Montessori Routines

What should a child pack for a trip?

A child's packing list covers clothes for each day, pajamas, underwear and socks, a toothbrush, a comfort item, and something to read or play with. A picture list lets your child pack it themselves while you check.

Updated

Make this chart

How to do it

  1. Count the nights

    One outfit and one set of underwear and socks per day, plus a spare.

  2. Add sleep and wash things

    Pajamas, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush.

  3. Add comfort

    A favorite toy or blanket and a book help a child sleep somewhere new.

  4. List the jobs before you leave

    Watering plants, taking out the trash, and saying goodbye to the house are good jobs for a child.

  5. Let your child pack and tick

    Your child puts each thing in the bag and ticks it off. You check at the end.

Make a picture routine chart

Chart

To pack

Add a step

  1. 1Pajamas
  2. 2Outfits
  3. 3Underwear and socks
  4. 4Toothbrush
  5. 5Favorite toy
  6. 6Book

Before we leave

Add a step

  1. 1Water the plants
  2. 2Take out the trash
  3. 3Say goodbye to the house

Preview

Trip packing list

To pack

  1. Pajamas
  2. Outfits
  3. Underwear and socks
  4. Toothbrush
  5. Favorite toy
  6. Book

Before we leave

  1. Water the plants
  2. Take out the trash
  3. Say goodbye to the house

Questions parents ask

Should a child carry their own bag?
A small backpack they can carry themselves is a good start, with the big bag packed together.
How do I stop things being left behind?
Use the same list to pack for the trip home.
Can I add my own items?
Yes. Add Step has your own words with a picture from the picture set.