtime...) :0)Each category has a minimum time limit...30 minutes. That seems like enough time that they truly get going...for example....if there was no time limit and my son wanted to check off "create" then he would probably take the easy way and just make a quick card for a friend with paper/crayons/markers. That's not what I had in mind for "create" SO I knew I needed a time minimum. It works wonders! Caleb has stretched his thinking and come up with some CUTE things! Yesterday he made a "summer snowman"...out of my leftover styrofoam balls...the snowman was made with a puddle at the bottom and parts falling off of him (melting). Today caleb used colored craft sticks and space stickers to make "the solar system"!!! This is with NO suggestions from me! YEA!
Here are some flowers Georgia made....
For learning, the kids can work on anything...practice handwriting, do some pages from a workbook, read from the computer (guided), etc. Yesterday Caleb wanted to learn about insects (his favorite topic). He wanted to learn about "the most deadly insects, the most venomous insects, and the largest insects". So I googled it, saved the websites...and let him read all about it! I watched some of it with him and quizzed him after.
The exercising one is great for the minimum...it keeps playing as just playing and not exercising. They can't call playing on the trampoline exercise when it only lasts 15 minutes. Yesterday they both wanted to check off exercise so we took a family walk/bike ride for 30 minutes. It was wonderful!
Oh...the after part....my kiddos don't get their check over the category unless they: tell me about what they learned/read/etc. AND cleaned up any mess they may have made in the process. :0)
Another great part...it makes ME be more involved...less computer time for me and more interacting with the kids! That's ALWAYS a good thing!
I haven't decided on the "prizes" yet and I told them that I will pick the prize. It won't always be buying something...it may be going to get ice cream together or a special outing to a new park...
My new tip #2:
Here is my new found friend for limiting.......rubberbands! My kids can go through 8 plastic cups a day each of allowed. (one of the downfalls to all of your cups looking the exact same!) It was driving me crazy! SO, I grabbed some rubberbands. Caleb's is the thick one, Georgia's is the thin one. Each morning I grab a clean cup and put the rubber bands on them. Those are the cups they are to use ALL DAY! If they want something to drink they have to find their cup with the rubber band! I can't tell you how easy this is and how EXTREMELY WELL it is working! WOOOHOOO!
What are you doing differently for the summer? :0)
I love the chart idea. (Since immitation is the biggest form of flattery...please feel flattered when I steal it.) The chart is more for me, though. I would go from sun up to sun down doing chores, project (that don't include the kids) or running errands if I am not intentional about my time with them. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Karyn! I am excited that you may use it (or one like it) :0) It definitely helps me stay connected to the kids throughout the day too.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have fun this summer! :0)
I like the chart! I may borrow that idea. Very cute and helpful!
Hey, silly bands work great too for the cups! I"m linking up about that on WFMW next week!