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by Brigid Del Carmen
Topics: Third Grade, Writing

It's true that some kids seem to be naturally organized.  But more often than not, third graders need a lot of guidance in this area.  By using “sequence strips”, you can teach your child to prioritize after school activities, stay organized, and accomplish more.  These days, third graders are involved in so many activities that keeping up with homework can be a challenge.  Try this concrete, hands-on organization system and you can count on more efficient, less stressful evenings this school year.

What You'll Need:

magnetic surface (like the refrigerator)

markers

construction paper

magnetic tape

 

What To Do:

 

  1. Cut construction paper into about 20 strips. On five of the strips, help your child write the day of the week (Monday through Friday). On the other strips, help him write his daily activities (one activity per strip.)  Be sure to include weekly activities as well, like soccer or music class. If you don't have enough paper to list each of the activities, cut more strips as needed.
     
  2. Cut a small piece of magnetic tape and stick it to the back of each strip.
     
  3. With the tape attached, you've got instant magnets! Using the refrigerator, or another magnetic surface, have your child practice putting his daily activities in order, starting with Monday and moving on to each day of the week.  Once he gets the hang of it, place all the magnetic strips in an envelope and hang it on the refrigerator.
     
  4. Sunday night, direct your child to make his “Monday schedule” on the refrigerator.  On Monday, as he completes each activity, he should take off the strip and put it back into the envelope.  Voila! A visual to-do list that shrinks as the tasks are completed... Make organization a habit. Each night, have your child plan out the following day with his sequence strips.

    5. Sample Sequence Strips:

    wake up

    eat breakfast

    shower/dress

    backpack/lunch/out the door

    snack and downtime

    homework

    soccer practice

    gymnastics

    art club

    practice piano

    dinner

    tv/computer time

    get ready for bed

    pack bag for school

    bed