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!
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!
After School Routine Clock
Here’s what you need to make this after school routine clock:
- Wall Clock
- Permanent markers (5 colors)
- Printed list of activities
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.
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
Print off your list of activities and color around each section to correspond with the colored section on the clock.
Make sure to hang your list of activities below the clock for easy access.
This is just one fun way to organize for school. What is your family’s after school routine?
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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.