We start school this week, which means it’s back to routines! It can be challenging getting back in the swing of things and can make for stressful mornings rushing out the door.
In order to alleviate that, I decided to make visual routine cards for before and after school activities. These would be great to use with children in kindergarten up through 5th grade. In my free printable, I included simple activities that happen in a morning and afternoon routine, such as brushing teeth and making the bed.
I created these cards to show what a typical routine would look like. You can choose to use whichever ones you’d like and don’t feel like you have to use all of them. I also added blank cards so you can write or draw other activities you’d like to add in.
Before School Routine
The first set of cards is for the morning routine and includes the following:
- wake up
- make bed
- get dressed
- eat breakfast
- brush teeth
- brush hair
- go to school
- school
After School Routine
The second set of cards is for the afternoon/evening routine and includes the following:
- go home from school
- playtime
- homework
- eat dinner
- bathtime
- reading
- pajamas
- bedtime
I didn’t include an additional card for brushing teeth, but you could use the same card from the morning set.
Here are some ideas for displaying the visual schedule:
- place the cards in a pocket chart (like I did in the pictures)
- add a magnet to the back and place on the refrigerator
- tape to the wall (use tape that doesn’t take off the wall paint!)
- place the cards in a notebook
I also encourage you to go over the cards with your child so they understand what they mean. One thing I like to do is to give the cards to my child and then see if they can put it in the order we do it in. To make it fun, we even time each other!
Earlier this year I published a post with a printable for a toddler visual schedule. I’ve been so happy to hear how many of you have been using it! You could definitely use some of these cards in you’d like since they match this style. For example, I have cards for screen time, play dates, appointments, etc. You can grab them on this post.
If you’re not sure why you should use a visual schedule, I encourage you to check out this post. She shares 10 awesome reasons for using these types of schedules for establishing routines.
My hope is that this visual schedule helps YOU establish an awesome routine with your kids. The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to start, but really you can do it anytime!
Routine Cards Printable
You can download this printable right here —> Routine Cards
The cards are password protected and I am unable to send to Staples for printing. Is there any way to get an unsecured copy? It’s for personal use 🙂 I’ve searched through Google and your cards are the only ones I like!!
I’m sorry! Please send me an email at angela(@)teachingmama(.)org and I will help you!
Thank you so much for sharing. I really need this. Anyway where you got your chart pocket?
The chart pocket is from Target, I believe. I think it was when they had back-to-school stuff out.
Hi I have been using your card to help with my 20 year old daughter Misti who has Downs Syndrome and Autism .they have been a great help thank you x
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!! REALLY APPRECIATE YOU POSTED IT!!!
So cute! A good way to make routines fun!
BEAUTIFUL WORK!
THANK YOU !!
Hi this is such a great idea and my son is going to love this. Unfortunately, some of the pictures do not print. Is there a way to get the prints emailed to me?
Hi there! It should print. Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. That can sometimes cause printing issues.
These are great! I’m going to put them up along with clock cards to show the time for my kindergarten and first grader! Is it possible to buy a few more? I would additionally need chores, outside,snack, feed pets,family time, and screen time. I would make them myself but my poor OCD would go crazy if they did not match =) Thanks!
Sure! Send me an email and I’ll help ya out! angela(at)teachingmama(dot)org
Dear Angela,
I had been hunting for routine cards for my child. Either you had to pay up or they were not appropriate.
Your site is so simple and to the point with very nice cards.
Thank you soo much.
Thank you so much .
I am unable to download the daily routine cards. I’ve subcribed for the newsletter twice and I haven’t received any information in being able to access them. Can you please help? Thank you
Sure. You just click on the link in the post and it will automatically download. I will email you.
Cute. This is a great way to teach kids create a set of routine. And not just for kids, too. But for anyone getting into a new habit as a simple visual reminder.
Angela Thayer, thanks so much for the post.Really thank you! Great.