We are 1 week into the summer and I decided I had to set some boundaries with my boys. Each morning they start to nag me about watching a show or having a friend over. I want them to feel they have some control over their days but I also want them to get some things done before they can start the asking! This is another way I want to minimize the summer slide that kids tend to have when they lose some of their academic skills over the summer. I decided to pick the top 5 things that I wanted them to get done each day. 3 are chores and 2 are school related. I make the charts easy for me and also for the boys to check them off as they go.
These were pretty easy to make as you can make them as elaborate or simple as you want. All you need is a file folder and some Velcro Sticky Dots 
or Magnetic Strip 
to create these!
First cut the file folder as deep as you want your chart to be.
Then measure how long your file folder is and divide that into as many as sections that you want your chart to have. Mark it with a pencil.
I did this next step backwards so learn from mistakes. The pictures will be a little backwards but this is how I would have done it now. I wanted to reinforce the seam of the folder so I placed a strip of packing tape on each side of the seam. This also makes it so they stay open when not attached.
Just cut the excess of. Next you need to cut the sections of the chart. Line up where you have marked with your paper cutter
and cut one side to the seam.
Next I embellished it with the chores I had created and also with some other scrapbook paper. I also added the Velcro dots to the top and bottom of the chart so it can be closed when they have finished that job.
On the front I had some fun Lego paper that I put on the front strips.
The boys love them and each night when they go to bed they put all their tabs back down. I love that they don’t even bother to ask to play with friends or turn on the TV on before the house is pretty picked up and they have done a little to keep their minds sharp and fresh for when school starts again!
p.s. if you are reading this in Google Reader, please note that Google Reader will be shutting down on July 1st of this year. To continue to get updated content, please subscribe to my email list (if you haven’t already) which, after July 1st, will include a weekly recap of articles written on the blog.
Want to keep up with us at Over the Big Moon….click here to learn how to subscribe!
We may be linking this post up to THESE great Linky Parties!
Microwaving a bar of Ivory Soap
