Pack Your Own Backpack | Visual Routine Cards

Packing a backpack sounds simple, but it can involve a lot of hidden executive functioning steps.

A child has to remember what belongs in the backpack, gather materials, check for missing items, put everything inside, zip it closed, and get it ready for school. The Pack Your Own Backpack Helper gives children a clear visual routine they can follow with less overwhelm and fewer repeated verbal reminders.

Part of the I Can Do It Series, this printable resource includes both a full-page visual guide and individual routine cards that can be cut apart, laminated, and placed on a binder ring.

Use it during morning routines, after homework time, before school, the night before, or anywhere a child needs extra support getting their backpack ready.

What’s Included

• Full-page backpack packing visual checklist
• Individual step-by-step routine cards
• Title card for binder ring use
• Simple visuals for each step
• Check-off boxes
• Low-reading layout
• Printable format for home, school, homeschool, or therapy use

Steps Include

Gather homework, gather folder, gather lunchbox, gather water bottle, gather jacket, pack backpack, zip backpack, and finish with “Backpack is ready!”

Helpful For

This resource may be especially helpful for children who benefit from visual routines, executive functioning support, ADHD supports, autism supports, low-reading directions, occupational therapy tools, school routine supports, or step-by-step life skills practice.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is making the routine easier to see, start, and complete.