Messy Monday - Routines Week Style

It's Routines Week here at the Clean Mama blog and I'm going in a bit of a different direction today.  I'm going to tell you one of the most effective things that I have done as a mom - turn each week (when it's possible) into a theme.  I incorporate daily happenings and activities into that theme - learning takes place when kids are playing and getting involved in an activity.  As human beings, we crave/need direction, rules, boundaries, and routines - so I work with that and not against it.  My kids are happier, more engaged, and well-rested when I actually plan activities for them.  It takes a little time, but when it's incorporated into a theme it's fun for me and sooo fun for them!

So, for the summer I thought I'd let you in on what I'm doing for my themes - remember that I am a former teacher and get a little carried away with curriculum and planning - you don't have to do everything.  (The themes I have chosen tie in nicely with our summer list and  Summer Fun Container.)  Every Messy Monday this summer,  I'll  show you some of  the activities and art projects we do each week that coordinate with the theme of the week. I'd love it if you follow along with your littles - you can just do the art project or get involved with everything,  or you can blog right along with me.  I'd love it if you'd post about what you've done, link back to me and use the Messy Monday button in your post (on my sidebar).  Thanks!

Here's my "schedule" of themes for the summer.  If you'd like your own, you can download this freebie printable for yourself right here.

I write down and plan the activities that we're doing in the spaces under the theme - for instance - for veterinarian, I have:

• letter "V"
• animal books/ veterinarian books
• give dog a bath
• set up a vet clinic (center/station) activity 
• set up a pet x-ray machine
• animal counting game
• animal art

Here's how I get ready (my routine) for my themes:

• Go the library (we try to go every two weeks) and check out books we can use for the next few themes.  
• Write sight words (vocabulary) that relate to our theme on recipe cards.
• Print out handwriting worksheets (to practice the vocabulary words) from this awesome site .
• Come up with a simple game that we can make together and play (matching, hiding, counting).
• Use manipulatives in a way to practice counting that relates to the theme.
• Come up with 1-2 art projects to do during the week that relates to the theme.
• If we can bake or make a food product that relates to the theme -we make it.
• If there's a place to visit that relates to the theme - we go there!

SO what do you think?  Are you in?  Wanna try a themed education/activity approach this summer?   Adapt it for your kids and their ages and interests.  Next week for Messy Monday, the theme is VETERINARIAN, so I'll share what we're working on for the week and an animal art project.   It'll be great fun!

I'm linking this up to some parties this week - check them out!