How do you create an after-school routine that’s as seamless and efficient as the school day itself?
This article has your back with a straightforward plan to transition your child from class time to home time.
Snacks, homework, play, and downtime- I’ve distilled these into an easy-to-follow blueprint for organizing the after-school buzz and helping your child thrive.
Key Takeaways
- A structured after-school routine for kids during the school year can ensure kids get active but also have time for homework and chores.
- After-school routines include key steps like washing up, unloading backpacks, healthy snacking, homework, active playtime, a little tablet or TV time, chores, and quiet reading.
- Chores for kids can be as little as doing the dishwasher, putting away laundry, and just picking up after themselves.
- Incorporating family routines in the afternoon with a balance of activities is beneficial for kids. It promotes health, relaxation, responsibility, and a smooth transition from school to home life.
- Also, use my morning routine to get yourself and your kids prepped and ready to go every day!
After School Routine
The school bell rings, marking the end of a long school day, and your little champions return home brimming with stories, school work, and pent-up energy.
But how do we channel this energy into a routine that helps them unwind, focus on their homework, and prepare for the next day at school?
That’s where a structured after-school routine comes into play.
Here are all the easy parts of my after-school routine printable that fit my family’s schedule:
Wash Up
Arriving home from school is more than just stepping through the front door. It’s the start of the after-school routine, and it begins with washing up.
This simple act of personal hygiene serves two purposes: it keeps your kids healthy, and it establishes a transition from school to home.
Handwashing is more than just a habit; it’s a defense mechanism. It can prevent 1/3 of diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1/5 of respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu, in children.
Teaching my girls the 20 seconds for washing, I told them to sing 2 short songs while they scrub- Happy Birthday and the ABC’s
Hand washing can become a lifelong healthy habit if initiated at an early age, and it will prevent illnesses from spreading.
Unload Your Backpack
After washing up, the next step in the after-school routine is unloading the backpack, including taking out lunch bags.
It serves as a crucial part of the transition from school to home, providing kids with a tangible way to leave the school day behind and prepare for the evening ahead.
Unloading the backpack involves the following steps:
- Empty the backpack completely, including smaller compartments, to avoid clutter and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Organize items into categories, such as items to stay home and items that need attention before going back to school shopping.
- Putting lunch boxes/water bottles on the counter ASAP to avoid gross messes. Sometimes, we’ll take time together to pack lunch for tomorrow, too.
Regularly going through the backpack to remove items that are not needed for the next day reduces weight and clutter.
By following these steps, you can effectively unload and organize your backpack for the next day.
Snack
Once the backpacks are emptied and sorted, it’s snack time! Having a healthy and nutritious snack helps kids refuel and focus on their after-school activities.
After a long school day, their energy levels might be low, especially if they have an early lunch like I did as a kid (one school year, it was 10 am!).
In this case, providing a healthy snack with a mix of protein and carbohydrates can be ideal. Some examples of healthy and nutritious snacks include:
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Cheese and whole grain crackers
- Hummus and carrot sticks
- Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
These snacks will provide the necessary nutrients to keep children energized and focused until dinner time, making them perfect for their lunch box or after-school snack.
Healthy snacks don’t need to be elaborate. They can be simple, healthy snack options that kids can prepare themselves.
I cut up veggies and apple or pear slices that the girls can grab with hummus and peanut butter. Then, they’ll eat with a bag of Lays for a complete snack.
Homework
After a satisfying snack, it’s time to shift gears and focus on assignments from school.
Allocating a specific time and space for homework ensures that kids have the necessary resources and support to complete their assignments.
Consistency in a routine can help reduce stress and create a conducive environment for kids to do their homework effectively.
Creating a dedicated space for homework where kids can:
- Read
- Write
- Type
- Store supplies
The girls love having a place for arts and crafts, but we make sure to keep it neat and tidy so that it’s a good workspace for them whenever they need it.
Encouraging kids to take short breaks during homework sessions can boost their energy and productivity, which can lead to more effective learning.
Playtime (Get Active!)
Homework done? Check. Now, it’s time for some physical activity!
Playtime, or getting active, is a vital part of the after-school routine. After sitting in school all day and then doing homework, kids need to unwind, socialize, and stay active.
Plus, playtime is not just fun, but it also promotes physical health and social skills.
Playtime can involve a range of activities. It could be a game of catch in the backyard, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or a dance-off in the living room.
The goal is to get kids moving and preoccupied with physical activity. And remember, the best way to encourage kids is to join in the fun. So, put on those sneakers and get ready to play!
Screen Time
After a round of physical play, it’s time to wind down with some screen time. But remember, screen time should be controlled and should not interfere with other activities or bedtime.
Experts recommend limiting recreational screen time to two hours or less for children above age two and reassessing the impact on their routine every few weeks.
Screen time could be spent watching their favorite TV show, playing a video game, or using a tablet for some interactive learning games.
It can be an educational time, too, with some great educational apps that offer kids a chance to explore the world around them.
But, as with everything else, it’s important to strike a balance so they have some fun activities IRL and online.
Chores
Now, let’s move on to an often-overlooked aspect of the after-school routine: chores.
Chores might not be the most exciting part of the routine, but they play a significant role in teaching kids responsibility.
Plus, they contribute to the household and make kids feel like they’re part of the team.
Chores can be age-appropriate, and I have some chore charts to help you there.
For younger kids, it could be something as simple as putting their toys away or helping to set the table for dinner.
For older kids, chores could include helping with meal preparation or doing laundry. The key is to make chores a consistent part of the routine, which, over time, will become a habit.
Quiet Reading
Finally, it’s time for some quiet reading during their quiet time. This part of the after-school routine helps kids relax, improve their reading skills, and foster a love for books.
Reading not only enhances their language skills but also sparks their imagination and broadens their understanding of the world.
Quiet reading doesn’t necessarily mean kids have to read silently. They can read aloud, listen to an audiobook, or you can read a book to them.
The goal is to make reading enjoyable. So, let them choose their books and create a cozy reading nook to make this time special.
FAQs
How can I organize our day after school?
Organizing your child’s day after school begins with creating a schedule that includes essential activities like:
- Washing up
- Unloading their backpack
- Having a snack
- Doing homework
- Playing
- Having some screen time
- Packing an easy lunch
- Doing chores
- Quiet reading
However, remember to be flexible to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
To make it fun and easy to follow, use a visual routine, such as a drawn schedule with a binder clip to indicate the current activity, to help children understand and control their day.
You can also involve children in family chores, as young children often enjoy doing real activities, which can be a bonding experience.
What stuff of kids need to do after school?
What kids need to do after school is a bit different than the daily routine we have over summer break.
After school, kids should focus on personal hygiene, homework, physical activity, chores, and relaxation.
When they come home, they should hang their school belongings, such as backpacks and jackets, in a designated spot.
Consuming a snack and drinking water after school is important to address hunger and stay hydrated.
Then, they should engage in independent play with a variety of items to unwind from their day. Participating in family chores can be both fun and educational for young children.
And, of course, they should take part in physical activities to expend energy and promote healthy development.
How do I encourage my kids to get active after school?
Encouraging kids to get active after school can be achieved by providing opportunities for outdoor play, sports, or other physical activities they can enjoy.
Finding and suggesting physical activities that are enjoyable and feasible within the family’s daily schedule can motivate kids to be active after school.
Activities could range from yoga stretches to dance parties or cushion climbing.
Walking or biking to and from school provides some physical activity and independence while also enjoying some fresh air.
You could also consider signing up for active after-school programs or recreational classes, such as swimming or karate.
How much screen time is good to have after school and before bed?
Screen time should be controlled and should not interfere with other activities or bedtime.
Experts recommend limiting TV or gaming to two hours or less for children above age two, not including any assignments they need to get done.
While screen time can be educational and offer a chance for kids to explore the world around them, excessive screen time can lead to issues such as a lack of focus, attention difficulties, or hyperactivity.
It’s all about balance for kids and us adults! Make sure they can have fun on and off the tablet and get involved with their playtime, too.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it- a simple after-school routine for kids to be productive and have good downtime.
From the moment they set foot at home to winding down with a good book, every step plays a crucial role in shaping their day and setting the tone for a productive and fun-filled evening.
After all, a well-planned and executed after-school routine will not only make your evenings smoother but also help your kids be more organized, responsible, and independent.
So, go ahead and use my free after-school routine to prepare your kids for success this school year.
