1) open the backpack; 2) put in notebooks or books; 3) put in the pencil case; 4) pack water; 5) pack a snack; 6) close the backpack.
Free printable chart
One page, US Letter, with a box for every step and every day of the week. Put it on the fridge and let your child tick the boxes.
Prefer A4? It prints fine with “fit to page”.
The 6 steps, with a tip for you
- Open the backpack
- Put in notebooks or booksParent tip: Check the schedule, if there is one.
- Put in the pencil case
- Pack waterParent tip: The lid is closed tightly.
- Pack a snackParent tip: If needed.
- Close the backpackParent tip: Final check before leaving.
Make it a quest instead of a reminder
Instead of repeating the instruction, start with a tiny story. In Mess Monsters this routine opens like this: “Backpack Seeker is hiding near the backpack and wants to check the things. Shall we pack everything together?”
You stay the game master. Your child does the real step, you confirm it on your phone, and Backpack Seeker gets a little happier with every step. The phone stays with the adult; the routine happens in the real world.
Run this routine in Mess Monsters
This routine is part of Mess Monsters Premium. The core routines are free. You can also make your own quest by describing the routine in your own words.
