Big Five

This past week I have been formulating a summer calendar and daily schedule so that the kids don't spend their days in front of the TV, or telling me they are bored.  This involves getting a daily routine, and planning out the camps, Lake Powell trip, and other events of the summer so everyone can see what is coming up, as well as putting together a reading program/incentive.

Last year I had a chance to stay at Matt and Kristi's house and get an up close view of the productivity and effortlessness of "the big five" morning routine.  Instead of having to say "Did you have breakfast?, Did you make your bed? Did you brush your teeth?" you simply say "Did you do your big five?"

This morning I bring Gavin into my office and ask him if he can remember what Andrew, Mandy and Alex's Big 5 are.  He assures me that he can remember and create an outline of his hand.  Next, I ask him to write in the five things that are the "Big Five" on each finger and then bring it back to me so we can talk about it.  He is gone from the room for a couple minutes and then returns with this.

From right to left identifying the bionically engineered 7-fingered hand: dressed, open blinds, clean room, bed made,  brush teeth, prayers, breakfast lunch and dinner.  Perhaps a name alteration is in order as well.  What do you think of the "Bionicle Seven"?