A routine chart children want to fill in
Young children respond to visible rewards, and colouring a star is one of the simplest. This weekly chart lists everyday routines down the side and the days of the week across the top, with a big star in every box. After a few days the stars add up, and children start reminding you to fill them in.
Starter routines
The chart comes with eight habits that suit children from about three to eight: brushing teeth morning and night, making the bed, getting dressed, reading for 15 minutes, helping at home, tidying toys and being kind to someone. Delete any that don't fit, or replace them with your own, such as feeding the pet, practising an instrument or packing a school bag.
Making it work at home
- Start with three or four routines for preschoolers; older children can handle more.
- Let your child colour the star themselves; owning the chart is half the reward.
- Agree on a small treat for a full row, like choosing the weekend movie.
- Print a new chart every Sunday evening and talk about the best day of the week.
Classrooms and therapists
Teachers use the same chart for classroom jobs and reading at home, and occupational therapists use it for step-by-step routines. The chart is undated, so it works any week of the year. It prints in landscape for big boxes; switch to portrait if it's going on a narrow fridge door. Choose Sunday or Monday as the first day.