How to Create a Back to School Bulletin Board

The lazy days of summer break are filled with free time. Back to school can seem like a complete shock if your child has been sleeping in. The schedule of summer is not as structured as during the school year. Here are some easy tips to help your child get back into the routine of attending school.

Organization

Prepare your child to get ready to start a new schedule. Think about what things must be done before school starts. Make it simple for your child to complete these tasks. Create a list. Write down at what times these things need to be done by. These tasks can include household chores, home work, and preparation for scheduled events. Once you have merged the tasks with a time frame, you are ready to post up the new schedule.

Bulletin board

Dry erase boards, cork boards, or poster boards make great bulletin boards. The only requirements for the board are that the words be clear and easy to read. If your child has not learned to read yet use words and picture symbols. Along side each tasks write a time. If your child can tell time you can draw a clock. Digital time is also easier for younger children to understand.

Motivation

This same board can be used for motivation to complete the tasks. Younger children may enjoy a reward system. A prize or allowance money can be given when all tasks are completed. You can put up pictures of rewards. Give your children a visual of what they can look forward to. Speak about the reward everyday. Perhaps their personal reward is a day spent at the beach, laser tag, or shopping. Think about what really motivates your child to the point that they take action. The rewards do not have to be extravagant or expensive. Be sure to always follow up with their rewards.

Allow your child to check off each task. This will give your child a sense of accomplishment each day. When your child knows exactly what to do, it can help prevent problems. Mornings are usually a very busy time of time. Establishing a morning routine and an after school checklist is a great way to maximize your time. The small tasks that your children can do for themselves can free up your time, to do more important chores and tasks for them that they can not do for themselves.