Many of you know that I’m a mom, right? I’m also an early childhood and homeschool educator. So having a routine and completing tasks are at the top of my list.
We also know that routines are important for children as well. They help little ones feel safe and secure. As they grow older, having routines in place will helps kiddos to prioritize and accomplish tasks.
Using a Visual Checklist
For many children (and adults), having a written and visual routine or schedule is essential. When we can see something, it helps us visualize what needs to be done. It also makes it stick in our minds longer.
When working in the classroom, my visual schedules often included a column for the time, a sentence strip with the task, and a picture representing the task. I would arrange them in a pocket chart and use a clothespin as our “time marker”. This was a very effective way to keep my students engaged and on track for the day.
My Kids’ Chore Charts
Moving into my life as a parent, I knew I needed to create something similar for my own children at home. As I searched Pinterest, I found a plethora of fun routine and chore charts to create.
When my kids were just 2, 4, and 6, I started using individual chore charts inspired by this one on Pinterest.
More recently, I wanted to give our chore chart an overhaul. So I created something using Mujka Cliparts for my son.
How this Chore Chart Works
The idea is basically the same: The chart is divided into 5 sections with each section being for a specific task. As each task is completed, the child closes that flap to indicate they are done. At the end of the day, all 5 flaps should be closed.
The twist I added for this chart is that as the flaps are closed, they complete a fun word or graphic. In this case, I used a superhero “BAM” graphic.
Let’s get down to how I created this cool chart for my big guy.
Materials and Supplies
- Mujka Cliparts Superhero Set
- Cardstock or file folder (for base of the chart)
- Cricut Design Space Project Link
- Cricut Pens or Markers
- Craft glue
- Scissors
- Cricut or other cutting machine
- Premium fine blade
- Light- or Standard Grip cutting mat
- Home printer
- Adhesive magnet strips or Velcro dots
- Double-sided foam adhesive squares
The Process
Step 1: Purchase and download the Superhero set from Mujka Cliparts (search “superhero or any other keyword you’d like and use code EJSFUNCRAFTINGCOM for a discount)
Step 2: Upload the design of your choice into Cricut Design Space
Step 3: Open my EJFC Chore Chart project in Cricut Design Space and select “customize”
Step 4: Ungroup the project
Step 5: Insert the graphics you uploaded onto your canvas by choosing Upload > Open Uploaded Images and then clicking on the image. Select “Add to Canvas” and then return to your canvas by either selecting “View” if on a mobile device, or by clicking on “upload” again if you are on a computer.
Step 6: Size your images to fit on the chore chart where you would like and then delete the ballerina images that are already on the chart.
Step 7: Click on the chart itself and choose “Detach”
Step 8: Change any of the pre-inserted chores by selecting it and typing in the task you want to add.
Pro Tip: The tasks are set to “write”, which means you would need to use a pen or marker in your Cricut. If you would like them to print instead, select each task individually and then under “Operation” change it from “Pen” to “Print Then Cut.”
Pro Tip: If you change the writing to “Print Then Cut” you’ll want to add a small square behind each task and flatten the square and text.
Step 9: If you are using “Writing” for the tasks, be sure each one is placed where you would like it to be.
Step 10: Select the tasks along with the chart and choose “Attach”
Step 11: You can change the heading that says “Chores” to anything you’d like. Simply delete the existing heading and use the “Text” and “Font” features to make a new heading. (I changed it to my son’s name for this chart).
Pro Tip: You can add an offset (outline or shadow) around your new heading by selecting the heading and then choosing “Offset” (top menu on computer; Edit menu on mobile). Move the slider to achieve the size of offset you like.
Step 12: Select “Make It” and send your project to cut.
Step 13: Follow the prompts to print (if necessary) and cut your project.
Step 14: Assemble your chore chart using craft glue and adhesive foam squares to add dimension to your project. You may need to use a glue gun for the magnetic strips.
You are done! My son LOVES his chart. It has helped him to get things done during the day. As he masters certain tasks and they become automatic for him, I can change out those items and add new ones.
Watch the Live Replay on YouTube
Take a look at the replay of how I created this chart. You’ll get a better VISUAL of how I used Design Space and how I assembled my chart.
More Preschool and Homeschool Ideas
I love teaching and I love sharing. Because of that, I’m adding more preschool, homeschool, and general Mom content to my blog. You’ll be able to find this content in the “Preschool and Homeschool” category here on the blog.
