Flexible Plans

If you have been following They Call Me Mom for the last couple weeks, you will know that the McDowell family has been more intentional about learning at home. We have incorporated Bible lessons, a weekly picnic with a family member and more. Being at home with my littles is so fun, but it is also easy to get stuck going through the motions and waiting for the day to be over. I have found that having just a couple opportunities for the boys and I to do something hands on helps us look forward to what each day will bring. Here is a quick look into my process of planning out the weeks activities.

First off, I plan for a week at a time and I like to have a theme. A theme is not necessary, but I feel it helps me get my thoughts organized. One thing to be sure of if you plan with a theme is to remember to be flexible. Not everything has to be strictly related to the theme, it's just for fun. The basics of our weekly plan include the following: a picnic or visit with a family member, an art activity, a kitchen activity, a science experiment, and a Bible lesson. I also like to have a color, letter, number, and shape of the week. Of course other colors, number, letters, and shapes are mentioned and practiced throughout the week, but once again having a focus helps me plan in an organized fashion.

I am a list person so I typically make a list of ten activities I want to do throughout the week and then designate two for each day (morning and afternoon) depending on our schedule for the week. I also plan for two sensory breaks a day (usually more happen throughout they day, but I at least have two intentional ones planned). Sensory breaks are something I started incorporating when my son began occupational therapy (be on the lookout for a post specifically about sensory breaks in the near future). They help meet his sensory needs and they can be a fun playful moment for the boys and I. Here is a sample of my planning process. Our theme is patience (Fruit of the Spirit) and our shape is square and color yellow.

Once I have figured out all the activities for the week I prepare the supplies that I can into a bag for each day. I also post our plan for the week on the fridge so that everything is easily accessible. When the boys are up and the day is in full swing I don't want to be rushing around trying to find all the supplies so it is easier to get everything together (while the boys are napping) and then I just grab the days bag when it's time for each activity. You might notice that I don't have times with the activities. Little ones can be unpredictable and some times things come up. I like to have a little flexibility in when we do each activity so that we don't feel rushed or pressured to get it done at an exact time. Another thing you might have noticed is that I have things like groceries and cleaning day on our schedule because those are a part of our weekly routine and provide countless opportunities for conversation and learning with children.

I hope that this quick look into my planning process has helped spark something for you. Everyone's process is different and some don't even need to have things planned out. There is no right or wrong way. Whatever works for you and your family is right. It's important to be flexible and keep moving even if you miss an activity or an entire days worth. Don't focus on the mistakes. Learn from them and keep moving forward. Happy planning!