This post has been updated in July 2020 due to the increase in search traffic we’ve seen on After school routine clock to provide additional information on after school schedule clock. We think our readers will find this info really helpful.
Create structure in the chaos of back-to-school season with this easy after school routine clock.
The clock is color-coded so that kids can easily follow along and know what task they should be working on. Having structure in the evenings helps develop an easier bedtime routine, which is essential for kids. Their brains are working overtime, so make things as easy as possible for them!

Easy color-coded after school hack using a simple clock craft
I’ve seen a clock like this floating around online, but couldn’t find the original source of the image. So, we decided to make our own!
Supplies needed for the After School Routine Clock
Here’s what you need to make this after school hack clock craft:
This list includes affiliated links, for your convenience.
- Wall Clock
- Permanent markers (5 colors)
- Printed list of activities
How to make the schedule clock
Remove the back off the clock so that you can access the face.
Use the markers to color sections of time for the different activities.

Make this easy schedule clock using just markers
Our schedule is:
- 4-5 pm Homework Time
- 5-6 pm Play Time
- 6-7 pm Dinner Time
- 7-7:30 pm Bath Time
- 7:30-8:30 pm Bed Time

Isn’t this after school hack so cool?
Put the glass back on the clock. Print off your list of activities for after school routine and color around each section to correspond with the colored section on your schedule clock.

Display the schedule clock with the after school routine chart for easy reference.
Make sure to hang your list of after school routine chart below the clock for easy access. I love how simple and quick this clock craft is. This is just one fun way to keep home organizing on track. Don’t you think? What is your family’s after school routine? Share with us in the comments below.
RESOURCES TO GET ORGANIZED DURING THE BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON:
- Get excited with these DIY crafts for kids for Back to school season.
- This Morning routine chart & Bedtime routine chart will help you to be on track.
- Plan for the school memory book before the school year starts.
- Ever wonder How to organize your life for school? Check this.
- You should know these Back to school tips.
- This family command center ideas are genius.
- Quick and healthy breakfast ideas that will make you love school mornings.
- Check these cool school snack ideas.
- Do you have the first day of school traditions? These are fun.
- Pack your lunch in style. Check these school lunch ideas for a balanced lunch.
Want to keep kids engaged and learning during playtime?
We use 4 different apps from ABC Mouse to keep our kids learning even while they are playing games!
They are super fun and geared towards children ages 2-8. If you want to try it out, you can get a 30 day free trial here!
Please reverse homework and play time. Children are stuck in a classroom for at least 6 hours a day. What is the first thing anyone wants to do after school or work?? You want to relax! Please give your children a chance to unwind and relax after school. They will be more willing to sit down and concentrate if they’ve had a chance to relax. Thank you ?
Speaking as an educator I agree and what about the children that are in before and after school childcare, I have seen some children in childcare from the time it opens (7:30am) then in school from 8:45am (8:45-9am they had supervised outdoor time) and then 9am-3:20pm in school, which by the way they get 2 breaks from and they are long breaks, and then are in childcare, some until 6pm and in childcare, we are not allowed to force children to do their homework, of course we offer them the time, but it’s up to the parents to tell them to take the time and the parents will ask us to remind the children that their parents would like to at least start their homework. I do agree that it should be reversed, but some families don’t have that option; it’s called LIFE, tough reality for a child, but this is what the weekends are for.
Oh my goodness this is great!! This would also be a good way to teach telling time, if you added pictures to the colors!
Love this idea for our kids who need to know “What’s next, Mom?’ The idea is great and should be organized to fit your own schedule and lifestyle. This will put an end to a lot of repetitive conversations. One warning, when you have kids who thrive on scheduled time make sure you let create a time for interruptions. Or maybe get a cloth, call it a flag, for extra activity days that won’t match the clock and of course put it over the clock in the appropriate time for your child’s ability or understanding. I’d like to hear how this works for those who try it:)
This clock is totally unrealistic. When my kids were in public school, they had 2-3 hours of assigned homework every night. It’s one of the many reasons we decided to homeschool.
wow i loved the many great ideas and input people had on here thank u so much all of you for your wise and very well put opinions
Hi Mike,
The schedule in our post is just an example. We hope that families will adapt the idea to fit their own needs. Thanks!
I agree take the idea and adapt it to your own schedule you need to work to….,If the idea doesn’t work maybe it’s not it that needs to change but th pattern you have set up for your kids. So if the idea has put your need to look at were you need to bring more work life balance it has served that goal. I am not saying this is easy but it sure is valuable as from my experience showing you are in control and planning out time to include work and play brings you and your kids closer.
This is fantastic! I have a similar timeline- in my head though 😉
Great concept that can be adapted to suit each family’s routine and priorities.
Wonderful! Thank you so much 🙂 We homeschool but the idea of having a night time routine set out in this way is great. This might just work (and get them in bed on time). So excited to try it.
Thanks. Great idea. I would change mine to have playtime first before homework. But I read that they need a break and exercise after school for an hour before homework to help them focus. Thanks for the idea.