Family Activities printable pdf download

Family Activities

School Readiness Skill: Follows simple rules and routines

Children need consistent rules to keep their days organized while they learn and grow through new

experiences. Rules and routines also help keep children safe. This becomes very important as children

transition to more structured elementary school settings

Breaking It Down

Help your child understand routines by breaking it down into simple steps.

Show your child how to do each step of the routine and then have him or her

try it on their own. Use first and then phrases: “First we wash our hands, and

then we eat a snack.”

Consistency is Key

Children crave routine. Routines are something that is done the same way each time or at the

same time each day. Routines build important self-help skills. The learning of routines helps

children care for themselves and belongings. This will become important as your child makes the

transition to kindergarten where they will be expected to be more independent. Parents must

always be consistent. This consistency is important even when your child is with the babysitter or

at a grandparent’s home. The routine should be at the same time each day (i.e. bedtime should

be at the same time every night).

Practice Makes Perfect

Set up routines that help your child practice self-care skills. For example, have your child

help you make the bed in the morning, clear the table after lunch, or clean up their room

before bed.

Games

Play simple games like Mother May I? or Simon Says. These kinds of games help your

child learn to follow simple directions. You can also play games like Candy Land,

Chutes & Ladders, or Follow the Leader. Be sure to explain the rules to your child and

him or her follow them. Always discuss why rules are important.

Family Activities